California State University Fullerton (CSUF) Campus Tree Map (Fall 2016)

-Students in Geography 283 (Fall 2016) were selected to assess over 2,000 the trees on their campus, noting:

·        Tree location, and if they still contain an identification tag.

·        Any conflict with structures such as other trees, concrete, building, signs, or overhead wires. (Including if the tree or roots are causing any damage.)

·        Assessing tree condition: is it alive, removed, replaced, etc.?

·        New trees, which were also assessed and included into their data.

-Students collected data using campus maps, grid areas, rank system, GIS, and photographs.

-Data was then entered into an open GIS database where they were able to provide any comments or photographs for unusual circumstances.

-A few obstacles students encountered were due to any “restricted” areas, campus construction, and trees that were on a steep slope.

Students gathered field experience, data collection skills, the use of maps, and were able to face any challenges together in regards to how they were to obtain and acquire data needed for this project.

Students can now provide quality data for their client with quick results. Campus staff could not have acquired this data without the help of this class.

Students add to the large overall picture for their campus facilities, their fellow students, and their CSUF community.