Vancouver has begun a project designed to help people appreciate the many trees that grow within its boundaries and the important role that they play in the overall health of the city.
There is currently a database, titled “ VanTree”, where the public can look up information about each of them, such as their diameter, height, species and approximate age. The plan is to take this a step further and give each one its own unique geo-code, which will provide even more data. A firm that provides flyer printing services can create a variety of publications that give residents more information about the project, which includes a QR that makes it easy for them to link to the system.
The goal is for the upgraded system to show information that outlines the exact impact each tree has on the ecological life of the city, such as how much it filters out carbon dioxide and other pollutants, how much oxygen it generates, how much it saves the city by diverting rainwater from the storm drain system, and even how much of a cooling effect it can have on a hot summer day.
According to Vancouver Park Board’s urban forest strategy project manager Katherine Isaac, it’s felt that this will help to raise public awareness about the vital role trees play. One idea that is being investigated in encouraging the public to upload their own information about the trees that can be found on the map.
