by Shea Smith, with information provided by the City of Manhattan / photo provided by the City of Manhattan
New trees have been planted along Bluemont Avenue, Colorado Street, and Yuma Street in Manhattan, each with QR code signs asking people to get to know the tree, the City announced.
These trees and signs are part of a collaborative research project between Kansas State University, the City of Manhattan, and the Kansas Forest Service focused on how communities connect with street trees.
When scanned, the QR codes on each tree will display information about the tree’s species, the benefits it provides, and other useful information. Participants are then asked to complete a short, two minute survey.
City officials said the feedback will help researchers better understand how community engagement can support healthier and more resilient urban forests and will be used to help inform future decisions about tree planting and long-term tree care.
They also said that street trees don’t just improve the appearance of neighborhoods, they provide other benefits such as shade, improved air quality, stormwater runoff reduction, wildlife support and temperature control for neighborhoods during the summer.