Greenspace
Predictably, one of the most common forms of greenspace in many cities is the park. Parks come in all shapes and sizes, but are often large open spaces where families can relax and children can play. Located in Maple Ridge’s city centre, Memorial Peace Park is an excellent example of such a space. For those who live outside the downtown area, there are many other parks to choose from in Maple Ridge, and even more on the way.
Another common form of urban greenspace is the growth of trees and vegetation beside streets and roadways. These plants are important because they absorb toxins and pollutants from the air, and being located near the road ensures that there are plenty of vehicle emissions to be absorbed. Boulevard street trees are very useful for our city, but unfortunately young trees are threatened by warm temperatures and drought. You can help these trees survive the dry summer months by watering them periodically. Aside from tree maintenance, street vegetation is not regularly maintained; rather it is flail-cut twice a year to preserve sightlines and ensure the safety of people driving on the road.
Wetlands are another form of greenspace that can be found in Maple Ridge. Like other greenspaces, wetlands provide many essential cultural and environmental services to our city. As some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands provide a safe habitat for a variety of species, including songbirds, waterfowl, and insects. They also help us mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by acting as major carbon sinks and helping to control flooding. The sediments and soils in wetlands absorb carbon and water like a giant sponge. This buffers the surrounding areas from the risk of flooding, and highlights the wetlands’ importance to both our city and the environment as a whole. If you’re interested, you can learn more about the benefits of wetlands from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Finally, green roofs are a form of greenspace that is being employed with increasing frequency in urban areas. Green roofs are fantastic for cities because they provide all the benefits of ordinary urban greenspace without using land that could be developed for other purposes. The positive impacts of green roofs on the community include stormwater management and flood mitigation, air quality improvement, and mitigation of the heat island effect. Owners of the green roofed building will also notice a reduction in their heating and cooling energy costs, as green roofs help insulate your roof, keeping the heat in when you want it, and keeping it out when you don’t. Logically, green roofs are commonly installed on the roofs of green buildings and are an important component of sustainable development.
Another common form of urban greenspace is the growth of trees and vegetation beside streets and roadways. These plants are important because they absorb toxins and pollutants from the air, and being located near the road ensures that there are plenty of vehicle emissions to be absorbed. Boulevard street trees are very useful for our city, but unfortunately young trees are threatened by warm temperatures and drought. You can help these trees survive the dry summer months by watering them periodically. Aside from tree maintenance, street vegetation is not regularly maintained; rather it is flail-cut twice a year to preserve sightlines and ensure the safety of people driving on the road.
Wetlands are another form of greenspace that can be found in Maple Ridge. Like other greenspaces, wetlands provide many essential cultural and environmental services to our city. As some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands provide a safe habitat for a variety of species, including songbirds, waterfowl, and insects. They also help us mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by acting as major carbon sinks and helping to control flooding. The sediments and soils in wetlands absorb carbon and water like a giant sponge. This buffers the surrounding areas from the risk of flooding, and highlights the wetlands’ importance to both our city and the environment as a whole. If you’re interested, you can learn more about the benefits of wetlands from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Finally, green roofs are a form of greenspace that is being employed with increasing frequency in urban areas. Green roofs are fantastic for cities because they provide all the benefits of ordinary urban greenspace without using land that could be developed for other purposes. The positive impacts of green roofs on the community include stormwater management and flood mitigation, air quality improvement, and mitigation of the heat island effect. Owners of the green roofed building will also notice a reduction in their heating and cooling energy costs, as green roofs help insulate your roof, keeping the heat in when you want it, and keeping it out when you don’t. Logically, green roofs are commonly installed on the roofs of green buildings and are an important component of sustainable development.