Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:University Graduate and Undergraduate Students University officials Scientists, professionals, decision-makers, and others interested in impacts of urban forest management Volunteers and interested public Community, such as Elementary students Changes/Problems:Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. In order to accomplish this we compared tree species and perennial vegetation for use under utility lines and riparian buffers. The goal was to address issues related to the difficulties establishing riparian buffers by examining tree species that are well suited for both buffers and placement under utility lines. Plots were to be established at VSU's Farm along the Appomattox River, and two rural sites off campus and two urban municipalities in Southside Virginia. However, Virginia Code § 59.1-406 prevents planting near transmission lines. We could not obtain permission to do the plantings near the lines, so we had to opt for another location that did not have a natural slope. One benefit of this issue is that the site had compacted construction soil which is very similar to what is found along the streets of most municipalities. There were also issues with obtaining the off campus sites so we focused our efforts on the one plot. We established a site with two-year old transplants of one of the following 4 species that will be spring-planted: Chaste Tree, Wax Myrtle Redbud, southern Magnolia, and Amur Maple. A total of 4 treatments will be maintained for two years, as follows: native vegetation, bare ground (glyphosate at label rate), native vegetation suppressed with sub-lethal rate of glyphosate, and mowed, using a randomized complete block design with a total of 5 replications and a total of 80 plots. We collected plant growth data twice each year, to include height and stem diameter, total root and shoot biomass, c-value, and photosynthesis. Other data was to include run-off data, however the site didn't have any slope so we created artificial sloped areas in the center of each plot and used storm water collection bottles. However this did not work very well, so we only collected growth data. We have not added any amendments nor do we irrigate the site. Every species with the exception of Carpinus (Hornbeam) has continued to thrive. We will continue to utilize these plots to examine other species, as well as other social and environmental issues related to rural and urban municipalities such as heat islands, green infrastructure blending, and carbon sequestering. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Undergraduate students in agriculture, biology, and other departments worked as a team, in developing VSU's inventory of the trees on the campus and its surrounding areas. Engaging students (undergraduates and graduates) in preparing Tree Inventory of the VSU campus trees with information on trees' characteristics (height, breadth of the trunk and canopy), species names, and location. Entering data collected on campus trees into i-Tree echo and ArcGIS, and preparing maps of the study sites by using ArcGIS. Intern-graduate student Randolph-Macon College assisted with data collection Master Gardeners advance training (Henrico Co) Lewis Ginter tree symposium Lewis Ginter Urban tree planning classes Woody plan selection and care Richmond Master Gardeners Envirothon regional training How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Students and community members have been engaged in urban water quality, and land classification activities. Students have been engaged in activities through courses. We have presented posters at meetings of scientists/researchers, which describes our work and generates more interest. We gave presentations to groups of "multipliers" such as Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs, etc. about tree values and proper care. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Now that the program has been established we will continue engaging students and the community in urban water quality and land classification activities and expand the research.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component 1: Teaching improvement at the baccalaureate degree-level by 1) Establishing a core group of faculty and staff proficient in urban forestry issues. Campus Facilities and contractors remain fully engaged in various aspects of urban forest management. VSU Faculty and Staff organized and attended various training sessions and conferences: Land use classification, urban tree inventory and evaluation, Hired graduate student as assistant Hired Urban Forestry technician Collaborated with campus Facilities on maintenance and management Applied and received and maintained designation as a Tree Campus USA. Engage approximately 100 and growing, students, faculty and community members each year through classes and various campus events in tree inventory, urban water quality, and land classification. Regularly participate with other groups such Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs In collaboration with campus Police and Facilities conducted a test-of-concept research on the effect of tree cover on crime on Virginia public university campuses. We found a significant negative correlation between tree cover and crime (more trees = less crime) Maintained water quality monitoring of storm water management systems on campus Collaborated with facilities to improve storm water management 2) Developing a set of future leaders in urban forest management. Created and added to course catalog new minor program in Natural Resource Management Added to course catalog new courses: PLSC 345 Arboriculture and PLSC 452 Urban Natural Resource Management Deactivated PLSC 450 Introduction to Forestry and replaced with PLSC 250 Introduction to Natural Resources and Forestry Continued integration of Urban Agriculture hands-on activities in courses, Principles of GIS (AGRI 280) and Climate Change (AGRI 350) in the Department of Agriculture; Component 2: Applied Research 3) Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Maintaining plots -effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Collecting water samples and analyzing data Utilizing i-tree inventory to conduct eco services reports Installing eco services tags on campus with QR-code survey Expanding understanding of social perceptions and socio-economic effects of trees in communities. Worked with facilities to complete a day of service completed (becoming an annual event). Virginia State University maintained designation Tree Campus USA March 2015. Component 3: Natural Resources and Community Development Extension 5) Developing awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and proper management of trees in urban and community environments. Held a training session for VSU Faculty and on land use classification using satellite imagery. Held training session for VSU Faculty and Students on ERDAS land use classification. Held training workshop for VSU Faculty and Staff and urban forestry professionals (including municipal and private arborists) on the use of iTree urban forest inventory and evaluation tools. Lectures Master Gardeners advance training (Henrico Co) Lewis Ginter tree symposium Lewis Ginter Urban tree planning classes Woody plan selection and care Richmond Master Gardeners Virginia Turf Grass Council Envirothon regional training Urban Orchards Richmond Community Garden Series Outreach State Fair booth Virginia Turf Grass booth Project Plant It Arbor day celebration interactive booth (youth) Lewis Ginter annual spring plant sale booth Service Virginia Nursery Landscape Association-upgrading training manual Tide-Water Virginia Cooperative Extension tree stewards revising training manual. Hosted tree worker exam MAC ISA-VSU Randolph Farm Advise Wilcox Watershed Conservancy on tree matters Blog for Lewis Ginter on Ice melt salt damage to trees and woody plants Blog for Lewis Ginter on woody plants and water requirement Blog for Lewis Ginter, woody plant phenology and the three live stages of woody plants and their characteristics. Hosted State Envirothon 6) Facilitating urban planning processes. Training for urban forestry professionals on tree inventory and evaluation Training for facilities personnel on proper tree planting.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Frey, G. and Comer, M. (2013). Reaching out to traditionally underserved small forest landowners: Survey results. Joint Council of Extension Professionals Galax IV Conference; 16-20 Sept 2013; Pittsburgh, PA. Conference presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Frey, G., Comer, M., and Catanzaro, C. (2013). Creation of a Program for Forestry and Natural Resources at a Historically Black University. At: The Future of Diversity in Our Disciplines and Careers: Natural Resources and the Environment; June 19-21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA. Conference presentation
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Shaundra Cook and S. Sriharan, (2013). Mapping of land cover and receding glaciers around Fairbanks at the Research Conference of Minority Acess, Inc., Washington, D.C.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Baker, A. and Frey, G. (2014). Virginia State Campus Tree Inventory: An ecological assessment of the trees on VSU campus. At: 92nd Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science; May 14-16, 2014; Richmond, VA. Poster presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Catanzaro, C., Frey, G., and Comer, M. (2013). Creation of an Integrated Forestry and Natural Resource Program at an 1890 Land Grant University. 59th Annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference; June 25-28, 2013; Blacksburg, VA. Poster presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Siebenhaar, A. and Frey, G. (2014). Tree Cover and Crime on Virginia Public University Campuses. At: VSU Graduate Research Symposium; April 2, 2014; Petersburg, VA. Poster presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Jackson, L, Sriharan, S, Koci, J. (2016) Studies on Water Quality Monitoring and Physical Characteristics of Urban Trees Along the Appomattox and James Rivers Nation Capitol Region Water Resource. University of the District of Columbia (poster)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Walker T., Koci J. A., & Comer M, (2016) importance of woody vegetation cover for the reduction of stream / river pollution. MANNRS National Conference Jacksonville FL.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Koci, J (2016) Virginia Forests summer 2016 Vol LXXII, NO 2.
