Neighborhood Quality of Life

In addition to their effect on the medical health of city residents, urban trees also improve the social well-being of neighborhoods and mental health of residents. For many urbanites, street trees are about the only nature that they see regularly, and many work to protect “their” trees. Many are highly appreciative of opportunities to learn about urban forestry and tree care. Northern Research Station scientists are working to help urban land managers and planners need to understand the psychological, social, and cultural needs that trees and forests fulfill.

Selected Research Studies

Living Memorials that Commemorate the 9/11 Attacks
The Northern Research Station has participated in a series of projects related to 9/11 living memorials.  We first conducted an open and participatory assessment of public spaces that have been created, used, or enhanced in memory of this tragic event. Researchers created a National Registry that serves as an online inventory of hundreds of community-based, living memorial sites. Memorials created from 2001-2004 are displayed on a national map that will continue to be updated as new site locations are identified, registered and uploaded to the site. Findings from the research are available on the website: www.livingmemorialsproject.net.