Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Trees provide ecosystem services, improve our environment, and provide monetary benefits. SUNY Geneseo is undergoing construction, including planting new trees. SUNY Geneseo’s commitment to sustainability focuses on creating an ecologically, economically, and socially sound environment. These trees will add to the aesthetics of campus and improve ecosystem services. iTree Design simulates tree plantings, and models their benefits for a specified number of years both monetarily and as ecosystem benefits. Recently, 10Celtis occidentalis(hackberry),10Nyssa sylvatica(black tupelo),and 15Acer rubrum(red maple) were planted on campus. All trees measure 6.3 cm diameter at breast height (DBH), and have full sun exposure. Using iTree Design, we assessed their future contributions to canopy cover, avoiding stormwater runoff, air quality benefits, and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestered over the next 25 years. Hackberrieswill add $106 of value, reducing 6,502 L of runoff, 27 kg of pollutants, and 1,672 kg of CO2. Black tupelo will add $276 of value, removing 5,479 L of runoff, 19 kg of pollutants, and 4,898 kg of CO2. Red maples will add $785 of value, preventing 4,562 L of runoff, 21 kg of pollutants, 15,025 kg of CO2. Native trees are essential for ecosystem function, serving as host plants for Lepidoptera larvae, which are food for fledgling songbirds. These ecological benefits will be compared to an equal number of non-native species already growing on campus. Ecosystem service evaluations can provide evidence of benefits of investing in native trees.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Abigail, "202-Comparing Ecosystem Services of Native and Non-Native Trees on SUNY Geneseo’s Campus" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 54.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/54
202-Comparing Ecosystem Services of Native and Non-Native Trees on SUNY Geneseo’s Campus
Trees provide ecosystem services, improve our environment, and provide monetary benefits. SUNY Geneseo is undergoing construction, including planting new trees. SUNY Geneseo’s commitment to sustainability focuses on creating an ecologically, economically, and socially sound environment. These trees will add to the aesthetics of campus and improve ecosystem services. iTree Design simulates tree plantings, and models their benefits for a specified number of years both monetarily and as ecosystem benefits. Recently, 10Celtis occidentalis(hackberry),10Nyssa sylvatica(black tupelo),and 15Acer rubrum(red maple) were planted on campus. All trees measure 6.3 cm diameter at breast height (DBH), and have full sun exposure. Using iTree Design, we assessed their future contributions to canopy cover, avoiding stormwater runoff, air quality benefits, and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestered over the next 25 years. Hackberrieswill add $106 of value, reducing 6,502 L of runoff, 27 kg of pollutants, and 1,672 kg of CO2. Black tupelo will add $276 of value, removing 5,479 L of runoff, 19 kg of pollutants, and 4,898 kg of CO2. Red maples will add $785 of value, preventing 4,562 L of runoff, 21 kg of pollutants, 15,025 kg of CO2. Native trees are essential for ecosystem function, serving as host plants for Lepidoptera larvae, which are food for fledgling songbirds. These ecological benefits will be compared to an equal number of non-native species already growing on campus. Ecosystem service evaluations can provide evidence of benefits of investing in native trees.