Greening Chicago: Our Journey to Understand Tree Canopy Coverage
Collaborative Project Acknowledgment This project was a collaborative effort between Patricia Favila (me) and Heron Lenz. We combined our skills, insights, and dedication to explore tree canopy coverage in Chicago. All findings, visuals, and insights in this post reflect our teamwork and shared commitment to understanding how trees impact urban life. We hope this work inspires action toward a greener and more equitable Chicago. Introduction When my partner and I started this project, we knew Chicago was a city of contrasts — vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and yet, stark environmental inequalities. We wanted to explore how tree canopy coverage could shape the health, resilience, and quality of life in different neighborhoods. Our research aimed to answer one question: What are the current patterns in tree canopy distribution, and how can we optimize it to create a more sustainable and equitable Chicago? Together, we dove into the data, maps, and stori...