Branches for BAKESALE! Roland Avenue Bake Sale Raises Dough for Urban Greenery

This past weekend, the streets of Roland Park were alive as residents gathered for a bake sale and hot cocoa stand with a green cause. The event aimed to raise funds for Branches for Baltimore's plant day this coming Spring.

Urban heat islands are areas where temperatures are significantly higher than their surroundings due to a lack of green spaces. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, the community pitched in to support Branches for Baltimore in their mission to bring more greenery to Charm City.

The bake sale, held outside of Chase Bank on Roland Avenue, featured an array of homemade goodies. From classic chocolate chip cookies to muffins to hot cocoa, the sweet treats brought together the community for a cause. Jack Serpick and Anne-Louise goldrick manned the stand for most of the morning, with help from Kira Ryon, Tessa Lake-Goldstein and Zoe London that afternoon. Branches for Baltimore's stand was adorned with posters and flyers showcasing the benefits of urban tree planting, creating an inviting atmosphere for both sweet-toothed locals and those eager to contribute to a greener future.

The funds raised during the bake sale will directly support Branches for Baltimore's upcoming plant day. This springtime event seeks to turn effected areas into vibrant greenspaces by planting trees to provide shade, reduce air pollution, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

One of Branches for Baltimore's leaders and one of the bake sale organizers, Anne-Louise Goldrick, expressed her enthusiasm for the cause: "It's heartening to see our community come together for something so important. Trees are not just about beautifying our city; they're essential for our health and well-being.".

With the funds raised, Branches for Baltimore is now one step closer to turning the upcoming plant day into a reality. The success of this event serves as a reminder that, sometimes

the sweetest solutions come from a collective effort to make positive change.

The Benefits of Urban Tree Canopies: How Branches for Baltimore is Improving Air Quality

When you think of a bustling city like Baltimore, you might not immediately associate it with lush greenery and clean air. However in coming years, with efforts from Baltimore's organizations dedicated to lessening Baltimorean's experience of the Urban Heat Island Effect, the city is becoming greener and more sustainable. One of the key ways they are achieving this is through the planting of trees in urban areas, also known as urban tree canopy. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of urban tree canopy and how Branches for Baltimore is improving air quality in the city. 1. One of the most noticeable benefits of an urban tree canopy is the shade it provides. In a city like Baltimore, trees play a crucial role in cooling the environment. By providing shade, trees reduce the need for excessive air conditioning, which in turn reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The shade also makes outdoor spaces more comfortable for residents and visitors, encouraging outdoor activities and reducing the urban heat island effect. Sidewalks and streets in Baltimore City, underneath direct sun, become very hot as they absorb sun, ultimately radiating heat and heating up these areas. Shade prevents these areas from absorbing so much heat, subsequently cooling down the area. 2. Trees act as natural air filters, trapping and absorbing pollutants from the air. In Baltimore, a city with its fair share of pollution, this is particularly important. The leaves of trees capture particulate matter, such as dust and smoke, and absorb harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and ozone. By filtering the air, trees help to improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases for residents. 3. Trees produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. In urban areas with limited green spaces, the presence of trees becomes even more crucial. The more trees we have, the more oxygen they release into the atmosphere, helping to combat air pollution and create a healthier environment for everyone. 4. Urban tree canopy not only benefits humans but also provides a habitat for wildlife. Trees offer shelter, food, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other animals. By increasing the tree cover in Baltimore, Branches for Baltimore is not only improving air quality but also supporting biodiversity and creating a more balanced ecosystem within the city. So, how can you contribute to improving air quality in your own city? Here are a few tips: - Plant a tree: If you have space in your yard or community, consider planting a tree. Not only will it beautify your surroundings, but it will also contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. - Support local organizations: Look for nonprofits or community groups in your area that are dedicated to improving air quality and supporting urban tree canopy. Consider volunteering or donating to their cause. - Advocate for green spaces: Encourage your local government to prioritize the creation and maintenance of green spaces in your city. These spaces not only provide recreational opportunities but also contribute to cleaner air and improved quality of life. - Be mindful of your own carbon footprint: Reduce your own contribution to air pollution by using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible. Additionally, make energy-efficient choices in your home and support renewable energy sources. By taking these small steps, we can all contribute to creating greener and more sustainable cities, just like Branches for Baltimore is doing in its mission to improve air quality and create a healthier environment for all residents. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for our cities.

Planting the Seeds of Change: Branches for Baltimore's Impact on Baltimore's Environment

Baltimore, a city known for its vibrant culture and historical significance, is also grappling with the challenges posed by urban heat islands. These heat islands, characterized by higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas, can have detrimental effects on the health of their residents. However, the youth volunteers of Branches for Baltimore are working to change Baltimores scenario. Branches for Baltimore, a nonprofit organization founded by Baltimore City School students, is dedicated to addressing the issue of urban heat islands by increasing tree cover in the city. Our mission is to plant trees in Baltimore City's heat islands, creating a cooler and more pleasant environment for its residents. The organization's impact goes beyond just planting trees; it fosters a sense of community involvement and empowers young individuals to take action for the environment. So, how exactly do we make a difference? Here are a few examples: 1. Increasing Tree Cover: By planting trees in Baltimore's heat islands, Branches for Baltimore helps to increase tree cover in the city. Trees reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. 2. Engaging Youth: Branches for Baltimore is youth-founded. By involving young individuals in our mission, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. 3. Creating a Sustainable Future: Branches for Baltimore's work goes beyond just planting trees. We are dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Baltimore. By addressing the issue of urban heat islands, we are working to contribute to the overall well-being of the city and its residents. If you're inspired by Branches for Baltimore's work and want to make a difference along side Branches for Baltimore, don't hesitate to voluteer yourself!