THE LEAFLET

Are you a graduate or advanced undergraduate student in urban forestry, environmental studies, or horticulture? If you’re driven to make an impact in urban forestry, then this opportunity is for you! The Garden Club of America (GCA) Urban Forestry Fellowship, administered by Casey Trees, offers up to $7,500 to fund research that dives into urban forests’ critical role in communities and ecosystems. Applications are due January 15—visit our Fellowships page to see if you qualify!

As a GCA fellow, you’ll join a distinguished network of scholars whose work is shaping the future of urban forestry. Past fellows have used this fellowship to explore diverse challenges in urban forestry, advancing everything from sustainable management to climate resilience.

Courtney Scott, a 2024 fellow, focused her research on understanding how different urban environments affect tree health. Working at the University of Georgia, she compared trees growing in three types of spaces: lush landscaped areas, busy parking lots, and bustling sidewalks. By studying 136 trees, she discovered that trees in landscapes with plenty of soil, water, and space thrived, while trees in sidewalks and parking areas struggled due to limited soil and foot traffic. Her findings highlight how small environmental changes can make a big difference in urban tree health. Courtney’s research, supported by GCA, shows how we can better support trees in challenging spaces.

Erika Wright, another 2024 fellow, tackled the pressing issue of climate change’s impact on trees, particularly oak species. Erika received assistance from researchers at the Morton Arboretum near Chicago, IL, the Casey Tree farm in Berryville, VA, and the city arborist for Hamilton, OH, to establish common gardens containing 20 oak species at these three sites for long-term survival and growth monitoring in response to three different climate regimes. Erika’s team observed 640 newly planted trees in Dayton, Ohio, to study how irrigation affects growth. She also monitored oak species in gardens across varied climates to better understand how trees will fare in a warming world. Erika’s research aims to guide future reforestation strategies, particularly in cities.

The GCA Urban Forestry Fellowship gives students like Courtney and Erika the resources to conduct meaningful research and make strides in urban forest preservation. Ready to join their ranks? Apply by January 15 and become part of a legacy of environmental innovation!