At the January 2017 GAINS (Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability) meeting, the topic will explore how we might reframe our understanding of change and transition, as well as integrate lessons on resilience into our social networks, from the perspective of trees and forests.

The “Second Wednesday” GAINS meeting will be on January 11th and will be held in the back conference room at Mustard Seed Market & Cafe in Highland Square, 867 West Market St, in Akron.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the free program begins at 6:15 p.m.
The cafe and bar is open throughout the evening for food and drink purchases.

The evening’s program will include a short film showcase on the intelligence, network and companionship of trees and forests; a talk by local artist, Michael W. Marras, who will share his inspiration for The Akron Tree Project; and a table top discussion on how we might integrate the wisdom of nature’s champions into a collective vision of a more sustainable Greater Akron community.

Trees are an essential eco-technology. A five-city study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 2015) found that cities on a per-tree basis, accrued benefits ranging from about $1.50–$3.00 for every dollar invested in trees. Unlike man-made infrastructure that depreciates in value over time, trees actually appreciate and provide exponentially greater benefits as they mature over time. The City of Cleveland estimates their tree canopy provides residents with over $28 million in services including rainwater capture, air pollution removal, energy cost reduction, increased property values , safer spaces, erosion control and community economic development.

These salon-style meetings are free and interactive and open to anyone interested in learning about and engaging with community partners on the leading edge of sustainability.

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/sites/default/files/forms_publications/ClevelandTreePlan.pdf