Learning More About Environmental Conditions in our Newest Park
Have you noticed the new split rail fencing that borders one section of the Southeast Greenway along Summerfield Drive? Thanks to the Santa Rosa City staff who built it to keep our shared spaces looking great.
There’s more that’s new on the property. As we look forward to the launch of the Southeast Greenway Master Planning process later this year, we’re excited to share two new efforts to better understand current environmental conditions along the corridor: the installation of an air quality sensor and a wildlife camera.
New Air Quality Sensor Provides Baseline Data
Sonoma Land Trust recently installed a weather and air quality monitoring station along the Southeast Greenway near Yulupa Cohousing. One of its main goals is to collect baseline environmental data before major improvements are made to the site. Getting a snapshot of current conditions like temperature patterns and air quality levels will help project partners compare conditions after restoration and park development.
This is especially valuable because the Southeast Greenway passes through areas affected by common urban environmental challenges: heat islands created by paved surfaces, limited tree canopy, and nearby traffic corridors including Highway 12. As the Greenway develops into a park with restored creeks, expanded vegetation, and new public spaces, these improvements may help moderate temperatures, improve air quality, and make nearby neighborhoods more comfortable and resilient.
PurpleAir: A Citizen Science Network
The new monitor is part of the PurpleAir network, a citizen science platform where individuals and organizations install air quality sensors and share their data publicly. PurpleAir sensors measure fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), an important indicator of air quality and potential health impacts. Data is uploaded continuously and displayed on an online map where anyone can view local conditions. You can find the Southeast Greenway’s monitor listed on the network as “YulupaCoHousingSensor.”
By collecting data now and continuing to monitor as planning moves forward, the project team hopes to document how the Southeast Greenway improves the surrounding environment over time.
Wildlife Camera
A Southeast Greenway Campaign volunteer recently installed a wildlife camera on the property to learn more about which species are moving on and through the corridor. In the short time the camera has been in place, it has already recorded visits by deer, skunks, coyotes, grey foxes, wild turkeys, raccoons, and jackrabbits.
The air quality and wildlife information collected with these new tools will help inform the Master Planning process, along with community input and other sources of information. Watch for updates on what we’re learning from these tools in future newsletters.