How does our urban forest support the mental and physiological health and wellbeing of our residents?
Project description:
Hamilton’s urban forest can be defined as all trees, whether single trees, groups of trees or woodlands that are found on public and private land within the urban boundary. The urban forest is more than just trees - it is part of the natural environment that provides a home to all the species that live within it, including people. Recognizing how important forests are for protecting nature and building livable cities, the Hamilton Urban Forest Strategy sets a target to reach 40% canopy cover by 2050. This is a lofty goal that will require community support and participation by increasing our canopy cover (by planting trees) and protecting the existing canopy cover (by not removing mature trees).
Physiological and mental health are primary concerns for our community but have not yet been the focus of education around the benefits of our urban forest. We have addressed the importance of trees in reducing the impacts of climate change through carbon sequestering, and how trees can increase property values, but we have yet to partner with health experts to educate the public about the benefits that our urban forest has on human health. This project will reflect a combined effort between Forestry and Public Health to educate the community about how nature, and specifically our urban forest, can improve physiological and psychological wellbeing. The goal is to generate interest in protecting and enhancing our urban forest and provide people with information about how they can access & benefit from time in nature / having trees around them.
Intended Outcomes:
The literature review of current evidence will be used to increase knowledge among city staff and partners, to inform future policy changes. The educational campaign materials will be used to educate the public about the health benefits of urban forests and elicit support for the expanding tree canopy goals.
City staff name: Katie Mayne, Senior Project Manager
Additional City Staff: Sarah MacNaughton, Physical Activity Specialist
Instructor name: Chuck Ma, Adjunct Lecturer in Business and the Core program
Course name: CTS-410 Capstone Course