2015 Conference

Poster Presentation

As natural areas are continuously converted for anthropogenic use, it is important to quantify the loss of ecosystem services.  Until recently, the study of these services in urban areas has been limited. However, efforts to preserve these lands would be better supported if methodology was easily accessible to quantify the ecosystem service. Specifically, carbon sequestration is critical to climate regulation. Therefore, our objectives were: 1) to compare two sets of methodology for quantifying carbon sequestration based upon ease of use, cost, time requirement, and accuracy: data provided by remote Lidar technology and field measurements incorporated into the iTree software system, and 2) to provide recommendations to promote biodiversity protection on lands in close proximity to urban areas. We quantified carbon sequestration for St. Edward’s University at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in Austin, Texas. Using 30 plots across the preserve we measured number of trees per species, DBH, and height, and collected soil samples for soil C analysis. These data were then entered into iTree for an estimate of carbon sequestration. These field-based estimates were compared to estimates provided by remote Lidar data. By improving access to these methodologies, more land will be conserved and restored, which will protect urban biodiversity and enhance the health and well-being of city residents.