The Niskayuna Tree Council received a Schenectady County Soil and Water grant to plant four trees at a bus stop on Hillside Avenue. As the trees mature, they will provide cooler, more comfortable waiting areas for residents who use public transportation.
Why do we need to shade our stops? Public bus stops are part of Niskayuna’s infrastructure network. Asphalt roads trap summer heat and create local heat islands. This increases the vulnerability of people waiting in the sun. By planting trees at transit stops, the ground temperature is lowered, neighborhood air becomes cleaner, and a cooler, safer wait is provided for commuters. Over time**,** the dense canopies these trees will form can eventually reduce local ambient temperatures by up to 10°F.
The Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) was specifically selected for this project because of its extreme urban toughness, road-salt resistance, and ability to handle Niskayuna winters. It is an important tree for wildlife as it is a pollen and nectar producer and provides food for wintering birds, breeding birds, spring and fall migrant birds, and caterpillars.
This is a part of the Tree Council's ongoing project to increase Niskayuna’s green infrastructure.
