This saves you maintenance money. These questions are valid and should be asked by citizens whose tax dollars fund these projects. The environment is not a pork barrel project. It more accurately should be portrayed as a public trust. Universities and architectural schools do their part in preserving greenspace.
Course work in architectural planning begins with environmental impact as a premise.
Hopefully, the long term benefits of greenspace will be weighed against the initial quick dollars lost to senseless clear cutting. In conclusion we need to take action in two ways. One is to plant trees. Bumper stickers and coffee table books make great conversation pieces but nothing works better than to start by planting trees. You can contact any of the local links or write Greenspace for more information on trees , planting, and care.