Since 2007, LANDMARK WEST! has been engaged in a focused effort to highlight the importance of urban forests--the backyards, front yards and side yards of New York City, since preservation of the built environment is inextricably linked with protection of the natural environment. We decided on a two-track complementary strategy: to gather quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate the environmental benefits of privately owned open spaces, and to advance public policy recommendations to preserve our back, side and front yards.

First, we partnered with CUNY Insitute for Sustainable Cities (CISC) to answer a seemingly obvious question: how much privately-owned open space is there in the 5 boroughs? We learned that there are 108 acres on the Upper West Side alone, and more than 53,000 acres in the city as a whole. Click here for the breakdown by borough.

The goal of the CISC report was to investigate the potential role of increased vegetated land cover within urban residential yard spaces as a strategy for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation. Remotely sensed thermal imagery and classified land cover data were used to analyze urban vegetation distribution and density and its effect on surface temperatures showing that the amount of vegetative cover is positively associated with lower local temperatures. The results of the CISC analysis may be used to inform public policy with regard to land use, zoning, and development regulation and increase awareness among landlords and tenants of the environmental benefits that vegetated backyards conver to the entire City.

Our Gotham Gazette article in the planning on-line journal was picked up by WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show, and LANDMARK WEST! staff member Evan Mason and CISC's Bill Solecki appeared on the radio show in April, 2008. Click here to hear the show!

Over the summer of 2009, we partnered with NYC Soil and Water Conservation District and eDesign Dynamics, an environmental engineering firm specializing in low-impact development and water resources planning, to "green" a back area on the Upper West Side that was paved to generate data on stormwater detention.  While it would have been preferable to remove the existing concrete, it was more affordable to place well-lined very large planters on top of the concrete with a trellis and benches to make the coop backyard--really a large alleyway--more attractive, while the area is providing real environmental benefits by diverting water from the water treatment system. We hope to inspire other private property owners to adopt green infrastructure measures while making the area more aesthetically pleasing--an unexpected side-benefit is that we supported a backyard micro-community, providing the building with an open-air public space to congregate and socialize! Meanwhile, we will be monitoring the amount of stormwater that is diverted from the water treatment system to model the potential benefits of these small, incremental and inexpensive projects. 
 
Environmental Benefits of Open Spaces Project
Hidden behind rowhouses that line many of our urban side streets are hundreds of privately owned adjoining backyards which shape open air micro-environments. Existing studies that have focused on public open spaces and vegetation have found that trees and open spaces that make up these urban forests convey a range of environmental benefits to the surrounding environment but a detailed investigation of the environmental and economic benefits of privately owned open spaces and vegetation has not yet been undertaken.

These benefits include:

1. Trees improve air quality since they decreased air pollution and sequester carbon dioxide;
2. Permeable surfaces and trees decrease strain on the already over-burdened water treatment system, since permeable surfaces capture rainwater during heavy rains and slows the rate of water entering our City pipes which lead to our water treatment sytem;
3. Trees decrease energy consumption during hot summer months, since tree canopies shade surrounding buildings;
4. Trees contribute to the reduction of the urban heat island effect;
5. Reduce health care costs associated with respiratory illnesses, since trees reduce air pollution.
   
   To donate to support this project or for more information, please call 212 496-8110 or email evanmason@landmarkwest.org
   

Since 2006, LW! has demonstrated its commitment to highlighting the natural links between Historic Preservation and Green Building to deepen understanding that saving New York City’s historic built environment is inextricably links with protecting our environment.  LANDMARK WEST! has developed Green Buildings Seminars that focus on improving energy efficiency in existing buildings, innovative ways to adaptively reuse materials and restoration techniques that deepen awareness as to the natural links between  Green Building and Historic Preservation.  These seminars have gained the approval of the New York State Division of Licensing Services for real estate broker continuing education credits.

Events - stay tuned for upcoming events!

Past Events
Green Building and Historic Preservation Seminar December 10, 2007
Green Building and Historic Preservation Seminar April 25, 2007

Photos
Please click here for some pictures showing examples of combined backyards, rich with green, lush open space, and sanctuary from the hustle-bustle of the City. Send in photos of other backyards to: landmarkwest@landmarkwest.org (please label them, so we know where they are!).

*The urban heat island effect is a measurable increase in ambient urban air temperatures resulting primarily from the replacement of vegetation with buildings, roads, and other heat-absorbing infrastructure. The heat island effect can result in significant temperature differences between rural and urban areas. http://www.epa.gov/hiri/resources/glossary.html#u