Schedule Thursday Friday Tree Academy CEUs

STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATIONS

A NEW APPROACH FOR QUANTIFYING URBAN FOREST CARBON STOCKS

Samit Kafle, Graduate Research Assistant, College of Forestry Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University

Additional author: Georgios Arseniou, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, College of Forestry Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University          

Studying urban forest carbon stocks is important for understanding the role of urban forests in climate change mitigation, with implications for forest carbon policy. This research examines the use of terrestrial laser scanning technology (TLS) for estimating the above-ground carbon content of urban trees compared to carbon estimates from i-Tree, a widely used urban forest assessment tool. Specifically, we sampled 90 trees of  three species (Quercus falcata, Quercus lyrata and Taxodium distichum) with varying drought tolerance growing in open spaces (e.g., parks) and near anthropogenic infrastructure (e.g., streets, buildings). Using TLS technology, we generated laser point clouds of the study trees, and we estimated their aboveground woody volume using Quantitative Structure Models (QSMs). Wood density for the study trees was derived from publicly available datasets to convert TLS-based volume to total aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates. Consecutively, the carbon content of the study trees was estimated at 50% of their AGB. Our preliminary results show that TLS-based carbon estimates are highly correlated with i-Tree carbon estimates for the study trees. In the next phase of this study, we are going to assess the accuracy of TLS-based and i-Tree-based carbon estimates using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). This study will provide new insights into the atmospheric carbon sequestration by urban trees, and it will inform sustainable urban forest management.              

INTERNS IN ACTION: SCALING THE TENNESSEE CHAMPION TREE PROGRAM FOR THE FUTURE

McKenzie Owen, Tennessee Champion Tree Program University of Tennessee, GIS Specialist

Additional authors: Jennifer Hosken, Digital & Social Media Specialist, University of Tennessee; Samantha Underhill, Future Champions Project Lead, University of Tennessee; Kayla Stuart, Program Director, University of Tennessee; and Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe, Faculty Advisor, University of Tennessee

Interns of the Tennessee Champion Tree Program (TCTP) have been the primary drivers of innovation and dedication that have helped to expand the reach of this statewide program. This presentation will highlight the outcomes of intern-driven growth, including expanding GIS capabilities, increasing public engagement, and enhancing program visibility. This poster will feature the reflections and perspectives of interns from the past six years whose leadership and initiatives have contributed to scaling the program to unthinkable levels. The TCTP now boasts a wider variety of native species than ever before like providing opportunities for seed collection and redistribution efforts that support statewide conservation goals and more. The TCTP’s success story demonstrates how investing in students can yield lasting ecological and professional benefits.              

VOICES OF BIG TREES: HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE THE TENNESSEE CHAMPION TREE PROGRAM THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND ENGAGEMENT

Jennifer Hosken, Tennessee Champion Tree Program, University of Tennessee. Digital & Social Media Specialist

Additional authors: Kayla Stuart, Program Director, TN Champion Tree Program, University of Tennessee; McKenzie Owen, GIS Specialist, TN Champion Tree Program, University of Tennessee; Samantha Underhill, Future Champions Project Lead, TN Champion Tree Program, University of Tennessee; and Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe, Faculty Advisor, University of Tennessee

This poster presentation explores the perception and engagement of the public with the TN Champion Tree Program. The Tennessee Champion Tree program is funded by the Tennessee Division of Forestry and administered by interns at the University of Tennessee. This program, sprouted in the 70’s by the Division of Forestry, has undergone tremendous changes over its 50-year history and this presentation will explore both long-time nominators and individuals who have never nominated a champion tree. Through this poster presentation we are understanding the How and Why people engage and interact with Tennessee Champion Tree through polls and questions on our social media platforms, semi-structured interviews with previous nominators, and looking at the program’s historical data. This research contributes to understanding how champion tree programs can effectively promote sustainable forestry practices and community involvement in the future.