Urban Wood Update
Associated Project(s):
The October 2021 edition of the Urban Wood Update is attached:
https://d38rqs2egh08o4.cloudfront.net/browser_preview/rCqb45L8Z6_jn6oC
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Projects Updates for Tree Campus Higher Education
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Campus Tree Advisory Committee: September 2021 meeting notes
Associated Project(s):Attached are the notes from the September meeting for the Campus Tree Advisory Committee.
Attached Files:2021 Recognition from Tree Campus Higher Education
Associated Project(s):Attached is a letter from the president of the Arbor Day Foundation congratulating our campus for once again receiving recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution.
Attached Files:City of Urbana Sustainability Advisory Commission September 2021 meeting
Associated Project(s):Scott Tess, at the City of Urbana presented the results of an analysis of tree canopy as it related to environmental justice at the Sustainability Advisory Commission meeting for the City of Urbana. Follow the link below for the results!
https://www.urbanaillinois.us/node/9608
Updated list of sustainability projects that need YOU!!!
Associated Project(s):This is a list of projects that need students to work on. It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 8/30/21:
- The campus MS4 stormwater permit currently has 49 Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have to be completed annually https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program . One of the 49 BMPs is a Public Education and Outreach requirement to broadcast or publish one stormwater Public Service Announcement (PSA) on social media, radio, television and/or internet. We currently have a couple on our website and would like to keep it up to date with new materials whenever possible. https://fs.illinois.edu/services/safety-and-compliance/about-the-program/events-and-outreach. Another opportunity is for a Public Participation and Involvement BMP to discuss and provide opportunity for public input on the Storm Water Program (permit BMPs), climate change and environmental justice topics. This could be met by webinars, PSAs, posters, etc. Contact is Betsy Liggett.
- Develop informational messaging about SmartWay, get more UIUC departments aware of the program, and coordinate a related student event. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- Support the Champaign County Design and Conservation Foundation (CCDCF) Board with their county-wide efforts for conservation and design.
- Conduct a campus poll (fall semester 2021) regarding the Top 10 most iconic/significant/impressive trees on campus (including the arboretum). Develop an online survey tool (i.e., an online poll) whereby students and campus employees can nominate their favorite campus trees. Upon conclusion of the survey, work with Jay Hayek to tabulate and rank the results and create a publicly viewable ArcGIS Online StoryMap showcasing campuses Top Ten Trees. Prepare a presentation of results for the annual Arbor Day Celebration. Contact Jay Hayek at jhayek at illinois.edu.
- Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Illini Union.
- Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Huff Hall.
- Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: ECE Building.
- Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Armory.
- Follow through with Facility Liaisons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Bevier Hall.
- CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- Work on outlining sustainable initiatives that DIA can take in support of the Green Sports Alliance. Contact Meredith Moore, mkm0078 at llinois.edu.
- Help iSEE develop a Sustainability Literacy Assessment. Contact Meredith Moore, mkm007 at illinois.edu.
- Help identify and develop opportunities for intersecting sustainability and the arts (sustainability murals, utility box artwork, etc.). Contact Meredith Moore, mkm0078 at illinois.edu.
- Develop permanent posters for the Solar Farm 2.0, to guide tour participants at the site. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- Help iSEE work with Student Sustainability Committee grant to expand small scale campus composting. Contact Meredith Moore at mkm0078 at illinois.edu.
- If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.
Tree Equity Score site
Associated Project(s):Article: What It Takes to Be a Champion
Associated Project(s):The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, according to the U of I Master Plan, measures more than a whopping 8,000 acres of land in the Master Plan Area. F&S helps count and maintain all 16,534 trees on U of I grounds. That includes more than one “State Champion” tree – meaning it is the largest of its species in Illinois.
Read more about U of I's champion trees on campus on the F&S Website or the PDF in the attached files!
Attached Files:list of projects needed
Associated Project(s):This is a list of projects that need students to work on. It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 6/24/21:
- Develop informational messaging about SmartWay, get more UIUC departments aware of the program, and coordinate a related student event. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- Conduct a campus poll (fall semester 2021) regarding the Top 10 most iconic/significant/impressive trees on campus (including the arboretum). Develop an online survey tool (i.e., an online poll) whereby students and campus employees can nominate their favorite campus trees. Upon conclusion of the survey, work with Jay Hayek to tabulate and rank the results and create a publicly viewable ArcGIS Online StoryMap showcasing campuses Top Ten Trees. Prepare a presentation of results for the annual Arbor Day Celebration. Contact Jay Hayek at jhayek at illinois.edu.
- Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Illini Union.
- Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Huff Hall.
- Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: ECE Building.
- Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Armory.
- Follow through with Facility Liasons for implementation of recommendations from NRES 285: iCAP Sustainability Ambassadors class: Bevier Hall.
- CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- We are seeking a student volunteer who can do tree identification for a series of trees in the Arboretum, and work with the University Landscape Architect, Brent Lewis, and the Superintendent of Grounds, Ryan Welch, to compare the tree identification to the draft tree inventory. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.
SSC Semesterly Report: Solar Farm 2.0
Associated Project(s):F&S submitted the Spring 2021 Semesterly Report to the SSC for the Solar Farm 2.0 Landscape Buffer project!
Read the report in the attached files below.
Article: An Earth Month to Remember
Associated Project(s):The Spring 2021 iSEE Quarterly Update (iQ) highlighted a diverse array of campus initiatives that made this year's Earth Month one to remember. Ranging from hosted events to sustainable energy, the article discusses the launch of the "TED Talk: Eco Edition" series, Solar Farm 2.0, community trash pickup, and more!
Read the article in the attached files below.
