For decades, ecological research has focused on rural areas, while urban environments were marginally explored. Due to increased population growth and concerns about the global environment and the sustainability of nonrenewable natural resources, more investments in connecting urban residents to the environment are being made. The benefits of urban forests for improving water quality, human health, and carbon sequestration are being recognized. In response to these societal needs, SRS created a new research unit—Integrating Human and Natural Systems—to address urban and wildland-urban interface issues. The unit consists of both social and ecological scientists as well as technology transfer specialists, with employees based in Athens, GA, and Gainesville, FL.

Building the Bridge between Urban Residents and Nature

A recent project conducted by SRS researchers Cassandra Johnson, Dudley Hartel, and Eric Kuehler, as well as Stephen Holloway and Nic Goodson from the University of Georgia, explored the interaction of Latinos with urban green spaces. Results from this study elaborated on the relationship between social dynamics, (e.g., housing category, residency status), and a population’s access and attachment to urban green spaces. Findings about access and interaction with green spaces reflect the degree that Latinos (and other populations) benefit from services provided by urban green spaces. As an individual’s culture influences their perceptions and regard for natural resources, considering diverse cultures in urban forestry research improves our understanding of interactions and response to changes within the urban environment.

Another project conducted by Johnson in collaboration with faculty at Florida A&M University investigated the cultural dimensions of landscape change. This project is part of a larger study that evaluates how sociocultural, ecological, and economic attributes in the Florida Panhandle are affected by rapid land use changes. Specifically, the study used survey feedback to assess how development impacts the respondent’s livelihood and traditional way of life.

To complement SRS Forest and Inventory Analysis urban inventory work, the human and natural systems unit, in partnership with Francisco Escobedo of the University of Florida, has started urban forest inventories in five Florida cities—Gainesville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, and Tampa. This project monitors changes in the urban forest to determine how factors such as species composition, tree health, and the distribution of native and nonnative species vary over time.

For my own project, I am using the inventory data from the Florida study to examine how the presence or absence of urban forest influences human health. In the late 1980s, some pioneering studies showed that green spaces outside of hospital rooms may actually promote patient recovery by reducing stress and other psychological concerns. That study led to additional research that explored the connection between vegetation and health. My focus is on the relationship between tree cover and human health outcome statistics, exploring whether the health of urban residents is directly affected by access to urban forest.

To read more about Latinos and urban green space, see issue 4 of Leaves of Change: www.interfacesouth. org/products/leaves.php.

SRS Integrating Human and Natural Systems unit: www.humanandnaturalsystems.org/

For more information:

Viniece Jennings at 325–378–2159 or vjennings02@fs.fed.us