THE LEAFLET

Over the past weeks, we’ve explored how the Garden Club of America’s (GCA) Urban Forestry Fellowship empowers students to make remarkable strides in urban forestry research. Let’s dive into the work of two more 2024 fellows, Teagan Young and Levi O’Brien, who are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of urban forests and their resilience.

Teagan’s research tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. She led a multi-faceted series of experiments across Florida, testing six underutilized tree species for their adaptability to warmer climates. By monitoring these trees in Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, and Quincy, Teagan identified which species could thrive despite harsh winters and rising temperatures.

Teagan also explored the effectiveness of innovative irrigation technologies, such as TreeDiaper and Treegator, evaluating their ability to support urban tree health while optimizing water use. Her findings offer practical solutions for creating resilient urban forests.

Additionally, Teagan’s greenhouse experiments assessed the heat tolerance of common Florida tree species. By measuring stress indicators like chlorophyll levels, her work will inform tree selection for hotter future climates. Teagan’s final project investigated parking lot designs to mitigate urban heat islands, providing actionable recommendations for urban planners. Thanks to the GCA scholarship, her research is creating a roadmap for more sustainable, climate-adaptive urban landscapes.

Levi’s research focuses on understanding decay in urban trees, a critical factor in urban forest management. By studying four tree species across a temperature gradient in Syracuse, New York, Levi is identifying how environmental factors impact decay. Using advanced tools like Sonic Tomography and Resistograph imaging, Levi mapped the internal wood density of each tree, detecting decay severity with precision.

The next phase of Levi’s research involves extracting wood samples from decayed trees and identifying fungi responsible for the decay using molecular methods. His findings will help urban foresters better understand tree health, predict decay, and make informed decisions about tree care and replacement. Supported by the GCA fellowship, Levi’s work is enhancing the tools and knowledge available to safeguard urban forests for future generations.

These projects showcase the transformative impact of the GCA Urban Forestry Fellowship, not just in advancing urban forestry research but also in addressing critical challenges like climate adaptation and urban forest health. This fellowship offers up to $7,500 in funding, along with access to an inspiring network of scholars and practitioners. If you’re a graduate or advanced undergraduate student in urban forestry, environmental studies, or related fields, don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark. Applications are open until January 15—visit our Fellowships page to learn more and apply today!