West Oakland Fights Pollution With Dense Tree Planting

West Oakland is embarking on the Prescott Greening project, a significant initiative to combat air pollution through dense tree plantings. Scheduled to break ground next month, the project will introduce dozens of 10- to 12-foot trees along Frontage Road, near the I-880 freeway, creating a vital buffer. This effort addresses decades of resident requests for measures to reduce pollution and its associated health complications.

Designed by Hyphae Design, the project utilizes a ground-up foliage approach to create a canopy that traps pollution. Species like fern pines and Japanese blueberry trees will be planted, alongside shrubs such as manzanitas. Research indicates this dense planting pattern can reduce roadside pollution by 20% to 40%, a substantial improvement over dispersed tree placements.

The initiative acknowledges that pollution from West Oakland stems not only from trucks but also from passenger vehicles, particularly from brake and tire wear. This project is a pilot for a broader plan to encircle all major roads in West Oakland with trees, with potential expansion to other polluted areas.

Historically, West Oakland has contended with high pollution levels since the early 20th century, exacerbated by the construction of highways and port expansion around 70 years ago. The current project builds on earlier studies, like the "Adapt Oakland" master plan, which used advanced technology such as lidar and computer modeling to understand pollution spread and identify key pollution sources.

Funding for the project has come from entities including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Port of Oakland, influenced by studies correlating emissions near the freeway with adverse health outcomes. A crucial aspect of the project's success will be consistent maintenance, with plans for a three-year maintenance strategy involving local non-profits and volunteer cleanups.

Discussions are underway with state agencies regarding similar projects in Stockton and Los Angeles, and the potential for endowment funds to support ongoing greenery maintenance is being explored. The project's success hinges on sustained commitment to upkeep, ensuring its long-term benefits for the community's air quality and health.