Urban Releaf 31st Street Demonstration Project

The 31st Street Green Street Demonstration Project is located in the Hoover neighborhood in West Oakland, along two blocks between Market Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way where tree canopy is currently non-existent. Dr. Xiao will develop innovative tree wells using special rocks and soil that save water in two ways. First, the mix of red lava rock and soil helps retain storm water that would otherwise run off directly into the City's storm drain, relieving burden off of the City's infrastructure system in the future. Second, trees and soil help filter out pollutants in storm water and prevent them from entering our precious Bay habitat. According to the Center for Urban Forest Research, trees in urban areas mitigate air pollution, beautify the neighborhood by adding greenery and shade, save on heating and cooling costs, build a sense of community, and provide opportunities for green job training -- all in addition to saving water.

"We are looking to spread the word and demonstrate the myriad water benefits of our city's trees. Cities all over the world are facing water crises and are seeking water-sensitive tree well design and approach to urban forestry like this," says Kemba Shakur, executive director of Urban Releaf, the Oakland nonprofit leading the project. The state Department of Water Resources Urban Drought Mitigation Program provided funding for this project to educate local residents on California's water shortage and the importance of conserving water. Urban Releaf is calling out to local residents to get involved in tree planting and maintenance over the next year.

Join us on October 21st to get involved with the exciting research and restoration efforts that are helping to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.