New Orleans and Drainage

It's a SYSTEM. It doesn't work when too many parts are broken.

And lots of parts are broken, above and beyond the pumps and the turbines.

Catch Basins not kept clean by the people who live on the street.
Catch Basins not mucked out by the city.
The city paving such that very little space is left for water to get into the Catch Basins.

People consistently breaking the laws like:
Littering which blocks up the Catch Basins,
Blowing leaf litter and grass cuttings into the storm drains,
Parking on the greenspace between the sidewalk and the street which grinds off the grass and lets dirt flow into the Catch Basins and reduces the ability of the compacted ground to absorb, and, if parked on, can damage the catch basins,
Paving front yards,
Over paving period.

And things not done that do help absorb water like:
Planting trees,
Holding water on your property whether it's taking advantage of deep Arts and Crafts eaves to live without gutters so the water doesn't run straight to the street or rain barrels and rain gardens,
Using new technology to create more permeable surfaces.

When we forget it's a SYSTEM and we allow incompetence and malfeasance we get what we got.

Healthy Catch Basin - no city installed curb

This is an example of a healthy catch basin.

Kudos to my neighbors who
Cleaned out the catch basin,
Cleaned off the street in front of the catch basin including edging the grassy area and then added bricks to keep the edges clean and the water FLOWING.

This street does not have a CURB installed by the city.

Private Property Rights and your backyard

·         Clearing of trees: As the law stands now, one only needs approval of the City before trees are removed from public space (such as the right-of-way adjacent to the street). Removal of trees on private property is not regulated.

·         Paving: As the zoning ordinance is written now, the only limitation on paving is within the required front-yard. Beyond the 40% limitation in the required front-yard area one is free to pave their entire lot.

o   The draft zoning ordinance (CZO) speaks to more extensive paving, but that ordinance is probably about 6-months from adoption.

o   Additionally, the Sewerage and Water Board is proposing to create a mechanism to have people pay for the impact of their paving on the City’s stormwater system. The hope is that this will create an incentive to have more permeable surfaces in our urban environment.

o   Even though there is no limitation on paving, one is not allowed to shed water to a neighbor’s property. The property owner will have to accommodate their own water either through grading the lot to channel water to the street or installing drainage.

Tree Giveaway

Native Trees Giveaway 

Thanks to grants from Apache and ACTrees, Parkway Partners is giving away 400 Native Trees.  Limit 2 per household to Orleans Parish residents.

Where:

Parkway Partners
1137 Baronne St.
NOLA 70113

(at corner of Clio in Central City)

When:

This Saturday, November 9

Gates are open from 9am-noon

Why:

Parkway Partners' numerous programs supporting urban trees are all part of an effort to re-forest New Orleans.  We are the most de-forested city in the U.S.! All proceeds from 2nd Saturdays go directly back into the 2nd Saturday Educational Program.

More Trees for New Orleans

On Nov. 14, 2013 from 7-10pm, MotherShip Foundation will host a 
fundraiser and auction benefitting the Restore the Bayou Canopy 
Campaign. The event will take place at Pearl Wine Co. in the American 
Can Building and will feature entertainment by local artists. In 
addition to the musical entertainment, Marlin Miller—the artist who 
carved the public art sculpture out of the dead oak tree on the corner 
of Orleans Ave and Jeff Davis Pkwy—will also be at the event to share 
his story and auction off a few or his one-of-a-kind sculptures. 
Tickets, which include wine and food, are $50 for individuals or $75 
per couple—with one hundred percent of the proceeds benefiting the 
Restore the Bayou Canopy Campaign.

On Saturday, November 16th, all are invited to witness and celebrate 
the major tree planting on Bayou St. John.

http://fsjna.org/2013/10/trees-on-the-bayou/

How to build community

Start a tradition....

like Night Out Against Crime in October (check)

Carolling on Palmer Park in December (check)

Fall Tree Planting with Hike for KaTREEna (check)

It would be wonderful if this could be a regular event in NorthWest Carrollton
http://nwcarrollton.blogspot.com/2010/11/lady-buck-jumpers-in-northwest.html

Trees Fight Crime

Just one more reason why we plant trees.

