Few trees existed across the valley when Mormon Pioneers arrived in 1847. But as the human-planted forest rapidly proliferated after settlement creating a richly diverse urban forest of mostly non-native tree species, the forest functions to shade, protect, nourish and beautify our neighborhoods.

From left to right: Alexandra Ponette-Gonzalez, Charlie Perington and Tony Gliot.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ross Chambless

As our cities become hotter with climate change, how can the urban Wasatch Front ensure that trees today will remain healthy and viable in the coming decades?

On Sept. 23, the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy and Red Butte Garden and Arboretum co-hosted a panel discussion with urban tree experts to discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy urban forest in the face of increasing extreme heat events and climate change.

Sarah Hinners, director of conservation and research for Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, guided the discussion with Gliot; Red Butte Arborist Charlie Perington; and City & Metropolitan Planning Associate Professor Alexandra Ponette-Gonzalez.

“Supernatural forests”

Gliot said while we all want to save the Great Salt Lake, maintaining a healthy urban forest is a challenge coming to the forefront. “We have to engage with our tree stewards, which is every person in the city, to find that balance of maintaining one precious resource (our water) with another precious resource—our trees.”

The panel discussed some key challenges and some guidelines for solutions facing Utah urban forests and those caring for them.