Ecosystem services of urban trees and the impacts of urbanization

Authors

Jorge E. Cantu, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

8-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Alexis E. Racelis

Second Advisor

Dr. Frank J. Dirrigl

Third Advisor

Dr. Kenneth R. Summy

Abstract

The University of Texas- Pan American has conducted a complete survey of campus trees in partial fulfillment of the requirements for membership in the International Society of Arboriculture Designation of Tree Campus USA. This tree inventory was accomplished with the help of students whom were trained by faculty and foresters. Other than the completion of the tree inventory, this thesis had two main goals; 1) valuate the ecosystem services provided by campus trees 2) create a unique service learning project that other institutions can model. According to our calculations, the trees on campus have sequestered 568,652 kg of CO2, avoided 749.114 m3 /year of water, saved 25,152.2 kWh in energy savings and sequestered 992,229 g of airborne particulates. The students involved in the tree inventory showed strong initiative as well as an increased amount of pride in their work over the course of the semesters. This method showed transformational results and is encouraged by other institutions.

Comments

Copyright 2015 Jorge E. Cantu. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/ecosystem-services-urban-trees-impacts/docview/1729512477/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American