New Trees for Worcester in 2010

Since 2008, UEI has been partnering with the Worcester Tree Initiative (WTI) to re-forest Worcester, MA and surrounding towns. WTI is a private, nonprofit initiative to replant 30,000 trees in and around Worcester, arising as a result of significant devastation to the forestland due to the introduction of the Asian longhorned beetle nearly 15 years ago. Along with this invasive species' introduction, urban development and recent weather have taken their toll on the forests of the Worcester region.

In the fall, UEI helped facilitate a volunteer training for local residents to select and be trained in planting new, non-host trees. This year, UEI will continue lending support to the WTI through continued giveaways, trainings, and plantings.

The Asian longhorned beetle continues to threaten forestland in the Worcester region, as well as in New York and New Jersey. For more information on spotting the beetle and signs of infestation, visit www.beetlebusters.info.

Left Image Source: www.beetlebusters.info
Right Image Source: Worcester Telegram/Christine Peterson

CITYgreen Workshop for Teachers

In April, UEI will co-host a workshop for Massachusetts teachers with the Boston College Lynch School of Education and American Forests on implementing CITYgreen GIS data analysis software in the classroom. Created by American Forests, CITYgreen puts regional urban ecological data, such as greenspace cover, tree canopy, air pollution removal, and water quality into an accessible form that helps students with their investigations.

For educators working with UEI, CITYgreen serves as a tool for teachers to incorporate mapping skills into their environmental science classes. In turn, their students will learn to use cutting-edge technology and software in a meaningful and applicable manner to understand ecological concepts and gain a better sense of their local ecology.

Tree Art in the City

This Sunday, June 21, 2009, the Tree Museum opens in New York City. Artist Katie Holten created the museum "to celebrate the communities and ecosystems along the Grand Concourse, a 100 year-old boulevard in The Bronx. Visitors will be able to listen in on local stories and the intimate lives of trees offered by current and former residents: from beekeepers to rappers, historians to gardeners, school kids to politicians."

UEI Science Advisor Reports on the Benefits of Urban Trees to CNN

Eric Strauss, UEI Science Advisor and BC Director of Environmental Studies, reports to CNN on the economic and environmental benefits of investing in ecological infrastructure, calling national urban forestry projects "shovel ready," and citing the success of UEI's community-based tree-planting model.

An Ecology of Place

After one of the snowiest winters in years, spring has come to New England. The snow has melted, refilling a stream that runs behind the Urban Ecology Institute. This picture is of trees reflected in the water.

The Link Between Smog and Urban Trees

As this study suggests, there may be a link between the rising levels of ground-level ozone (smog) and the health of the sugar maple in Cleveland, OH.