|
Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:University Graduate and Undergraduate Students University officials Scientists, professionals, decision-makers, and others interested in impacts of urban forest management Volunteers and interested public Community, such as Elementary students Changes/Problems:Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. In order to accomplish this we compared tree species and perennial vegetation for use under utility lines and riparian buffers. The goal was to address issues related to the difficulties establishing riparian buffers by examining tree species that are well suited for both buffers and placement under utility lines. Plots were to be established at VSU's Farm along the Appomattox River, and two rural sites off campus and two urban municipalities in Southside Virginia. However, Virginia Code § 59.1-406 prevents planting near transmission lines. We could not obtain permission to do the plantings near the lines, so we had to opt for another location that did not have a natural slope. One benefit of this issue is that the site had compacted construction soil which is very similar to what is found along the streets of most municipalities.There were also issues with obtaining the off campus sites so we focused our efforts on the one plot. We established a site with two-year old transplants of one of the following 4 species that will be spring-planted: Chaste Tree, Wax Myrtle Redbud, southern Magnolia, and Amur Maple. A total of 4 treatments will be maintained for two years, as follows: native vegetation, bare ground (glyphosate at label rate), native vegetation suppressed with sub-lethal rate of glyphosate, and mowed, using a randomized complete block design with a total of 5 replications and a total of 80 plots. We collected plant growth data twice each year, to include height and stem diameter, total root and shoot biomass, c-value, and photosynthesis. Other data was to include run-off data, however the site didn't have any slope so we created artificial sloped areas in the center of each plot and used storm water collection bottles. However this did not work very well, so we only collected growth data. We have not added any amendments nor do we irrigate the site. Every species with the exception of Carpinus (Hornbeam) has continued to thrive. We will continue to utilize these plots to examine other species, as well as other social and environmental issues related to rural and urban municipalities such as heat islands, green infrastructure blending, and carbon sequestering. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. Undergraduate students in agriculture, biology, and other departments worked as a team, in developing VSU's inventory of the trees on the campus and its surrounding areas. 2. Engaging students (undergraduates and graduates) in preparing Tree Inventory of the VSU campus trees with information on trees' characteristics (height, breadth of the trunk and canopy), species names, and location. Entering data collected on campus trees into i-Tree echo and ArcGIS, and preparing maps of the study sites by using ArcGIS. 3. Intern-graduate student Randolph-Macon College assisted with data collection 4. Master Gardeners advance training (Henrico Co) 5. Lewis Ginter tree symposium 6. Lewis Ginter Urban tree planning classes 7. Woody plan selection and care Richmond Master Gardeners 8. Envirothon regional training How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?• Students and community members have been engaged in urban water quality, and land classification activities. • Students have been engaged in activities through courses. • We have presented posters at meetings of scientists/researchers, which describes our work and generates more interest. • We gave presentations to groups of "multipliers" such as Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs, etc. about tree values and proper care. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Now that the program has been established we will continue engaging students and the community in urban water quality and land classification activities and expand the research.