Brief Description
The Shaded ReLeaf Dashboard helps Rio Grande Valley communities most impacted by excessive heat. It combines geospatial satellite data, Social Vulnerability Index, and tree canopy info to guide strategic, high-impact tree planting initiatives.
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Full Text
A collaboration between the Texas A&M Forest Service and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the Shaded ReLeaf Project aims to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands through natural solutions in underserved communities. The goal of this project is to increase the climate resilience and tree canopy in communities most affected by the urban heat island by investing in strategic tree plantings where these trees can have the largest positive impact to residents. These trees will also be put under a forest management plan to ensure long term tree care so that these benefits can be felt for generations come.