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Hilbert DR, Koeser AK, Andreu MG, Hansen G, Roman LA, Thetford M, Thompson GL. Conceptualizing the human drivers of low tree diversity in planted urban landscapes. AMBIO 2023; 52:1532-1542. [PMID: 37243924 PMCID: PMC10407000 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01876-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite the abundance of tree diversity in the natural world, and generally high tree species richness in urban areas, urban forests continue to be dominated by a limited number of species. As socio-ecological systems, urban forests are shaped by historical and current management efforts and decision-making across a wide range of human actors. Drawing on past research, we offer a conceptual framework for describing the complex interactions among tree producers and consumers as trees are selected, grown, specified, and planted in private and public urban areas. We illustrate how multiple layers of selection criteria filter down the entirety of potential local tree diversity to a handful of commonly used and accepted tree species. We detail the actors and decision-makers who impact tree composition and diversity across several land types. Finally, we identify research, education, and outreach needs as they relate to creating more diverse and resilient urban forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah R. Hilbert
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 USA
| | - Andrew K. Koeser
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 USA
| | - Michael G. Andreu
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida–Gainesville, 136 Ne Wins-Ziegler Hall, PO Box 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Gail Hansen
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gainesville, 2550 Hull Road Fifield Hall, PO Box 110670, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Lara A. Roman
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station & Northern Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Dr., Riverside, CA 92507 USA
| | - Mack Thetford
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–West Florida Research and Education Center, 5988 Hwy 90, Bldg. 4900, Milton, FL 32583 USA
| | - Grant L. Thompson
- Genus Landscape Architects, 520 42nd Street, Suite 400, Des Moines, IA 50312 USA
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Anderson EC, Locke DH, Pickett STA, LaDeau SL. Just street trees? Street trees increase local biodiversity and biomass in higher income, denser neighborhoods. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa C. Anderson
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Millbrook New York USA
- Northwestern University Evanston Illinois USA
| | - Dexter H. Locke
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station Baltimore Maryland USA
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Bridging landscape ecology and urban science to respond to the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1601-1616. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01876-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Dynamic and Heterogeneity of Urban Heat Island: A Theoretical Framework in the Context of Urban Ecology. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11081155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic and heterogeneity of the urban heat island (UHI) is the result of the interactions between biotic, physical, social, and built components. Urban ecology as a transdisciplinary science can provide a context to understand the complex social–biophysical issues such as the thermal environment in cities. This study aimed at developing a theoretical framework to elucidate the interactions between the social–biophysical patterns and processes mediating UHI. To do it, we conducted a theoretical review to delineate UHI complexity using the concept of dynamic heterogeneity of pattern, process, and function in UHI phenomenon. Furthermore, a hypothetical heterogeneity spiral (i.e., driver-outcome spiral) related to the UHI was conceived as a model template. The adopted theoretical framework can provide a holistic vision of the UHI, contributing to a better understanding of UHI’s spatial variations in long-term studies. Through the developed framework, we can devise appropriate methodological approaches (i.e., statistic-based techniques) to develop prediction models of UHI’s spatial heterogeneity.
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Alberti M, Wang T. Detecting patterns of vertebrate biodiversity across the multidimensional urban landscape. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:1027-1045. [PMID: 35113498 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Explicit characterisation of the complexity of urban landscapes is critical for understanding patterns of biodiversity and for detecting the underlying social and ecological processes that shape them. Urban environments exhibit variable heterogeneity and connectivity, influenced by different historical contingencies, that affect community assembly across scales. The multidimensional nature of urban disturbance and co-occurrence of multiple stressors can cause synergistic effects leading to nonlinear responses in populations and communities. Yet, current research design of urban ecology and evolutionary studies typically relies on simple representation of the parameter space that can be observed. Sampling approaches apply simple urban gradients such as linear transects in space or comparisons of urban sites across the urban mosaic accounting for a few variables. This rarely considers multiple dimensions and scales of biodiversity, and proves to be inadequate to explain observed patterns. We apply a multidimensional approach that integrates distinctive social, ecological and built characteristics of urban landscapes, representing variations along dimensions of heterogeneity, connectivity and historical contingency. Measuring species richness and beta diversity across 100 US metropolitan areas at the city and 1-km scales, we show that distinctive signatures of urban biodiversity can result from interactions between socioecological heterogeneity and connectivity, mediated by historical contingency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alberti
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Urban Ecology Research Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tianzhe Wang
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Urban Ecology Research Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Piana MR, Hallett RA, Johnson ML, Sonti NF, Brandt LA, Aronson MFJ, Ashton M, Blaustein M, Bloniarz D, Bowers AA, Carr ME, D’Amico V, Dewald L, Dionne H, Doroski DA, Fahey RT, Forgione H, Forrest T, Hale J, Hansen E, Hayden L, Hines S, Hoch JM, Ieataka T, Lerman SB, Murphy C, Nagele E, Nislow K, Parker D, Pregitzer CC, Rhodes L, Schuler J, Sherman A, Trammell T, Wienke BM, Witmer T, Worthley T, Yesilonis I. Climate Adaptive Silviculture for the City: Practitioners and Researchers Co-create a Framework for Studying Urban Oak-Dominated Mixed Hardwood Forests. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.750495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban forested natural areas are an important component of the forest and tree canopy in northeastern United States urban areas. Although similar to native forests in surrounding regions in structure, composition, and function, these natural areas are threatened by multiple, co-occurring biological and climate stressors that are exacerbated by the urban environment. Furthermore, forests in cities often lack application of formal silvicultural approaches reliant upon evidence-based applied ecological sciences. These include both urban- and climate-adapted silvicultural techniques to increase the resilience and sustainability of native forests in cities. With this in mind, we convened a group of urban forest practitioners and researchers from along a latitudinal gradient in the northeastern United States to participate in a workshop focused on co-developing long-term, replicated ecological studies that will underlie the basis for potential silvicultural applications to urban forests. In this article we review the process and outcomes of the workshop, including an assessment of forest vulnerability, and adaptive capacity across the region, as well as shared management goals and objectives. We discuss the social and ecological challenges of managing urban oak-dominated mixed hardwood forests relative to non-urban forests and identify potential examples of urban- and climate-adapted silviculture strategies created by practitioners and researchers. In doing so, we highlight the challenges and need for basic and long-term applied ecological research relevant to silvicultural applications in cities.
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Abstract
AbstractEcology with the city is a transdisciplinary pursuit, combining the work of researchers, policy makers, managers, and residents to advance equity and sustainability. This undertaking may be facilitated by understanding the parallels in two kinds of coproduction. First, is how urban systems themselves are places that are jointly constituted or coproduced by biophysical and social processes. Second, is how sustainable planning and policies also join human concerns with biophysical structures and processes. Seeking connections between coproduction of place and the coproduction of knowledge may help improve how urban ecology engages with diverse communities and urban interests in service of sustainability.
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Liu J, Dietz T, Carpenter SR, Taylor WW, Alberti M, Deadman P, Redman C, Pell A, Folke C, Ouyang Z, Lubchenco J. Coupled human and natural systems: The evolution and applications of an integrated framework : This article belongs to Ambio's 50th Anniversary Collection. Theme: Anthropocene. AMBIO 2021; 50:1778-1783. [PMID: 33721224 PMCID: PMC7957461 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Liu
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Thomas Dietz
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Sociology & Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - William W Taylor
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Marina Alberti
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Deadman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Charles Redman
- School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Alice Pell
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences & College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Carl Folke
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zhiyun Ouyang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jane Lubchenco
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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