MSU Forestry students measure how trees impact the climate
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EmailHow much: energy does a tree save? CO2 does a tree reduce? storm water does a tree decrease? MSU students are measuring trees throughout campus to show the impact trees can have on the climate.
How much: energy does a tree save? CO2 does a tree reduce? storm water does a tree decrease? MSU students are measuring trees throughout campus to show the impact trees can have on the climate.
In preparation for Arbor Day, MSU Associate Professor of Forestry and MSU Department of Horticulture Professor Bert Cregg, along with students in Urban and Community Forestry (FOR 461), measure approximately 40 trees along high-traffic areas on the MSU campus. Once measurements are taken, the value of each tree will be calculated by using i-Tree Design. The i-Tree Design application uses satellite imagery and location-based climate information, as well as tree species, size and condition to estimate the overall benefits. Tree benefits are measured for the current year and forecasted for the future. After the trees have been measured and the i-Tree data has been collected, trees will be tagged on April 27, so that anyone who visits campus can see the direct effect each tree has on the environment.
The activity is a collaboration between Michigan State University Urban and Community Forestry (FOR 461), with support and approval from the Campus Arborist, Curator of the Campus Arboretum and MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities events office.
