Does collaborative tree planting between nonprofits and neighborhood groups improve neighborhood community capacity?

Shannon Lea Watkins; Jess Vogt; Sarah K Mincey; Burnell C Fischer; Rachael A Bergmann; Sarah E Widney; Lynne M Westphal; Sean Sweeney

doi:10.1016/j.cities.2017.11.006

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Does collaborative tree planting between nonprofits and neighborhood groups improve neighborhood community capacity?

Journal article

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Does collaborative tree planting between nonprofits and neighborhood groups improve neighborhood community capacity?

Shannon Lea Watkins, Jess Vogt, Sarah K Mincey, Burnell C Fischer, Rachael A Bergmann, Sarah E Widney, Lynne M Westphal and Sean Sweeney

Cities, Vol.74, pp.83-99

04/2018

DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2017.11.006

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Abstract

In the past decade, urban tree canopy cover goals and tree-planting initiatives have proliferated among local governments and nonprofit organizations across the globe. While research has documented many benefits new trees will provide, less has considered whether active participation of city residents in urban forestry activities might also benefit urban neighborhoods. This paper examines nonprofit tree-planting programs in four cities in the Midwestern and Eastern United States to determine whether and to what extent neighborhood participation in a nonprofit tree-planting project might increase ties between residents, social cohesion, and shared trust in that neighborhood. We leveraged a unique dataset of ecological and social information about tree-planting neighborhoods and matched comparison (non-tree planting) neighborhoods (total neighborhoods=197; total survey respondents=1551). The evidence for a social effect of nonprofit tree-planting programs is mixed. When asked directly, neighborhood residents reported observing positive changes. Linear regression analysis reveals significantly higher neighborhood ties reported by individuals in planting neighborhoods. However, we find no significant relationship between tree planting and social cohesion or trust. In single-city models, planting's association with neighborhood ties and social cohesion is only significant in one city, and associations with trust are not significant in any city. Models that aggregate responses at the neighborhood level find no significant association of tree planting. Findings suggest that tree planting may increase neighborhood ties, but that increases in social cohesion and/or trust are not guaranteed. •Nonprofit tree-planting programs can have social benefits, but benefits are not guaranteed.•Collaborative tree planting is associated with higher social ties between neighbors.•Nonprofits can adjust program structure to maximize social benefits.

Atlanta, GA

Detroit, MI

Indianapolis, IN

Philadelphia, PA

Street trees

Urban stewardship

Details

Title: Subtitle: Does collaborative tree planting between nonprofits and neighborhood groups improve neighborhood community capacity?
Creators: Shannon Lea Watkins - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Jess Vogt - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Sarah K Mincey - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Burnell C Fischer - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Rachael A Bergmann - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Sarah E Widney - Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 1315 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Lynne M Westphal - US Forest Service Northern Research Station, 1033 University Place, Suite 360, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Sean Sweeney - Indiana University, Department of Geography, 701 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Cities, Vol.74, pp.83-99
DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2017.11.006
ISSN: 0264-2751
eISSN: 1873-6084
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Grant note: name: The Greening of Detroit; name: Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.; name: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; name: Trees Atlanta; name: Forest ReLeaf of Missouri; name: Alliance for Community Trees; DOI: 10.13039/100006959, name: U.S. Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council 2012 Cost-Share Challenge Grant, award: 12-DG-11132544-386; DOI: 10.13039/100014511, name: U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, award: 13-JV-11242309-056; name: Workshop; name: SPEA; DOI: 10.13039/100006733, name: Indiana University Office of Sustainability; DOI: 10.13039/100005839, name: Garden Club of America (GCA) Urban Forestry Fellowship
Language: English
Date published: 04/2018
Academic Unit: Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9984214779802771

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