Climate Resilience
Nature-based Solutions for Creating Cool Spaces
Municipal Officials & Professionals
Backyard & Neighborhoods
Land Managers or Stewards
Youth, Parents & Teachers
As temperatures rise and we experience extended periods of high heat days, our yards and neighborhoods can become heat islands, particularly in urban and more highly developed spaces. Heat islands experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas, and are generally caused by lack of tree cover and extensive hardscape surfaces (roads, buildings) that absorb rather than reflect heat. Rising temperatures, and particularly heat islands, present a threat to human health. Cool spaces can be created by increasing shade and decreasing surfaces that absorb heat. The ideas below are scalable to apply to your own porch or an entire neighborhood. Increasing neighborhood greenscapes can also provide more habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. A decrease in hardscapes can also help reduce flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Nature-based Solution Idea 1:
Create Shade with Plants and Trees
- Use porch plants and plants in hanging baskets to create shade on your porch or stoop
- Learn which native trees provide the best shade
- Increase shade tree cover in your yard and along your street
- Plant a neighborhood pocket forest
- Create a community park or greenspace
Nature-based Solution Idea 2:
Replace Hardscapes with Greenscapes
- De-pave unused driveway, parking, and walkways- blacktop and concrete
- Plant de-paved areas with meadow, vegetable and pollinator gardens, and groundcovers
Nature-based Solution Idea 3:
Reflect Sunlight
- Light colors for pavements, roofs, and essential hardscapes
- Light colors for awnings or canopies