Kalamazoo College Trees Ecosystem Services Report
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Authors
Singh, Simran
Issue Date
2020-01-01
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study analyzed the ecosystem services contribution of the Kalamazoo College campus trees, in Kalamazoo, MI, USA. Kalamazoo College is an urban space, with the main campus spanning approximately 176,600 m2. Diameter at breast height and distance to the nearest building were measured for each tree; species, sun exposure, tree hazard ratings, and azimuth to building were identified for all 1315 trees on the main campus. These data were inputted into iTree® Eco, a program created by the USDA Forest Service, which outputted oxygen production, energy savings (based on heating and cooling costs), annual carbon sequestration, and pest susceptibility for each tree. The results of this study reveal that, at Kalamazoo College, on average per tree, trees in the genus Quercus sequester more carbon than trees in the genus Acer. Azimuth had an effect on carbon sequestration and energy savings: West positioned trees (trees that reside West of a building) had significantly higher carbon sequestration than all other trees and East positioned trees had higher energy savings than West positioned trees. Energy savings contributed by trees between the upper and lower quadrangles at Kalamazoo College were similar. Using the guidelines of the 10-20-30 rule, researchers determined that the Kalamazoo College tree population is not diverse enough. Suggestions for planting more trees and benefits of additional trees are detailed in this report.
Description
vi, 36 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.