Whole Living September 2012 issue

Live Oak Canopy Endangered

We said this since Katrina and lobbied for assurances that any Oak lost along Carrollton be replaced with another oak.  But now the Louisiana Landmark Society also says that the city's Live Oak Canopy is endangered.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/former_wtc_building_algiers_fe.html

"Citywide live oak canopy
The sight of shaded streets lined with live oak trees is emblematic of New Orleans. But from the destruction of the longest line of live oaks in the nation for the construction of the elevated Claiborne expressway in the 1960s to drastic trimming for power lines, the city's live oak trees are frequently butchered or removed for public works projects. A recent example was the branch mutilation and root damage suffered by trees on Napoleon Avenue in 2012 during a drainage project. "It will be decades before the trees recover, and we will lose much of the scenic character of the city in the process," the society said. "

How to build community

Plant flowers (or trees!)

Garden together.

Pecan Tree

The neighborhood has a very large pecan tree.
It is always they last tree to leaf out every spring.
Summer's coming.
Say what you want about all the rain we've had lately.
The trees have not looked this good in YEARS!

One Tree.....

This is one of the reasons we lobbied so hard to have large trees planted on Earhart. Thanks again Parks & Parkways!
  Source: GASAN

And here is another reason...  Shade makes walkable cities walkable
Source: Grow Food Not Lawns

Blue Ribbons in Palmer Park

Wondering what those blue ribbons are all about in Palmer Park??

The New Orleans Children's Advocacy Center helped to spread awareness about stopping the epidemic of child abuse with the help of wonderful volunteers from Gulf Coast area College Alpha Phi Omega members. They volunteered as a part of their Conference over the weekend of April 6th at Tulane University. Look for these ribbons throughout April and check out facts about child abuse on each ribbon. All ribbons were donated by Gordon's of Metairie. Ribbons were tied with permission of the New Orleans Parks and Parkways Department.

http://nocac.net/trees-for-life/

Palmer Park Walking Day April 3rd

More exciting news for Palmer Park... Some of you may have noticed we now have official "walking path" signs around the park.

You are invited to help us kick-off

New Orleans' 2nd American Heart Association designated walking path

sponsored by UnitedHealthcare in Palmer Park.

 

So, lace up your sneakers and make a commitment to live healthier by joining us for the American Heart Association's annual National Walking Day:

April 3, 2013

1:00pm

Palmer Park
2334 S. Carrollton Avenue

refreshments and giveaways

THANK YOU for the TREES on Earhart

Thank You Parks & Parkways!!! and Ann McDonald

During the week of March 11, 2013, the Department of Parks and Parkways completed implementation of Phase I of the Earhart Boulevard planting plan. Phase I included 30 Live Oaks and 12 Natchez Crape Myrtles on Earhart Boulevard from Hamilton Street to Short Street.  All of the newly installed trees are on a one year watering schedule.

Phase II will include infill plantings of Natchez Crape Myrtles where space allows from Hamilton Street to Jefferson Davis Parkway. During Phase II, additional live oak trees will be installed between Short Street and Jefferson Davis Parkway where space permits. Phase II is anticipated to commence in late 2013 or early 2014.

A little history below:

In addition to working with Public Works on the redesign of Earhart to ensure that it did not expand to 6 lanes, NorthWest Carrollton also lobbied for trees.

Communication from May 2011

From: NorthWest Carrollton <nwcarrollton@mindspring.com> 

To: Ann McDonald - Parkway & Parks <amcdonald@nola.gov>, Jeanne Parkway Partners <jalbrecht@parkwaypartnersnola.org>, Hike For KaTREEna - info <info@hikeforkatreena.com>, katrina badger <kebadger@nola.gov>