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component 1: Teaching improvement at the baccalaureate degree-level by 1) Establishing a core group of faculty and staff proficient in urban forestry issues. Campus Facilities and contractors remain fully engaged in various aspects of urban forest management. VSU Faculty and Staff organized and attended various training sessions and conferences: Land use classification, urban tree inventory and evaluation, • Hired graduate student as assistant • Hired Urban Forestry technician • Collaborated with campus Facilities on maintenance and management • Applied and received and maintained designation as a Tree Campus USA. • Engage approximately 100 and growing, students, faculty and community members each year through classes and various campus events in tree inventory, urban water quality, and land classification. • Regularly participate with other groups such Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs • In collaboration with campus Police and Facilities conducted a test-of-concept research on the effect of tree cover on crime on Virginia public university campuses. We found a significant negative correlation between tree cover and crime (more trees = less crime) • Maintained water quality monitoring of storm water management systems on campus • Collaborated with facilities to improve storm water management 2) Developing a set of future leaders in urban forest management. Created and added to course catalog new minor program in Natural Resource Management • Added to course catalog new courses: PLSC 345 Arboriculture and PLSC 452 Urban Natural Resource Management • Deactivated PLSC 450 Introduction to Forestry and replaced with PLSC 250 Introduction to Natural Resources and Forestry • Continued integration of Urban Agriculture hands-on activities in courses, Principles of GIS (AGRI 280) and Climate Change (AGRI 350) in the Department of Agriculture; Component 2: Applied Research 3) Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. 1. Maintaining plots -effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. 2. Collecting water samples and analyzing data 3. Utilizing i-tree inventory to conduct eco services reports 4. Installing eco services tags on campus with QR-code survey 5. Expanding understanding of social perceptions and socio-economic effects of trees in communities. 1. Worked with facilities to complete a day of service completed (becoming an annual event). 2. Virginia State University maintained designation Tree Campus USA March 2015. Component 3: Natural Resources and Community Development Extension 5) Developing awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and proper management of trees in urban and community environments. • Held a training session for VSU Faculty and on land use classification using satellite imagery. • Held training session for VSU Faculty and Students on ERDAS land use classification. • Held training workshop for VSU Faculty and Staff and urban forestry professionals (including municipal and private arborists) on the use of iTree urban forest inventory and evaluation tools. Lectures • Master Gardeners advance training (Henrico Co) • Lewis Ginter tree symposium • Lewis Ginter Urban tree planning classes • Woody plan selection and care Richmond Master Gardeners • Virginia Turf Grass Council • Envirothon regional training • Urban Orchards Richmond Community Garden Series Outreach • State Fair booth • Virginia Turf Grass booth • Project Plant It Arbor day celebration interactive booth (youth) • Lewis Ginter annual spring plant sale booth Service • Virginia Nursery Landscape Association-upgrading training manual • Tide-Water Virginia Cooperative Extension tree stewards revising training manual. • Hosted tree worker exam MAC ISA-VSU Randolph Farm • Advise Wilcox Watershed Conservancy on tree matters • Blog for Lewis Ginter on Ice melt salt damage to trees and woody plants • Blog for Lewis Ginter on woody plants and water requirement • Blog for Lewis Ginter, woody plant phenology and the three live stages of woody plants and their characteristics. • Hosted State Envirothon 6) Facilitating urban planning processes. • Training for urban forestry professionals on tree inventory and evaluation • Training for facilities personnel on proper tree planting.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:University Graduate and Undergraduate Students University officials Scientists, professionals, decision-makers, and others interested in impacts of urban forest management Volunteers and interested public Community, such as Elementary students Changes/Problems:The "Effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas" plots are behind the planned schedule of data collection, due to lack of staffing. