t’s About More Than Trees, rich with colorful photographs and vivid case studies, takes you to inspiring urban greening projects across the nation. Though the settings and social issues at the project sites vary, they have one thing in common: urban greening was used as a catalyst to improve living conditions. Some participants grew gardens to teach nutrition and help residents become more self-sufficient. Others cleared dumpsites and beautified neglected areas to eliminate crime and bring color and hope to violent neighborhoods. Dr. Carroll’s insightful narrative about each site describes the challenges that leaders and participants face in an urban greening project, as well as the successes they celebrate. Anyone who loves plants and is committed to social change will find a plethora of ideas about how to plant hope in any soil, in any neighborhood.
It’s About More Than Trees” documents obstacles that challenge urban greening efforts in poor and blighted cities and towns in the U. S. It also highlights the efforts of impassioned residents to solve social and infrastructure problems through urban greening projects such as community clean-ups, tree planting, food production and beautification. The book’s message is powerful while also being beautifully crafted.
Nancy J. Hughes, California Urban Forests Council