Subject: Trees for Earhart BOULEVARD

Date: Oct 4, 2011 10:23 AM

All: NorthWest Carrollton, and I'm sure many others, are excited to see the construction on Earhart finishing up. We are waiting for the final cleanup, sanding and grass cutting of the neutral ground. We would like to know how we can work with Parkway & Parks, Parkway Partners, Hike for Katrina and any other to plant the largest trees possible down Earhart BOULEVARD. The NorthWest Carrollton Board would like to meet with representatives from all 3 groups together or separately to determine how we "green" this boulevard. Katrina: anything that ONE can do to help facilitate this is most apprecitated. Sincerly & Thanks, The Board of NorthWest Carrollton Jenel Hazlett Scott Andrews Debi Theobald Kim Carver Tom Pyburn Margaret Reinhart

Communication from May 2012

From: NorthWest Carrollton [mailto:nwcarrollton@mindspring.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 9:35 PM To: Jennifer E. Ruley; Stacy Head; Ann McDonald - Parkway & Parks; Enrico J. Sterling Subject: Trees on Earhart Dear City of New Orleans, We are not sure what city funding source allowed the large crepe myrtles to be planted along Earhart after the new construction completed. But we are very grateful for them. Today as one our Board members drove by they noticed that the leaves looked parched. PLEASE since the dollars have already been spent to place these trees could the city please keep them watered. This is their first summer and we all know that is when transplants are most susceptible to loss. Sincerely, The Board of NorthWest Carrollton  Communication from December 2012 From: NorthWest Carrollton <nwcarrollton@mindspring.com> To: "Susan G. Guidry" <sgguidry@nola.gov>, "'sburley@parkwaypartnersnola.org'" <sburley@parkwaypartnersnola.org>, "'info@parkwaypartnersnola.org'" <info@parkwaypartnersnola.org>, Stacy Head <SHead@nola.gov>, "'info@hikeforkatreena.com'" <info@hikeforkatreena.com> Cc: "Ann E. Macdonald" <aemacdonald@nola.gov> Subject: Re: Releaf Earhart Date: Dec 7, 2012 10:46 AM Thank you all for your response.... please keep us in the loop as plans progress. We will do what we can to help assemble volunteers to assist with planting. We asked because we know that this time of year is the optimal tree planting time. -----Original Message----- From: "Susan G. Guidry" Sent: Dec 6, 2012 2:28 PM To: "'sburley@parkwaypartnersnola.org'" , "'nwcarrollton@mindspring.com'" , "'info@parkwaypartnersnola.org'" , Stacy Head , "'info@hikeforkatreena.com'" Cc: "Ann E. Macdonald" Subject: Re: Releaf Earhart Thanks, Susannah. Please coordinate with Ann and Connie. Looks like we have the start of something good! Susan Susan G. Guidry New Orleans Councilmember, District A (504) 658-1010 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (504) 658-1010 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting Sent from my Blackberry wireless device. From: Susannah Burley [mailto:sburley@parkwaypartnersnola.org] Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 02:17 PM To: Susan G. Guidry; 'NorthWest Carrollton' <nwcarrollton@mindspring.com>; info@parkwaypartnersnola.org <info@parkwaypartnersnola.org>; Stacy Head; 'Hike For KaTREEna - info' <info@hikeforkatreena.com> Cc: Ann E. Macdonald Subject: RE: Releaf Earhart Hello All, We have worked with NorthWest Carrollton before on several project, and would be happy to do so again. Best regards, Susannah Burley Parkway Partners Program Director|Urban Gardens, Schoolyard Gardens, ReLeaf 1137 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113 504 620 2224 office sburley@parkwaypartnersnola.org; www.parkwaypartnersnola.org 30 Years ... And All Grown Up! From: Susan G. Guidry [mailto:sgguidry@nola.gov] Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 1:31 PM To: NorthWest Carrollton; info@parkwaypartnersnola.org; Stacy Head; Hike For KaTREEna - info Cc: Ann E. Macdonald Subject: RE: Releaf Earhart  Board, Ann McDonald and Connie Uddo have graciously agreed to put their heads together, after which I will get with them to see what can be accomplished. We will let you know when we have information. Regards, Susan Susan G. Guidry New Orleans City Council District A (504) 658-1010 sgguidry@nola.gov From: NorthWest Carrollton [nwcarrollton@mindspring.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 12:34 PM To: info@parkwaypartnersnola.org; Stacy Head; Hike For KaTREEna - info; Susan G. Guidry Subject: Releaf Earhart Greeting all; NorthWest Carrollton is very interested in determining what can be done to increase the tree cover on the recently repaved section of Earhart from the Jefferson Parish Line to Pine . We know there is a ReLeaf Program http://parkwaypartnersnola.org/?page_id=11 and that many section of many larger streets have been "reforested". We would specifically like for the section of Earhart from the Jefferson Parish Line to Carrollton to be seriously considered for a planting/replanting program. We would appreciate any assistance or guidance that you have to offer. Sincerely, The Board of NorthWest Carrollton

