[CANUFNET] tearing up pavement or concrete to plant trees?

[Naomi Zurcher]

Hi Andrew:

Many thanks for the explanation.

Whenever I see the Highline used as an example of city greening, especially “aggressive” greening, I want to make certain that the background of the “aggression” part is clearly understood. 

We can green our cities emphatically without a Highline process. Simple, inexpensive designs that are well-planned,and constructed with growing the green that’s in the space in mind, can offer essential and critically needed neighborhood oases around a city without destroying or gentrifying the neighborhood. 

Best
Naomi

> On Nov 9, 2020, at 3:56 PM, Andrew Almas via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Naomi,
> 
> Thank you for your insights into the High Line in New York City. I agree with your assessment of the situation, and that green equity should be considered and addressed by municipalities in more than a token fashion, and that many efforts to green cities end up benefiting those who least require those benefits. In urban greening we have both successful and unsuccessful examples of this (depending on what metric you are using). That being said, I think you have interpreted the original question of this thread in a different way than I. I was simply stating a few examples of aggressive city greening, without ascribing any particular judgment to them, ie: I am not recommending the High Line as an aspirational project, simply a case of this occurring. It is important we examine both successful and successful (again, choose your metric) cases in order to reflect upon the lessons that can be learned from these undertakings. 
> 
> Best,
> Andrew
> 
> On Mon, Nov 9, 2020 at 8:33 AM Naomi Zurcher via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net <mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>> wrote:
> Hi Andrew:
> Please be careful regarding the recommendation of the Highline which came about through the unacceptable gentrification of a lower middle to lower working class neighborhood. The Highline always existed albeit not in the glorified $3,000,000 / year maintenance sense. The community of then used what was an abandoned elevated train trestle extensively. It was always host to an array of wildflowers which no one maintained. Now that the neighborhood has been gentrified to an upscale variety, such an unmanaged no-cost green space would never befit the current income level.
> 
> This is another example of public money going to high end neighborhoods rather than to the small parks and green spaces in disenfranchised communities.
> 
> The realities of municipal governments that have undermined the value of neighborhoods and working class communities.
> 
> Naomi
> 
> 
>> 
>>> On Nov 4, 2020, at 1:00 PM, Andrew Almas via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net <mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Grace,
>>> 
>>> Based on the nature of this listserv I could be off base with the scope of your question (since you may only want Canada specific cases), however, I think it would be worthwhile for you to look into some of the aggressive city greening that has occurred in Seoul, South Korea. For instance, Seoullo 7017 (Seoul Skygarden - similar to the High Line in New York City) and Cheongyecheon River Park. Here is a non-academic link: https://inhabitat.com/how-the-cheonggyecheon-river-urban-design-restored-the-green-heart-of-seoul/ <https://inhabitat.com/how-the-cheonggyecheon-river-urban-design-restored-the-green-heart-of-seoul/>
>>> 
>>> I hope that helps!
>>> Andrew
>>> 
>>> On Wed, Nov 4, 2020 at 8:50 AM Greg King via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net <mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>> wrote:
>>> Hi Grace,
>>> 
>>> There was a link in the most recent green infrastructure Ontario newsletter (earlier this week -- so great timing on this question) to a program funded through Green Communities Canada called Depave Paradise. Seems there have been numerous projects completed over the past 5 years around Canada. I haven't been involved, but it caught my eye, so maybe worth looking at some of their work. Here's the link: http://depaveparadise.ca/  <http://depaveparadise.ca/>
>>> 
>>> Kind regards,
>>> -Greg
>>> 
>>> On Wed, 4 Nov 2020 at 08:05, Grace Golightly via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net <mailto:canufnet at list.web.net>> wrote:
>>> Does anyone know of cities or communities that have torn up pavement or concrete, in order to plant more trees where they are needed?
>>> 
>>> I'd appreciate any links to articles or information.
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Grace
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Andrew Almas
>>> Assistant Professor of Teaching
>>> University of British Columbia
>>> Department of Forest Resources Management
>>> Bachelors of Urban Forestry Program 
>>> (647) 529-8867
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Andrew Almas
> Assistant Professor of Teaching
> University of British Columbia
> Department of Forest Resources Management
> Bachelors of Urban Forestry Program 
> (647) 529-8867

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