A Walk on Campus: How Trees Benefit People and the Environment at Western Carolina University

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Amelia MacDonald (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Diane Styers

Abstract: The original goal of this study was to map and determine the ecological benefits of the trees on the campus of Western Carolina University including energy conservation, stormwater filtration, air quality improvement, and carbon dioxide storage and removal. Recent studies on the relationship between trees and human health also guided us to establish a way to use trees to provide a space for student recreation to help relieve stress, connect with nature, and improve overall student quality of life on campus. To do this, an inventory of all campus trees was conducted that included information about tree species, height, diameter at breast height, and the location of each campus tree. These data were then uploaded to an OpenTreeMap website to show the ecological benefits of our campus trees. This website was then used to make a walking path connecting some of the native trees, largest trees, and most unique trees on campus for anyone to use for recreation, relaxation, or education. Overall, the study helped us show that the trees on campus provide many cost saving, ecological, aesthetic, and health benefits to the Western Carolina University community.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Poster submitted to the 2020 Research and Scholarship Conference, Western Carolina University.
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
trees, Western Carolina University, health benefits, Tree Campus USA

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