Korte: Recognizing the importance of Scottsdale’s urban forestry on Earth Day

As I think about Earth Day, I think about Scottsdale’s leaders 50 years ago that invested in things like the Indian Bend Wash, the STEP program, and the McDowell Mountain Preserve that we all love and enjoy today. I also think about what Scottsdale will look 10 years, 30 years, 50 years from now and what kind of Scottsdale our future residents and visitors will enjoy.”

Virginia Korte, mayoral candidate

Today is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, and although it’s hard to think about anything other than the immediate reality of the pandemic, I think it’s important that we take a step back and remember the bigger picture of Earth Day.

Earth Day was established in 1970 as a part of the bipartisan passage of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. This is something deeply rooted in American values, recognizing that the quality of our land, water, and air, have a direct impact on our overall quality of life.

Whether it’s through the establishment of National Parks through Teddy Roosevelt, or even establishing the McDowell Mountain Preserve in north Scottsdale, protecting public lands and investing in the earth makes our lives better.

All of us, looking back, agree that the decision to invest in things like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Indian Bend Wash were good for Scottsdale. But, all of those decisions took long term investment and foresight.

I am proud to be named a Preserve Pioneer for my 25 year commitment to our mountain preserve --- sometimes good things take a long time!

One of the goals of my campaign, and a priority for me when elected mayor, will be an urban forest initiative. Trees are important for our quality of life in more ways than just climbing and tree houses (although those are important).

Trees make urban environments better. Here are just a few benefits of an urban forestation program in Scottsdale.

• Air quality: Trees intercept and absorb air pollution from the atmosphere. It is imperative that large trees are kept healthy and maintained, because they can remove more than 70 times more pollution than smaller trees.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Without trees the roads and buildings are absorbing the heat during the day and releasing it in the evening. With higher temperatures we would need to run the air conditioner more, which would increase energy bills and put more greenhouse gases into the ozone from the production of power. Having trees reduces the amount of heat that is absorbed which cools areas down and helps protect us from heat induced health problems, cuts energy costs, and saves greenhouse gases from being released into the ozone.
• Water: Trees help purify water and remove pollutants. They help water soak into the ground and recharge water tables. They absorb sediment, nutrients and chemicals before they enter streams and other bodies of water. When the monsoon season comes around, trees help soak up water to reduce flooding and reduce soil erosion.
• Social & Community Stewardship: When greener areas are around, they draw residents to interact with nature. Children will want to go to these green areas and will interact with other children and develop social skills and cognitive abilities.
• Spirituality & Psychology: Studies have shown that people who were exposed to nature demonstrated decreased heart rates and blood pressure and overall reduced stress. As well as accelerated recuperation times in the hospital compared to those who had no tree or landscaping views.
• Economy & Energy: Trees are shown to increase property values between 3.5% and 10%. Shoppers are also more willing to shop at stores located along tree-lined streets. When it comes to energy, trees provide shade to buildings reducing the building temperature and reducing the need to run the air conditioner.
• Wildlife habitat: Trees provide refuge to flora and fauna alike. They provide shelter, food and water for birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles. The birds and insects can then help pollinate our natural environment. (Source: Urban Releaf)

As I think about Earth Day, I think about Scottsdale’s leaders 50 years ago that invested in things like the Indian Bend Wash, the STEP program, and the McDowell Mountain Preserve that we all love and enjoy today. I also think about what Scottsdale will look 10 years, 30 years, 50 years from now and what kind of Scottsdale our future residents and visitors will enjoy.

I hope that it’s an even better Scottsdale than today, a Scottsdale that has better air quality, mature trees providing 25% shade, and incredible integration of nature into our urban environment.

Happy Earth Day everyone.

Editor’s Note: Virginia Korte is a member of Scottsdale City Council and candidate for mayor.