Grand Rapids Urban Forests
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Provided by: Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science|Published on: February 9, 2026
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
5-12
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This resource explains the progress in the commitment Grand Rapids has made to increasing tree cover to 40% and how climate change may impact tree species in the Grand Rapids area.
- Students will understand the climate of, tree cover in, and climate impacts on Grand Rapids.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Climate Change Response Network, USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub, U.S. Forest Service, American Forests
Region: Southwest Michigan
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will love the organization of this resource, with each section containing short blocks of text, keeping students from experiencing fatigue or overwhelm.
- Looking at the map and seeing the trees across the city makes users feel hopeful.
Prerequisites
- If students read the included document about tree species vulnerability, they may benefit from understanding how different warming scenarios are measured and predicted based on projected emissions. This lesson can help students understand what different warming scenarios will look like.
- Some links within the tree species vulnerability document may be broken.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can use a tree identification field guide to identify the trees in their neighborhood. Then, using the tree species vulnerability guide, they can determine how vulnerable their neighborhood tree cover is to climate change. Students with an internet or data connection in their identification zone can use this virtual field guide.
- Students can toggle the map in the top to "Satellite" and zoom in to see the tree cover throughout Grand Rapids.
- After reading through this article, students can research the benefits and ecosystem services that trees provide. Teachers can get students started by explaining the role of trees in sequestering carbon.
This resource details the Grand Rapids plan to increase tree cover with a focus on climate resilience. Multiple emission scenarios are considered in assessing the vulnerability of urban trees. Also included is a collection of sources, many peer-reviewed, available at the "Explore Climate Impacts" link at the bottom of the page. This resource is strongly grounded in climate science and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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