2010 Annual Meeting

Agenda

Presentations

State Urban Forest Assessments
Dr. David Nowak, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

State urban forest assessments have been completed for the lower 48 states based on U.S. Census data and National Land Cover Data (NLCD) cover maps. In addition, some states have been assessed based on field data as part of a pilot project testing the expansion of current Forest Service Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots into urban areas. This presentation discusses these state urban forest assessment projects and how states can use existing or new tree cover data to improve state or local assessments.

i-Tree: Using Technology to Tell the Story of the Value of Community Trees
Dr. Scott Maco, The Davey Tree Expert Company

This presentation focuses on how communities across North America are successfully using i-Tree to assess, advocate, and make decisions that impact how their urban forest is managed. An introduction to i-Tree as a tool for telling the story of the value of community trees will be provided, followed by examples of ways i-Tree is being used in communities of differing size, experience and resources—and what makes them successful.

Do Trees Grow Academic Achievement?
Dr. Ming Kuo, University of Illinois

Dr. Ming (Frances) Kuo, Director of the Landscape and Human Health Lab at the University of Illinois, presented exciting new findings from a ten-year study of Chicago schoolyards. They used aerial photos to assess the greenness of schoolyards and predict standardized test performance.  In addition, they followed standardized test performance in students and schools over time - before and after schoolyard greening.  The study involved over 400 schools, over half a million children, and almost 2 million standardized test scores - the same test scores used to assess eligibility for federal funding under No Child Left Behind. 

Urban Forestry and Public Health
Dr. William Sullivan, University of Illinois

Dr. Sullivan discussed how his research demonstrates that urban forests have profound impacts on individuals, families, and communities - arguing that we need nature at every doorstep.  He discussed long term challenges and potential solutions.