Equity and Health in Raleigh’s Urban Forests

Forests have always been undeniably important, but urban forests are now gaining even greater significance in our ever-expanding society, where cities are continuously growing. This is particularly evident in cities like Raleigh in North Carolina, where these green spaces have become one of the city's most appealing features. Throughout history, we have observed disparities in the benefits of these ecosystems across different strata within cities, where the minority and more vulnerable populations bear the burden of a deteriorating urban forest's health and reduced service provision. This study combines spatial analysis with fieldwork, examining various factors such as connectivity, soil conditions, species richness, canopy coverage, dieback, and tree density. These elements were evaluated using the Social Vulnerability Index to determine whether a comparable situation of disparity exists within the tree canopy surrounding Raleigh's attractive trails that fulfill a vital role as recreational areas and protective corridors for water resources. The findings reveal no significant disparity in coverage, wealth, and mortality among vulnerable populations. However, the invasive and vine coverage impacts the health of the urban forest but is not equally distributed in society. This research highlights the need for sustainable management to ensure equitable benefits and continued health of these essential spaces.