This is a summary of Amy Fleming’s “The Importance of Urban Forests” I wrote for my English 100 course.
Amy Fleming’s article “The Importance of Urban Forests: Why Money Really Does Grow on Trees” takes a deeper look into how important urban forests really are in big cities. Fleming begins by introducing Jill Jones, a historian who has recently published her book, ‘Urban Forests’. Jone’s explains how one of the most city friendly trees, the American Elm, has been “wiped out by Dutch elm disease”(1,2). Fleming then goes on to dictate how around the world urban green spaces are being threatened. Several groups advocating for the protection of trees worry about how the expansion of cities will affect nearby forests. When addressing an upcoming conference regarding “sustainable urban development” she says “The document is littered with references to green spaces being essential for mental and physical health, community building and performing urgent ecological tasks. Research has turned up fascinating evidence as to why town councils, planners and developers – in whose hands the fate of urban trees lies – should take heed.” (2,2). This document would make a strong case for cities to continue to develop and expand their green spaces. Jone’s goes on to discuss the older narrative city officials pushed that city trees are just “expensive ornaments”(2,3). As the article progresses strong evidence is presented which points to trees actually benefiting cities economically. Fleming backs this up with solid statistics saying, “When the New York City park department measured the economic impact of its trees, the benefits added up to $120m a year”(3,1). One can see from this that having a green space in a city is economically rewarding. Jone’s is featured again, she talks about how trees are not only “economic drivers” but also help to relieve stress and encourage good mental and physical health overall. One might notice that underprivileged areas often lack green spaces. Fleming puts emphasis on the overall need for trees in city spaces saying, ‘The value we place on trees and nature is informed by childhood experience. Children growing up dislocated from nature results in, say some researchers, an “extinction of experience”. These children will ultimately understand and value nature less.’(5,3). Fleming’s argument for more urban green spaces in this article is not only strong evidentially but it’s compelling. Children need green spaces to learn, and people generally need to feel a connection to nature.