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Undergraduate students in agriculture, biology, and other departments worked as a team, in developing VSU's inventory of the trees on the campus and its surrounding areas. Engaging students (undergraduates and graduates) in preparing Tree Inventory of the VSU campus trees with information on trees' characteristics (height, breadth of the trunk and canopy), species names, and location. Entering data collected on campus trees into i-Tree echo and ArcGIS, and preparing maps of the study sites by using ArcGIS. Intern-graduate student Randolph-Macon College assisted with data collection How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Students and community members have been engaged in urban water quality, and land classification activities. Students have been engaged in activities through courses. We have presented posters at meetings of scientists/researchers, which describes our work and generates more interest. We gave presentations to groups of "multipliers" such as Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs, etc. about tree values and proper care. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Recruit students for Natural Resource minor through events and media. Teach classes related to minor. Contact surrounding localities about tree inventories and land use classification via remote sensing imagery. Continue socio-economic research. Conduct workshops and demonstrations on campus. Draft and publish Extension Publications. To enrich the Natural Resources/Forestry course with hands-on activities in the laboratory and field by adopting course materials from 1862 Land-Grant Universities. To provide hands-on activities to students by engaging them in collecting data (physical characteristics) on the urban trees around bigger cities and nearby parks, mapping the trees into ArcGIS. To plan and develop hands-on activities on application of geospatial techniques such as GIS (using software ArcGIS) and remote sensing (using software Erdas) in teaching the course on Natural Resources/Forestry To engage students in GIS, Natural resources, Climate Change, and Independent Study in conducting independent projects with focus on urban trees. To disseminate and present the outcomes of the project activities at the conferences and meetings by the students and faculty members.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component 1: Teaching improvement at the baccalaureate degree-level by 1) Establishing a core group of faculty and staff proficient in urban forestry issues. Campus Facilities and contractors remain fully engaged in various aspects of urban forest management. 2) Developing a set of future leaders in urban forest management. Continued integration of Urban Agriculture hands-on activities in courses, Principles of GIS (AGRI 280) and Climate Change (AGRI 350) in the Department of Agriculture; Component 2: Applied Research 3) Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Maintaining plots -effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Collecting water samples and analyzing data Utilizing i-tree inventory to conduct eco services reports Installing eco services tags on campus with QR-code survey Expanding understanding of social perceptions and socio-economic effects of trees in communities. Worked with facilities to complete a day of service completed (becoming an annual event). Virginia State University maintained designation Tree Campus USA March 2015. Component 3: Natural Resources and Community Development Extension 5) Developing awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and proper management of trees in urban and community environments. Lectures Master Gardeners advance training (Henrico County) Lewis Ginter tree symposium Lewis Ginter Urban tree planning classes Woody plan selection and care Richmond Master Gardeners Virginia Turf Grass Council Envirothon regional training Urban Orchards Richmond Community Garden Series Outreach State Fair booth Virginia Turf Grass booth Project Plant It Arbor day celebration interactive booth (youth) Lewis Ginter annual spring plant sale booth Service Virginia Nursery Landscape Association-upgrading training manual Tide-Water Virginia Cooperative Extension tree stewards revising training manual. Hosted tree worker exam MAC ISA-VSU Randolph Farm Advise Wilcox Watershed Conservancy on tree matters Blog for Lewis Ginter on Ice melt salt damage to trees and woody plants Blog for Lewis Ginter on woody plants and water requirement Blog for Lewis Ginter, woody plant phenology and the three live stages of woody plants and their characteristics.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Jackson, L, Sriharan, S, Koci, J. (2016) Studies on Water Quality Monitoring and Physical Characteristics of Urban Trees Along the Appomattox and James Rivers Nation Capitol Region Water Resource. University of the District of Columbia (poster)
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Koci, J (2016) Virginia Forests summer 2016 Vol LXXII, NO 2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Walker T., Koci J. A., & Comer M, (2016) importance of woody vegetation cover for the reduction of stream / river pollution. MANNRS National Conference Jacksonville FL.