Dollars & Sense in your Yard

When we plant trees in the neighborhood we not only fight crime, and help drainage and provide shade and help cool the environment, we also help sustain and improve property values. So much bang for so little buck.

http://www.nwf.org/news-and-magazines/national-wildlife/gardening/archives/2011/making-dollars-and-sense.aspx

The greening of the real estate industry hopefully will be a boon for both the environment and the pocketbook. Recent studies demonstrate that eco-friendly practices not only can reduce home operation and maintenance costs but also increase property values. And nothing improves environmental performance and curb appeal more than a wildlife-friendly, sustainable home landscape.

In addition, strategic planting of trees and shrubs to cast cooling shade in summer and insulate against cold winter winds can slash the amount a homeowner spends to heat and cool a home by as much as 40 percent.

Sustainable landscapes have more subtle economic benefits as well. By calculating how much money property owners save by avoiding flood damage, recent studies have demonstrated the value of rain gardens, bioswales and other “low-impact development” measures designed to reduce storm-water runoff. Other research has shown how sustainable landscaping strategies can help lower taxes by reducing the cost of storm water infrastructure.

Sustainable landscapes also are growing the value of homes. In one study released four years ago, University of Michigan researchers reported that people are willing to pay more for well-designed yards with mostly native plants than for properties dominated by lawn.

Realtors have long recognized that attractive landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values by as much as 20 percent.

Given these impressive numbers, it’s not surprising that the number-one green home improvement recommended by realtors is planting native trees and flowers—the foundation of a healthy and beautiful backyard habitat.

In short, growing a green landscape is a win-win proposition. The old expression “money grows on trees” may not be literally true, but a sustainable landscape comes close.

Your Yard.... a certified wildlife habitat

We already have one property in NorthWest Carrollton that is registered as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. It's really easy. Ask about it at the next neighborhood meeting.

http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create-a-Habitat.aspx
NorthWest Carrollton already has a login on the National Wildlife website.
and can help you completing the form for your address.

Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas.
By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young, you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ and join the nearly 140,000 sites across the country.


To certify your yard, you need to provide the following:

Examples of food sources:

• native plants
• seeds
• fruits
• nuts
• berries
• nectar

Examples of water sources:

• birdbath
• pond
• water garden
• stream

Examples of cover:

• thicket
• rockpile
• birdhouse

Examples of places to raise young:

• dense shrubs
• vegetation
• nesting box
• pond

Trees - Quality of Life - why we plant

NorthWest Carrollton has worked with Hike for KaTREEna to plant trees in our small neighborhood.  I've been asked of all the things that the neighborhood could focus on: "Why trees?" 

On 7 Dec2012 - Science Magazine published a report on "Large Old Trees" that answered the questions

Large old trees "are keystone structures in forests, woodlands, savannas, agricultural landscapes, and urban areas, playing unique ecological roles not provided by younger, smaller trees. However, populations of large old trees are rapidly declining in many parts of the world, with serious implications for ecosystem integrity and biodiversity."

"Large old trees also store large quantities of carbon, create distinct microenvironments characterized by high levels of soil nutrients and plant species richness, play crucial roles in local hydrological regimes...."

Hydorlogical regimes... for urban areas mean that they help with rain water absorbtion and flood control.

"The loss of large old trees is a recognized concern in many ecosystems worldwide."
And this is why we lobby to have any old oak along Carrollon Ave replaced with a new oak.