Attached Files:Update on Campus' Tree Inventory
Associated Project(s):Brent Lewis provided the following update to the Land and Water iCAP Team:
One of the iCAP objectives under Land and Water (4.2.1) involves a service learning project to better understand our historic and current tree canopy percentages. I just wanted to reach out and say that I’ve worked it out with our NRES faculty member, Jennifer Fraterrigo that she will work with her students in the fall to prepare this analysis. As our last 2 tree surveys were generally on 2008 and 2018, they will take a look at those years and put together an analysis. Over this time, I believe we lost between 10-12% of our tree inventory on campus. It is my thought that this loss in older trees would have meant a much larger loss in actual tree canopy. This would generally equate to a loss of habitat, increase in ambient temperatures and increase in rainwater that would otherwise have been used by the trees. I have been wanting to get a handle on the loss as I push for resources to replace what we had, as well as enhance what we will have for the future.
Urban Tree Monitoring Video Mini-Series
Associated Project(s):USDA Forest Service's R&D posted a 5-part video mini-series about the importance and benefits of urban tree monitoring. As highlighted in the series, urban tree monitoring can serve several types of management and research goals. For example, a plant program's performance can be evaluated by analyzing the growth, health, and survival of trees! Each of the videos correlates to different topics: Getting Started with Urban Tree Monitoring, Mortality Status, Trunk Diameter, Location Methods, and Managing Field Work.
To watch the series, please go to USDA Forest Service's R&D Homepage or proceed to their YouTube playlist.
Campus Tree Advisory Committee: April 2021 meeting notes
Associated Project(s):Attached are the notes from the April general meeting of the Campus Tree Advisory Committee.
Attached Files:Campus Tree Advisory Committee: March 2021 meeting notes
Associated Project(s):Attached are the notes from the March general meeting of the Campus Tree Advisory Committee.
Attached Files:2020 Tree Campus Higher Education Application Approved
Associated Project(s):As of February 22nd, 2021, UIUC earned the 2020 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition!
The following summarized message was sent on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation program:
Dear Tree Campus Higher Education contact,
Congratulations to your campus for earning 2020 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition. Tree Campus Higher Education, an Arbor Day Foundation program, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
To obtain this distinction, your campus has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for your campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance (which was optional in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic) and the sponsorship of student service learning projects. Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.
If there was a time for trees, now is that time. Your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at your school contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world for us all.
Campus Tree Advisory Committee: February 2021 meeting notes
Associated Project(s):Attached are the notes from the February general meeting of the Campus Tree Advisory Committee.
Topics discussed included a suscessful submission of our 2020 tree care plan, the trees on campus that are potental award winners for their size, and planning for this year's Arbor Day celebrations.
Attached Files:Charge letter signed for 2021 Tree Committee
Associated Project(s):Mohamed Attalla, the Executive Director of Facilities and Services, has officially signed the charge letter outlining goals for the 2021 Tree Campus Advisory Committee. These goals, along with the expectations of the committee can be found in the attached pdf.
Attached Files:2020 Tree Care Plan submitted to Tree Campus USA
Associated Project(s):Please see the attached to file to find the University's 2020 Tree Care Plan.
The University’s plan included progress made over the last year to make our campus more tree friendly, along with outlining the landscape standards we have on campus. Highlights of projects related to trees are also included. The committee submitted this document at the end of the year to Tree Campus USA as to fulfill one of many commitments to be a recognized Tree Campus.
Attached Files:Trees Promote Health and Wellness
Associated Project(s):In the January 2021 Newsletter, the City of Urbana discussed the health and wellness benefits of trees, as well as its plans to promote tree planting throughout the city:
Trees affect our health and wellness. Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, whereas trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. With a mutually beneficial relationship, one large tree can supply enough oxygen for four people. This is really wonderful, however, it takes around five trees to absorb the CO2 produced by just one person.
Additionally, trees also trap air pollution. This greatly affects our health. Trees also help to clean water by acting as a natural filter. Plus, trees decrease stress for us and improve recovery time from illnesses. These are a few of the reasons Urbana's Urban Canopy is tantamount to human life, health, and progress. Trees are always working to keep us healthy and strong – help us do the same for them! *
We’re asking you to partner with the City of Urbana — on an individual basis or through your neighborhood association, service organization, business or church — by sharing the cost of new trees through our Co-op Tree Planting Program.
The City of Urbana Arbor Division will be adding to Urbana's Urban Canopy this coming Spring, 2021. These are made possible by the generous donations through the Co-op Tree Planting Program.
"If all goes well this will be good for roughly 40-45 vacant tree planting sites throughout town. These site will be planted with Urbana Heritage species and mostly native species to Illinois. I will be selecting these sites during January for spring planting order," Kevin Sanderson, Arborist and Urbana Arbor Division Supervisor, said.
Updated list of needed student projects
Associated Project(s):This is a list of projects that need students to work on. It will be updated periodically by sustainability staff members, the last update was 1/2/21:
- Tree Canopy Analysis: Work with F&S staff to complete a GIS analysis of the university's tree canopy, in support of the Tree Campus USA designation. This will include comparison to peer institutions and a presentation of the results and methodology to the Tree Campus Advisory Committee. Depending on time availability, it can also include an analysis of the local tree canopy, off campus. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- CCNet Website: Work with the Champaign County Sustainability Network (CCNet) leadership team to redesign and publish the CCNet website (old version is online at http://www.champaigncountynet.org/). There is a monthly brown bag sustainability networking event on the Third Thursday of each month, but the website hasn't been updated since 2016. Contact Morgan White at mbwhite at illinois.edu.
- If you have a project idea, please contact us at sustainability@illinois.edu, or submit it through the iCAP Portal Suggestions page.