|
Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Virginia State University Faulty and Staff Virginia State University Students Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, Staff, and Master Volunteers Partner Organizations - Regional Universities (Virginia Tech, North Carolina State University, West Virginia University, University of Maryland); Federal Agencies (USDA NRCS and Forest Service); State Agencies (VA Dept of Forestry) Private and Municipal Arborists and Planners - from Richmond/Central VA region, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads Changes/Problems:The "Effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas" plots are behind the planned schedule of data collection, due to loss of some of the stock and loss of summer staffing. However both trees and staff have been replaced and data collection has resumed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Undergraduate students in agriculture, biology, and other departments worked as a team, in developing VSU's inventory of the trees on the campus and its surrounding areas. Engaging students (undergraduates and graduates) in preparing Tree Inventory of the VSU campus trees with information on trees' characteristics (height, breadth of the trunk and canopy), species names, and location. Entering data collected on campus trees into i-Tree echo and ArcGIS, and preparing maps of the study sites by using ArcGIS. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?VSU Faculty and Staff is one community of interest and they have been invited to the training sessions described above, and our core group is working to educate about urban natural resource management by word-of-mouth. Students have presented at two professional meetings. Faculty and staff have conducted several trainings and demostrations. We have informally contacted Partner Organizations, and have planned some future collaborations and projects. Private and Municipal Arborists and Planners have been invited to the iTree inventory and evaluation workshop, and some contacted informally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Recruit students for Natural Resource minor through events and media. Teach classes related to minor. Hire Urban Forestry Research and Extension Associate. Establish site for water quality/utility line tree research. Contact surrounding localities about tree inventories and land use classification via remote sensing imagery. Continue socio-economic research. Conduct workshops and demonstrations on campus. Draft and publish Extension Publications. To enrich the Natural Resources/Forestry course with hands-on activities in the laboratory and field by adopting course materials from 1862 Land-Grant Universities. To provide hands-on activities to students by engaging them in collecting data (physical characteristics) on the urban trees around bigger cities and nearby parks, mapping the trees into ArcGIS. To collect GPS data of the healthy and unhealthy trees at VSU Campus and Randolph Farm. To map the location of the above-mentioned trees by ArcGIS To incorporate the information of the above-mentioned into i-Tree echo To plan and develop hands-on activities on application of geospatial techniques such as GIS (using software ArcGIS) and remote sensing (using software Erdas) in teaching the course on Natural Resources/Forestry To engage students in GIS, Natural resources, Climate Change, and Independent Study in conducting independent projects with focus on urban trees. To disseminate and present the outcomes of the project activities at the conferences and meetings by the students and faculty members.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component 1: Teaching improvement at the baccalaureate degree-level by 1) Establishing a core group of faculty and staff proficient in urban forestry issues. We have approximately 10 Faculty who have shown interest and become engaged in various aspects of urban forest management. We have hired two technicians for various projects. We have engaged campus Facilities and contractors about tree maintenance and management and are partnering on a Tree Campus USA application 2) Developing a set of future leaders in urban forest management. Integrating Urban Agriculture hands-on activities in teaching of the courses, Principles of GIS (AGRI 280) and Climate Change (AGRI 350) in the Department of Agriculture; Component 2: Applied Research 3) Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Maintaining plots -effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. Completed i-tree inventory 4) Expanding understanding of social perceptions and socio-economic effects of trees in communities. Training on tree care techniques Virginia State University designated Tree Campus USA March 2014. Component 3: Natural Resources and Community Development Extension 5) Developing awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and proper management of trees in urban and community environments. Training selecting good nursery stock Training on tree installation and maintenance. Training on Tree Smarts program. Training on biotic and abiotic disorders of woody plants. Radio interview
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Sriharan, S., Ozbay, G., and Fan, C., 2015. Climate Change Science Teaching through Integration of Technology in Instruction and Research, 2015 Annual Meeting of Geophysical Union, December 14-18, 2015.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Sriharan, S., Robinson, L., Ghariban, N., Comer, M., and Frey, G. 2015. Enrichment of Environmental Science and Climate Change Education through Urban Forest Tree Inventory at the Annual Meeting of the American Environmental Science and Studies, June 24-28, 2015, San Diego, California.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Williams, M., Jackson, L., Sriharan, S., Comer, M., and Frey, G. 2015. Tree Inventory for Sustainable Urban Tree Program by Using I-Tree and Geographic Information System at the Emerging Researchers National Conference, February 19-22, 2015, Washington, D.C.
