The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized Highline School District students and Burien's Hilltop Park Friday afternoon as part of the state’s investment into urban forestry and tree canopy equity. Burien’s Hilltop Park is a 7.4-acre greenspace located near two low-income housing developments and is the only park in a neighborhood where residents are predominantly people of color. In Burien, only the neighborhoods below 20% of people of color measure tree canopy above the city average, according to the DNR, a trend that is seen across south King County. A 2020 study examining heat exposure in urban areas across the country found extreme heat can be more dangerous depending on your zip code. Places with less tree canopy, more pavement, and large buildings retain heat, creating urban heat islands. READ THE FULL STORY HERE: https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/washington-dnr-urban-tree-canopy-equity-youth/281-df6293f7-bfb8-4de6-bf79-1e99edbc0b52