Characterizing Decadal Trends in Urban Tree Canopy and Land Surface Temperature in the City of Holyoke, MA

Keywords: Urban tree canopy, urban heat island effect, landsat thermal imagery
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

High summer temperatures in cities can be attributed to loss of green space and increases in impervious surface, leading to the urban heat island effect, placing stress on residents in environmental justice neighborhoods. This research aims to categorize and assess trends in urban tree canopy and land surface temperature in Holyoke, Massachusetts between 2014 and 2024. Holyoke is a postindustrial gateway city, with a population of 37,628. “Gateway Cities” are defined by the state of Massachusetts as having potential for regional socioeconomic success when given support to foster post-industrial recovery. They categorically require populations of around 30,00-250,000, with median household income and education attainment lower than the Massachusetts average. The Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP) was established in 2014 with the goal of increasing canopy cover by 5% in priority neighborhoods in Gateway Cities throughout Massachusetts. This research examines Holyoke’s tree canopy, looking specifically at GGCP trees and their on land surface temperature. This study uses a time series of Landsat thermal imagery as well as in-situ temperature data provided by HOBO sensors operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts (DCR). The quantitative relation of mature versus juvenile trees in GGCP’s planting zone determines the density of tree canopy in Holyoke. Expected results show high temperatures in areas with less canopy and more impervious surface, and lower temperatures in areas where there has been an increase in canopy cover. This research attempts to understand tree distribution in relation to the urban heat island effects.