A pair of “microforests” have taken root in Elizabeth, planted by community groups and local officials hoping to bring new environmental and public health benefits to the city.
The concept, which was first developed in Japan decades ago, is just now catching on in the U.S. The forests, planted on small lots, are designed to be self-sufficient ways to boost tree canopy in urban areas. The trees help lower ambient temperatures — fighting against the urban heat-island effect — help improve local air quality and act as a barrier to stormwater runoff.
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