|
Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: University Graduate and Undergraduate Students University officials Scientists, professionals, decision-makers,and others interested in impacts of urban forest management Volunteers and interested public Community, such as Elementary students Changes/Problems: PI Dr. Gregory Frey will be leaving VSU. Dr. Marcus Comer will become PI. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Summer Workshop on GIS and GPS in Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2013. She gained experience in the use of SimCLIM software for studies on climate change and land cover detection which included Forest Trees around Fairbanks, collection and preservation of leaves and flowers of trees (including Forest Trees). Interactions/Training Students in Common Techniques used for Urban Forestry/Natural Resources and Water Quality Monitoring Objectives: To survey the quality of the Appomattox River above and below the Chesdin Dam that follows into the James River and map the land cover at the study sites. Data was collected on the geographical location of the study sites which included information on the direction of river flow, urban forest trees and vegetation, land features such as roads, and constructed features, and water. The water quality monitoring was conducted on the following parameters: Dissolved Oxygen, Ammonia, pH, Turbidity, Salinity, Nitrates, and Phosphates. A senior, Ms. Shaundra Cook, worked on the impact of climate change on receding of glaciers in Alaska. Shaundra participated in Summer Research Experience at the Institute of Geophysical Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). She received guidance from Dr. Sriharan and Dr. Anupma Prakash (Professor of Geoscience, UAF) for using remote sensing techniques for classification of land cover and glaciers around Anchorage, Alaska. The land cover mapping included forest trees and vegetation. Shaundra also undertook another research project on the urban trees around Fairbanks City, Alaska. She collected the GPS points at the urban housing (subdivisions inside and outside the city), streams, roads, UAF campus, and highway passing through the city. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have engaged 23 students in Natural Resources and Forestry courses. We have engaged 20 students in tree inventory, urban water quality, and land classification activities. We have presented posters at meetings of scientists/researchers, which describes our work and generates more interest. We gave presentations to groups of "multipliers" such as Master Garderners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs, etc. about tree values and proper care. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Will publish Fact Sheets via Virginia Cooperative Extension. Will engage surrounding municipalities regarding volunteer groups and improved management projects. Will seek to obtain Tree Campus USA certification. Will offer courses on Intro to Nat Res and Forestry, Urban Nat Res Mgt, and Arboriculture. Will seek to enroll students in NRM minor.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Urban trees provide important economic and social benefits to communities. These include such things as improved water flow and quality, cleaner air, and energy conservation, among many others. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the true value of these benefits and decision-makers do not take them into account when considering public ordinances, budgets, educational programs, etc.\ Our project has had success so far in broadening the number of Faculty and Staff interested and involved in urban forestry issues, beginning a campus dialogue about urban forest management and improvement, connecting to other off-campus organizations to form partnerships, involving students in urban forestry projects. The major impact of these activities so far will be to expand knowledge and dialogue about the values of urban trees at VSU and surrounding communities, thereby improving management and benefits to society. Specifically (numbers refer to objectives from proposal): 1. We have approximately 10 Faculty who have shown interest and become engaged in various aspects of urban forest management. We have hired two technicians for various projects. We have engaged campus Facilities and contractors about tree maintenance and management and are partnering on a Tree Campus USA application. 2. We have engaged 23 students in Natural Resources and Forestry courses. We have engaged 20 students in tree inventory, urban water quality, and land classification activities. 3. We have established a water quality monitoring plot with tree species that are adapted to urban/utility line settings. 4. We conducted a test-of-concept research on the effect of tree cover on crime on Virginia public university campuses. We found a significant negative correlation betweem tree cover and crime (more trees = less crime). 5. We reached out to groups of "multipliers" such as Master Garderners, Master Naturalists, horticulture clubs, etc. about tree values and proper care. 6. Nothing to report.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Siebenhaar, A. and Frey, G. 2014. Tree Cover and Crime on Virginia Public University Campuses. At: VSU Graduate Research Symposium; April 2, 2014; Petersburg, VA. Poster presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Frey, G. and Comer, M. 2013. Reaching out to traditionally underserved small forest landowners: Survey results. Joint Council of Extension Professionals Galax IV Conference; 16-20 Sept 2013; Pittsburgh, PA. Conference presentation.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Shaundra Cook and S. Sriharan, 2013. Mapping of land cover and receding glaciers around Fairbanks at the Research Conference of Minority Acess, Inc., Washington, D.C.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Baker, A. and Frey, G. 2014. Virginia State Campus Tree Inventory: An ecological assessment of the trees on VSU campus. At: 92nd Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science; May 14-16, 2014; Richmond, VA. Poster presentation.
