This presentation will describe how diverse individuals in local contexts often use heritage narratives, or selective representations of their communities' histories and character, to develop responses to current environmental challenges in their communities, often subconsciously. Examples this talk will cover include how heritage narratives led to resistance of residents in Detroit, Michigan to a street tree-planting program conducted by a non-profit organization that aimed to mitigate urban heat island effects. Dr. Carmichael will also describe her new research at UVM investigating how heritage narratives may influence responses of Vermonters and Detroit residents to health impacts associated with global and local changes in temperature and precipitation trends, as well as extreme weather events.