Basin communities are taking steps to strengthen their ability to respond to the impacts of climate change with support from Columbia Basin Trust by creating more resilient outdoor spaces and environments.
Through the Climate Adapted Community Spaces Grants program, the Trust is supporting nine projects across the region, investing nearly $670,000 to help communities adapt parks, green spaces and streetscapes to changing climate conditions.
“Communities are taking practical steps to adapt to climate change in ways that reflect their local needs and priorities,” said Katie Kendall, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits for the Trust. “Whether responding to extreme heat, heavy rainfall, drought or wildfire, investments in trees, parks and natural spaces help reduce risk, support healthy ecosystems and improve quality of life for people across the Basin.”
By using natural features, expanding urban forest canopy and introducing climate-resilient landscaping, communities are reducing heat, managing stormwater, improving wildfire resilience, supporting biodiversity and protecting the health and safety of residents.
Local governments will use funding to plan and implement activities such as urban forest inventories, flood-risk and urban heat island mapping, and climate-resilient landscaping and natural features, including ponds and wetlands, tree planting, fire-resistant vegetation and pollinator berms.
Here are some of the projects the Trust is supporting. To see all projects, click here.
Creston
To better manage water run-off during increasingly heavy rain events in its downtown, the Town of Creston will develop a stormwater retention pond in ʔak̓uǂni Park. The pond will collect and hold rainwater, reducing downstream flooding and erosion while filtering and replenishing groundwater. Native vegetation will also create habitat for birds, amphibians and aquatic species.
“ʔak̓uǂni Park can receive a significant amount of runoff during heavy rains,” said Natasha Ewashen, Municipal Services Coordinator and Planner with the Town of Creston. “The pond will capture that water and gradually return it to the ground, using natural filtration processes to help improve water quality along the way. Once established, we hope the pond will be a focal point for gathering and education at the park.”
Silverton
Trees in the Village of Silverton’s green spaces, parks and streetscapes play a critical role in climate resilience and livability by cooling and cleaning the air and helping mitigate stormwater impacts. To support the long-term health of its urban forest, the Village will map its tree canopy, identify areas vulnerable to drought, wildfire and pest infestation, and develop a tree-planting plan.
“This funding will allow the Village of Silverton to gather the information needed to responsibly manage our natural assets,” said Catherine Allaway, Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Silverton. “The assessment and planting plan will help ensure residents can enjoy the benefits of a healthy tree canopy for generations to come.”
Golden
Keith King Memorial Park is central to recreation in Golden, hosting sports fields along with a disc golf course, bike skills park, pickleball and tennis courts. New climate-resilient landscaping, including features such as drought-tolerant shrubs and grasses, along with hardy tree species, will help reduce water use, increase shade and create a greener, more welcoming space.
“Creating outdoor spaces that are adaptable and resilient to climate change is a priority for us,” said Jordan Petrovics, Director of Recreation Services for the Town of Golden. “Drought-tolerant landscaping will reduce irrigation needs and conserve water, while additional trees will increase shade, provide a natural sound barrier and enhance the experience for people using the park.”
Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
