Increasing Tree Specie Diversity in Urban Environments

Tree diversity in the landscape as well as in the production nurseries makes good, logical sense.  From an urban forest perspective, tree diversity means increasing habitat and functionality of benefits from different members of the forest.  For a tree producer it means spreading risks associated with growing trees, be it disease, insects, consumer fancy, etc. over a greater selection of trees.  A series of workshop discussions on how to increase tree diversity in the urban environment as well as production nurseries will begin with this first workshop.  To attend please sign up by clicking on this link.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-tree-diversity-tickets-18462796722

  
ROOT CAUSES AND IMPLICATIONS OF LOW TREE DIVERSITY IN OUR URBAN FORESTS

Purpose: Identify strategies for addressing the problems associated with low urban tree diversity.

Workshop: Monday, September 28, 2015, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
University of Florida IFAS-Hillsborough County Extension
5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida 33584


10 – 10:20 a.m. Introduction to Urban Forest Diversity Project
                            and Risk to Ecosystem Services from Low Tree Diversity
Rob Northrop, Urban and Community Forester, UF IFAS Extension

10:20 - 11 a.m. Low Tree Species Diversity Leads to Greater Risk and Lower Resilience for Cities
Dr. Jason Smith, Forest Pathologist, UF IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation

11 – 11:40 a.m. Low Tree Species Diversity Leads to Greater Risk for Growers
Dr. Andrew Koeser, Arboriculture, UF IFAS Center of Landscape Ecology

11:40 – 12:45 p.m. Group Exercise (on-site only) -
                                   Identification of General Strategies for Increasing Tree Diversity

12:45 - 1:30 p.m.  Lunch - On Your Own

1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Panel Discussion regarding Identified General Strategies

2:15 - 2:30 p.m. Next Steps in the Urban Forest Diversity Project

Cold drinks and small snacks will be provided for onsite workshop participants.