And why we encourage our neighbors to plant the largest tree thay can in the area available.  For many this is not a tree that will grow into a "large tree" but one that is smaller, a crepe myrtle, a citrus, a red bud. But when ever possible we plant trees that will grow large because the benefits for the neighborhood and the global climate is worth it.

Urban Trees as Crime Stoppers

NorthWest Carrollton has worked with Hike for KaTREEna to plant trees in our small neighborhood. I've been asked of all the things that the neighborhood could focus on: "Why trees?" 

And I've answered because trees fight crime.  And I know it sounds silly.
"But a new study (Tinyurl.com/TreeCrimeReport) by the University of Vermont’s Transportation Research Center, in Burlington, found that a 10 percent increase in trees in a given area led to a 12 percent decrease in crime."

As the article in December 2012 - Natural Awakings says:
"The working hypothesis is that because people enjoy spending time in pleasant outdoor spaces, there are more observers present to hinder criminal activity. Also, a well-maintained landscape seems to send a message that someone may be watching.

and lest you think that this only works for neighborhoods that are already "well maintained and landscaped"
"To avoid culture bias, the study considered many socioeconomic factors, including housing, age, income and race of residents, as well as variables such as rural versus city setting and population density. The findings should prove helpful to urban planners."

Japanese Magnolias bloom after Issac

NorthWest Carrollton with help from Hike for KaTREEna planted a number of Japanese Magnolias.

If your tree is blooming after Tropical Storm Isaac apparently you should not be surprised. Dan Gill says that this is a common occurrance.  "We think that the dormant buds already on the tree are triggered to bloom when the high winds remove most of the foliage."  The flowers that bloom after a hurricane are paler thant when they bloom in the spring.  But blooming after a hurricane reduces blooming in the spring.

10,000 Trees to fight the heat island affect

To celebrate its 30 year anniversary, Parkway Partners will kick off a five-year, 10,000 tree reforestation program by planting at least 150 mature live oaks along St. Claude Avenue.

Jean Fahr, executive director Parkway Partners said:
“We are committed to the reforestation of neighborhoods throughout New Orleans..."

And in NorthWest Carrollton look forward to trees on Earhart.
We want Earhart to have the dignity of Carrollton (or St. Charles or St. Claude.)

As NorthWest Carrollon has said at more than one neighborhood meeting:
"The expansion of the city's urban tree canopy will reduce the "heat island" effect of open concrete and streets, and will capture a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals, gaseous air emissions and particulate matter" and reduces traffic noise on large streets like Earhart.  "The trees also will assist in reducing urban flooding, as each one can capture 350 gallons of storm water during a typical downpour."

"The five-year plan also will include the training of 150 new Tree Troopers, volunteers who will help ensure the survival of the city’s new trees during their first five years. The first training session will be Sept. 10-12 at the New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St. Claude Avevue."
"The new planting program is an extension of ReLeaf New Orleans, which planted 10,000 trees in the seven years since Hurricane Katrina. The extension is in part a response to the results of The U.S. Department of Agriculture study that found that 10 percent of New Orleans' trees had died between 2005 and 2009, largely as a result of the hurricane, the worst loss of any urban forest in the nation. Over that time, the amount of the city covered by tree canopy fell from 32.9 percent to 23.3 percent. Experts have estimated the city lost more than 100,000 trees.

The new program will focus on planting trees with larger canopies wherever possible, including live oaks and the ornamental pistache, whose leaves turn orange-red in the fall. "

FINALLY NorthWest Carrollton has also lobbied for Larger Trees that mirror the effect of our existing treelined streets, like St. Charles and Esplande.

“These trees are important; they represent continuity,” Palmer said. “When we talk about trying to knit the fabric of our community together, we’re talking about what St. Claude does in terms of uniting Marigny and Bywater and St. Roch and the Upper 9 and the New St. Claude and the Lower 9. St. Claude is not a dividing line. It’s a unifying line.”

And the same can be said for Earhart. We want Earhart to stop being a dividing line and start knitting together community.

Quotes taken from
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/08/parkway_partners_will_plant_15.html