Formed in 1992 as a nonprofit organization, the Duwamish Valley Neighborhood Preservation Coalition (DVNPC) promotes affordable home-buying opportunities primarily from the existing housing stock in the Duwamish River communities of South Park, Georgetown, and Tukwila. Some of the oldest housing in Seattle, WA, is in these neighborhoods and the organization is working to preserve these unique properties and green spaces. One of their proudest initiatives has been the creation of gardens which supply fresh vegetables, flowers, and educational opportunities for the community. The neighborhood of South Park is important within Seattle as a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood—with strong ties to the Pike Place Public Market and Boeing’s development during World War II—that continues to thrive amidst increased industrialization and development pressures. The neighborhood reflects a diverse array of architectural styles, demonstrating its slow but persistent growth.
Alongside the communities’ historic homes are numerous large old trees with histories of their own. Unfortunately, development proposed to improve housing opportunities for underprivileged residents may sacrifice many of these trees. Though a young replacement tree growing fast may pull in more carbon than an old tree at full size, it is generally the larger, older trees that absorb more CO2 from the air, according to experts worldwide, including researchers at MIT, Tufts, and the US Geological Survey. It’s clear that the neighborhoods’ urban forest of established trees will continue to sequester more CO2 than will small trees planted after development. The larger trees will also lower air temperature more and provide more shade as protection from global heating. From knocking on doors, to weekly meetings, to partnering with 25 other local groups that appealed the development plan, Jennifer Scarlett and DVNPC members are working to save their neighborhoods’ old green giants.