Benefits vs Costs of Urban Trees in Central Florida Case Study: Central Florida The U.S. Forest Service conducted a research project to determine benefits and costs of urban forests in Central Florida using Orlando, Florida field data and… Read More
Urban Natural Areas #1 – Disturbance II To determine the scale at which this non-equilibrium disturbance pattern is appropriate, Pickett and Thompson (1978) investigated what they termed the “minimum dynamic area” that could sustain the occurrence of natural… Read More
Disturbance and Urban Natural Areas The dominant paradigm of ecology through the 1970s was the equilibrium, “balance of nature” perspective. Ecosystems were thought to have a stable point equilibrium, a climax state, structurally and functionally complete and self-regulating…. Read More
Habitat fragmentation Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, contiguous areas of habitat are reduced in area and divided into two or more smaller units (Wilcove et al. 1986). The fragmented units are isolated from one another and embedded in… Read More
Conservation of Regional Biological Diversity Biological diversity refers to the diversity of all ecological hierarchies including genetics, populations, species, communities and ecosystems. It is important to include the spatial arrangements of each of these elements as well. The… Read More
Edge Effects on Habitat Habitat fragmentation leads to increased edge and shifts in microclimate along the edge. Edge influences several abiotic aspects of habitat including light, temperature, humidity, and wind (Schelhas and Greenberg 1996). Edge effects are moderated… Read More
In the video series, ‘Communities Benefit from Energy-Saving Trees’, University of Florida Extension Forester Robert Northrop discusses how trees create a sense of place; provide a comfortable environment to seek respite in our day-to-day lives; and how well-designed… Read More
Hurricane Pruning and Topping of Trees – Dangerous Myths ‘Hurricane pruning or trimming’ refers to the type of trimming that is often promoted by untrained tree workers who believe that by cleaning out the interior of the tree’s… Read More
A hurricane can cause large scale damage, quickly changing our backyards and communities. Homes and buildings may be damaged or destroyed, power lines down, and trees broken and torn. In the wake such change, people often experience a deep sense… Read More
This workshop, on March 20, 2018, 12:45 -4:00 pm, will discuss current legal issues and homeowner association disputes regarding FFL implementation. Strategies will be reviewed that homeowners and HOA board members can use when working together to install… Read More
