Community Voices
Engaging the community through our work.
Engaging the community through our work.
We interviewed 300+ community members for this project. Here are some notable quotes.
"I wait for the bus here almost every day. In the summer, there’s nowhere to stand that isn’t burning. Even five minutes of shade would make a difference.”
— Maria Alvarez, Hotel Housekeeper & Daily Bus Rider
“I walk my granddaughter to school in the mornings. Some blocks are fine, but others feel dangerous once the sun is up. We plan our route around the few trees we know.”
— James Whitaker, Retired Veteran & Caregiver
“From above, the map says there’s shade here. But when you’re actually on the sidewalk, there’s nothing. That’s where student fieldwork really matters.”
— Elena Park, City of Las Vegas Municipal Urban Forester
“When it’s over 100 degrees, I don’t let my kids walk certain streets anymore. It’s not about distance it’s about exposure.”
— Aisha Johnson, Parent & Community Advocate
“The students [us[ didn’t just bring maps they brought stories. That combination makes their recommendations much stronger than data alone.”
— Angela Kim, Urban Planning Consultant
Shared experiences of waiting at sun-exposed bus stops or walking children to school along unshaded sidewalks
Highlighted long stretches of heat exposure that maps alone could not capture
Contributed suggestions for realistic planting locations, such as along heavily used walking paths and near bus stops
These voices ensured that student recommendations reflected lived experiences, not just GIS data.