Improving Tree Cover in the NVCOG region
The purpose of the Naugatuck Valley Tree Canopy Assessment is to characterize the existing tree cover in the Naugatuck Valley region, develop spatial data layers to identify opportunities for improvement, and provide individual reports to each of our municipalities.
Collaborative Approach
This project is lead by the Mapping, Data & Technology team while working closely with the Environmental Planning department to develop the proper tools for municipalities.
NVCOG commissioned the services of the the University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) at the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources to perform the assessment and to calculate tree canopy change metrics. UCONN’s Urban Community Forestry Educator will partner with SAL to perform an in-depth environmental assessment of tree canopy equity.
Deliverables
SAL will use Connecticut spring 2023 LiDAR data along with the 2023 NAIP leaf-on aerial imagery to create a seven-class land cover raster data set and a tree canopy change raster data set. This data will then be summarized by various geographies and a narrative description of tree cover across each NVCOG municipality, along with charts and other graphics that show assessment findings. Results of the assessment will be available through an interactive, informational web mapping application, and the municipal reports will be published on the NVCOG website.
Project Duration
University of Vermont’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory (SAL) is wrapping up analyzing the region’s aerial imagery and performing data quality control to complete the assessment.
We are hoping for the final report to be published in June 2026.
Stay Tuned for Updates
As the project progresses, staff will provide ongoing updates and insights into the development of the Tree Canopy Assessment page. Be sure to check back for a more comprehensive and detailed timeline.
Public Involvement Process
Staff continue to pursue opportunities to raise awareness and get a better understanding of trees throughout the region to support future local and regional planning efforts. Please send any outreach ideas to Molly Johnson at mjohnson@nvcogct.gov.
Upcoming Events
- Join us for the Urban and Community Forestry Peer Learning Exchange on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 96 Bank St Waterbury, CT 06702.
- View the agenda and register.
- This event, supported by The Nature Conservancy, NVCOG, and partners, is an interactive opportunity for municipal staff and local organizations to advance urban and community forestry initiatives for the health and well-being of Connecticut residents!
- NVCOG will be attending Earth Day events in Ansonia and Woodbury. Stop by our booth to learn about the tree canopy assessment, open space, and other sustainable NVCOG projects!
Past Events:
- 3/18/26: Adopt a Tree Event: We headed to Wilby High School in Waterbury to hear from students about how street trees impact their daily lives and school grounds.
- 3/25/26: Regional Tree Canopy Assessment Lunch & Learn: We hosted a “Data Walk” for local officials and tree wardens to dive into the information and maps behind the project so NVCOG produces a report in the manner most useful to municipalities.
- 3/26/26: Urban Forestry & Public Health Fair: At the UConn Waterbury campus, NVCOG tabled at the event and spoke with students passing by about the vital link between a lush tree canopy and community wellness.
Stay Updated on Social Media
In addition to this website, NVCOG staff will keep you up-to-date regarding the project’s status and progress on NVCOG’s social media platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
