Forestation
The University recognizes that healthy tree crowns buffer the under-canopy microclimate and that proper planting and selection of tree species translates into higher carbon emission sequestration and more effective runoff control. As stewards of the campus landscape, university planners seek to protect, maintain, and enhance the natural and cultural landscape of the campuses they call home. The Facilities Master Plan 2001-2020, approved in April, 2002 stipulated the goal to preserve and reinforce regional ecological connections with recommendations to:
- Establish greenways
- Manage invasive species
- Protect streams, wetlands
- Protect existing specimen trees
- Restore and enhance forest cover
Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The University of Maryland campus was designated an Arboretum and Botanical Garden in December 2007 by the American Public Garden Association. In 2008, we were accepted in the inaugural year as a Tree Campus USA designee. The mission of this enterprise is to be an instrument of horticultural distinction, landscape design and interpretation, and place-making reflecting the university’s education, research and service. The long –term work of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden will support each of these areas by incorporating the diverse heritage landscapes of the campus from its beginnings as an agricultural college founded in 1856 to its current urban setting. Projects will exemplify practices of environmental stewardship, horticulture and urban forestry with the goal of enhancing the campus’ aesthetic, promoting awareness of conservation, preserving our natural environment, and providing educational and research opportunities. See www.arboretum.umd.edu.
Long Term Forest Agreement
In April 2001, the University signed a Long Term Protection Forest Conservation Easement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources providing for permanent protection of designated easement areas and for updates to the easement agreement. Priority protected areas include stream buffers, wetlands, and steep slopes, affecting interconnected green corridors that also enhance water quality and habitat. Currently, the easement includes 70.56 acres of forest.
Campus Tree Inventory
A fresh approach was taken to further advance the broad environmental principles and goals of the Facilities Master Plan and go beyond regulatory compliance. Through a collaborative effort and a partnership agreement among Facilities Management, the Urban Forestry program (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources), and a private company, TreeRadar, Inc., approximately 8,000 trees (to-date) on more than 1,400 acres of the campus have been tagged and inventoried with the help of graduate assistant s and undergraduate student interns. The goal is to keep record of every tree on campus through a GIS database.
Using portable GIS units and innovative remote diagnostic imaging technology, University students recorded and evaluated the trees’ location, size, species, and condition (e.g., presence of decay, root damage, and cracks). The campus’ Tree Radar Unit (TRU) can determine root and truck integrity in a non-invasive manner – causing no damage to the trees. The data collected are used to monitor individual specimen trees, conduct health risk assessments, and to guide decisions about selective tree removal for those “at risk” trees potentially posing hazards to buildings and pedestrians. See www.TreeRadar.com.
In addition to facilitating the ongoing maintenance of campus trees, the tree survey has also engaged students, faculty, and allied professionals in teaching and research on and beyond the campus. By correlating land use and physical development, this inventory is a crucial resource to support the University’s administrative and academic leadership overseeing the goals of the Campus Master Plan to restore and enhance forest cover. In addition it allows for the conservation and enhancement of the campus community’s valued existing natural landscapes. See www.fm.umd.edu/campusmasterplan and www.facilities.umd.edu/MasterPlan2/envguide.htm.
Giving and Sharing the Forest Resource
With support from friends and alumni, the University is creating an urban forest home that will transform the vista of the campus for generations to come. The need for donor support is great; the capital budget for University construction approved by the State lacks significant funds for landscaping. An important role in enhancing the campus tree canopy is through the specific tree donations of alumni, memorial gifts, class gifts, and such outreach programs as the Arboretum and Botanical Garden Initiative, Maryland Day Plant-A-Tree-at-Maryland Campaign. Patronage landscape enhancements have added unique specimen trees and expanded cover around the campus including the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center providing amazing aesthetic and environmental improvements benefiting the entire university community.
Urban forestry resources at the University are expanding and continuing collaborations with external academic, private, and governmental entities enable the University to make effective use of its landscape as an instrument to link pedagogy and research to promote a healthier, greener campus. Gifts may be made by visiting: mark.umd.edu/give.cfm.