Vox Pop - Calls on people to protect urban woodlands

Vox Pop

Medford’s urban woodlands: going, going…One of my favorite undeveloped, wooded lots that I’ve walked by almost daily for the past five years...one where the doe and her fawns shelter, and where the birds sing and chipmunks scurry who’ve not yet been killed by cats...was “decorated” with survey stakes last summer.

Mark your calendar! The Medford Public Library small conference room is reserved at 10 am, Saturday, January 20 for anyone who wants to consider possibilities for keeping the remaining City woodlands simply as they are. If you can’t attend, you may leave a message at (715) 785-5082. If you don’t think you’re adequately prepared or think they’re simply taking up space, search online “benefits of urban green space” and “benefits of urban forests”. Can you now add to the following? They not only absorb carbon dioxide, they clean the air and emit pleasant aromas, prevent soil erosion, shade and beautify the City and, most important, produce a significant portion of the oxygen that animals (including humans) need to live. They absorb noise, water and winds. They’re havens among the asphalt, concrete and buildings. They help keep us sane. They also perform another very difficult feat. They and the other animals they shelter make me smile!

You may also consider whether or not all existing housing in the City is occupied and if so, are there alternatives to destroying wooded green space for any needed new structures. Is the destruction of more green space in accord with City planning policy? Consider that it’s much easier to retain green space than to make it! Do you appreciate balance and symmetry? If there can be buildings among rural woodlands, there can be woodlands among urban buildings!

If enough remaining City woodlands are saved, a bench could be added to each beside a narrow, soft path linking with other such havens and to the Riverwalk via sidewalks and utility corridors...a tour of havens! They’re nothing like existing parks which contain concrete, sod that needs mowing, playgrounds and structures that need maintenance but very few trees and little shade. City woodlands perform for free and need nothing except your advocacy. But I’m not getting anywhere alone. My alderperson didn’t even reply when asked to advocate for our remaining green spaces. If this initiative fails to save our urban woodlands, at least it will make life more endurable if the chainsaws and heavy equipment arrive.

— Michael J Riegert, Medford