Hot take – we need diverse and rich tree species, not just more trees to reduce the urban heat island effect
Wang, X., M. Dallimer, C.E. Scott, W. Shi, J. Gao. (2020). Tree species richness and diversity predicts the magnitude of
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Month: July 2021
Surrogates for Ecosystem Engineers? A new method to restore the Galapagos Islands
What do you see when you picture an engineer? Perhaps you picture a human in a hard hat watching a
Read MoreIf trees could hear, is human noise a threat?
Sources of noise, like gas well compressors, are known to affect many animals negatively. But could the noise be impacting plant communities? Researchers sought an answer by comparing pinyon and juniper seedling growth near quiet or noisy gas well pads in the woodlands of New Mexico. Throughout the twelve-year study, noise harmed tree communities. Trees struggled to recover even several years after the noise was removed. Now is the time to listen to the trees because the trees are tired of listening to us.
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