Program Objectives

Florida boasts incredible diversity, both in terms of its natural ecosystems and its people. There are over 16 million acres of forestland and a population of 18 million people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Over the past decade Florida has experienced tremendous growth due to an influx people in to the state every day. This has resulted in a loss of 40,000 acres of forest per year and noticeable tree cover loss in communities due to development, hurricanes, and other factors. As urban areas and communities expand, homes and forests or other natural areas intermingle. These areas present a series of issues and challenges for natural resource and environmental professionals, policy makers, and homeowners alike. In most areas of the state it is now difficult to differentiate ‘natural forests’ from ‘urban forests’.

Program emphasis areas include:

• Quantification of Florida’s urban and community forests, including their structure, function, and value;
• The effects of human influences, development, and hurricanes on urbanizing forests and urban vegetation;
• The effects of policy and management on soil, air, and water quality in and around urban areas;
• Outreach material development and information synthesis for homeowners, builders, managers, natural resource professionals, and youth to better understand urban forest function and urbanization.

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