We want your help to map the trees in your neighbourhood! Please follow these steps to add data to the map:
- Go to Open Green Map.
- Find the 3 closest trees you can see from your home. If you see less than three trees, map the ones you can see anyway, but pay attention to step 10!
- Using a phone: Standing in front of the first tree, click on the drop-down menu at the top right of your screen and select "Propose a site." Under location mode, select "use my current location". Using a desktop: Click on the drop-down menu at the top right of your screen and select "Propose a site." Under location mode, select "choose manually" or "by address" to find the location of the tree.
- Under "map," choose "RUSH - Tree Equity Map".
- Add a name to your data point, prefereably the species of the tree if you know it! You can use iNaturalist (link provided below) or a field guide to try and determine the species if you don't know it. If not, you can name it either "Broadleaf Tree" or "Conifer Tree." If you need help distinguishing these terms, please see the links provided below!
- Under the description, add the circumference of the tree if possible. Measure the circumference with a piece of string or a soft measuring tape if you have one. Measure at breast height. For more precise instructions on how to measure the circumference of a tree, please see the link provided below.
- Still under description, please write about your relationship with this tree. Do you have a personal connection to it? Is it something you notice on your way to work? If it's in your yard, do you take care of it? Does it provide you with fruit in the summer? How do you feel about this tree?
- Take a picture and add it. This step is not necessary, but it is appreciated!
- Under "Icons," select either "Broad-leaf tree" or "Conifer tree."
- Repeat steps 2-7 for the remaining two trees.
- Once completed, select "Propose a site" again. This time, add your home (or a point near your home if this feels more comfortable) as a point on the map. Make sure "RUSH - Tree Equity Map" is selected under "map." You can name this point whatever you feel is appropriate, such as "(your name)'s three trees" or "Three trees." You can leave the description blank, or write about why you think urban trees are important! Under "Icons," please select the "Three trees" icon. IMPORTANT: if you see less than three trees from your home/you did not map three trees, do not complete this step!
You can also use this map to map any urban tree you would like, it does not have to be in your neighbourhood! If there is a tree that is important to you somewhere in the city, please map it and let us know why its presence matters.
Links:
The RUSH (Resilient Urban Systems & Habitat) Initiative is exploring this work on the unceded and unsurrendered territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. Maps have a long history of erasure of Indigenous cultures and territories. Our goal is to promote tools that support the healing of ecosystems and communities as a way to practice reconciliation, gratitude, and respect.
