Forest Canopy and Surface Temperature in Guilford

Jackson Howard volunteered as a GLCT trail steward while at GHS and did his Eagle Scout project in Westwoods. He is now a junior studying Environmental Science at Drew University.

During an extreme heat wave in June of 2025, he conducted a tree canopy survey in Guilford. Using USA National Land Cover Database Tree Canopy Cover data, U.S. Geological Survey LandSat satellite temperature data, and boundary information provided by GLCT. He examined the connection between canopy cover and surface temperature in Guilford. He found a 3.93 °F difference in average surface temperature between Westwoods, with more than 75% tree cover, and Guilford as a whole.

He found that areas of town with up to 25% tree cover suffered more extreme temperatures during this heat wave. Jackson reports that he is pleased that this research helps highlight additional benefits of protecting conservation land in Guilford.