|
Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Virginia State University Faulty and Staff Virginia State University Students Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, Staff, and Master Volunteers Partner Organizations - Regional Universities (Virginia Tech, North Carolina State University, West Virginia University, University of Maryland); Federal Agencies (USDA NRCS and Forest Service); State Agencies (VA Dept of Forestry) Private and Municipal Arborists and Planners - from Richmond/Central VA region, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads Changes/Problems: Slightly modified proposed minor program from Urban Forest Management to Natural Resource Management. The reason is that assessment of sutdent demand led us to believe that a broader field would attract a greater number of students and would be more sustainable. Still, there is a strong urban component, and we believe that students interested in urban forest management would find enough courses in the minor to make them competitive for those types of jobs. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training session for VSU Faculty and Students by Dr. Stacy Nelson (NC State Univ) on land use classification using satellite imagery (29-31 May; 6 participants) Training session for VSU Faculty and Students by Dr. Reginald Fletcher (USDA) on ERDAS land use classification (15-17 July) Training workshop for VSU Faculty and Staff and urban forestry professionals (including municipal and private arborists) on the use of iTree urban forest inventory and evaluation tools (Oct 8, 26 participants) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? VSU Faculty and Staff is one community of interest and they have been invited to the training sessions described above, and our core group is working to educate about urban natural resource management by word-of-mouth. In this first year, VSU students have been contacted by mostly informal means; broader dissemination is planned for year 2. Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents and Staff have been contacted informally. Training sessions have included Master Gardener Volunteers (see above). We have informally contacted Partner Organizations, and have planned some future collaborations and projects. Private and Municipal Arborists and Planners have been invited to the iTree inventory and evaluation workshop, and some contacted informally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Recruit students for Natural Resource minor through events and media. Teach classes related to minor. Hire Urban Forestry Research and Extension Associate. Establish site for water quality/utility line tree resarch. Finalize VSU campus tree inventory Contact surrounding localities about tree inventories and land use classification via remote sensing imagery. Continue socio-economic research. Conduct workshops and demonstrations on campus. Draft and publish Extension Publications.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component 1: Teaching improvement at the baccalaureate degree-level by 1) Establishing a core group of faculty and staff proficient in urban forestry issues. - VSU Faculty and Staff organized and attended various training sessions and conferences: Land use classification, Urban tree inventory and evaluation, - Hired graduate student as assistant - Began process to hire Urban Forestry technician 2) Developing a set of future leaders in urban forest management. - Created and added to course catalog new minor program in Natural Resource Management - Added to course catalog new courses: PLSC 345 Arboriculture and PLSC 452 Urban Natural Resource Management - Deactivated PLSC 450 Introduction to Forestry and replaced with PLSC 250 Introduction to Natural Resources and Forestry Component 2: Applied Research 3) Determining effective management regimes for utility tree species in riparian areas. - Literature review. - Site identified and awaiting approval. - VSU campus tree inventory begun. 4) Expanding understanding of social perceptions and socio-economic effects of trees in communities. - Literature review. - Training on land use classification for research. Component 3: Natural Resources and Community Development Extension 5) Developing awareness among stakeholders about the benefits and proper management of trees in urban and community environments. - 2 classes for VA Master Gardeners on Selection, Use, and Care of Trees 6) Facilitating urban planning processes. - Training for urban forestry professionals on tree inventory and evaluation.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Catanzaro, C., Frey, G., and Comer, M. 2013. Creation of an Integrated Forestry and Natural Resource Program at an 1890 Land Grant University. 59th Annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference; June 25-28, 2013; Blacksburg, VA. Poster presentation.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Frey, G., Comer, M., and Catanzaro, C. 2013. Creation of a Program for Forestry and Natural Resources at a Historically Black University. At: The Future of Diversity in Our Disciplines and Careers: Natural Resources and the Environment; June 19-21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA. Conference presentation
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