by AE Ettinger, BR Lee, S Montgomery
Resource Type: Journal article
Source: Urban Ecosystems (2017) 20:877–887
Grades: Middle School and High School
Natural regeneration is less common in urban forests, but why? This easy-to-understand study looks at survival of tree seedlings in a forested urban park in Seattle. Natural regrowth of trees, especially the survival of seedlings, was hindered by low natural seed production and poor microsite conditions. Adding seeds and deadwood to experimental plots increased seedling numbers and survival. Presence of an invasive species did not have an effect.
Phenomena:
Invasive species
Plant reproduction
Human impacts on environment
DCIs:
LS1.B: Growth and development of organisms
LS2.A: Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2.C: Ecosystems dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS4.C: Adaptation
Notes:
- Easy to understand study relating presence of invasive species, decaying wood, and seed availability with tree regeneration in Seattle.
- Helpful history of how logging + urbanization has affected PNW forests.
- Lead author made raw data available on github (https://github.com/AileneKane/urbantreeregen) and is available for student communication (ailene.ettinger@TNC.ORG)
Driving questions:
- How do urban site conditions affect tree reproduction? (MS)
- How do the changes in the physical environment affect the health of a population? (HS)
Topics: dispersal, invasive species, reproduction, and soil quality
Features: charts, data table, p values, and raw data