The accuracy and validity of urban forest resource data collected by trained volunteers were established, using an actual case study in Brookline, Massachusetts. Results indicate that the data collected by trained volunteers are valid, and the accuracy compares favorably with levels found among a control group of certified arborists. Indirect benefits associated with this type of volunteer effort include the development of a more informed urban forest constituency, increased environmental awareness, an increased political voice, and an improved quality of life for urban residents. The cost of utilizing community volunteers to conduct urban forest inventories is competitive with similar programs conducted by professional arborists.
Green infrastructure is the aggregate of plants and green spaces in the urban landscape. This infrastructure provides many benefits that are becoming increasingly valuable as municipalities strive for urban sustainability. The value of the urban forest is an integral part of securing funding and support for urban forestry initiatives: the higher the value the more support is gained, and benefits accrued. According to available data from street tree inventories, most species that make up street trees in urban forests in the United States and Canada are broadleaf, deciduous species. Since many urban tree benefits are attributed to the tree canopies, benefits effectively drop to negligible levels during the leaf-off period. When a rain event occurs during this season, the canopy cover afforded by evergreen tree species, in concert with the canopy architecture and density of evergreen conifers will help to maintain canopy-dependent benefits. This paper investigates the role that conifers play in increasing the canopy-dependent ecosystem services of an urban forest and the unique role they play in increasing the stability of the urban forest through diversification.
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