Cassia grandis, Pink Shower (FOR294/FR362)

Figure 1. Detail of Cassia grandis L.f. blossoms and budsThe name “pink shower” comes from the bright pink blossoms that this tree produces. It is sometimes called “stinking tree” because the pulp in its pods has a very strong smell. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr362

Cassia leptophylla, Gold Medallion Tree (FOR295/FR363)

Figure 1. Gold medallion tree (Cassia leptophylla) in bloomThe gold medallion tree is planted primarily as a shade tree or as a decorative specimen for the yard or street. Many people like this tree because of its fast growth rate and showy, bright yellow clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer months. This tree loses its leaves for a very short period each year, but leaves are quickly replaced. Pruning the tree to one main leading stem from which major branches are attached can help increase its strength and sturdiness against strong wind events. The golden medallion tree is also naturally pest resistant, and as long as it is grown in areas where the temperature does not drop below freezing, it is an easy tree to care for. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr363

Cassia afrofistula, Kenyan Cassia (FOR296/FR364)

Figure 1. Detail of Cassia afrofistula (Kenyan Cassia)The Kenyan cassia can be used as a showy ornamental tree or shrub, with its dark foliage and bright yellow flowers. Some people find the seed pods to be unattractive and prune the tree after it flowers to prevent pods from developing. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types and can be used in a garden, park, patio, or streetscape setting. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr364

Leucaena leucocephala, White Leadtree (FOR299/FR367)

Figure 1. White leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala)In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein. In addition, as white leadtree forms a well-developed taproot, it has been planted to assist with erosion control. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr367

The Costs of Managing an Urban Forest (FOR217/FR279)

Dowtown revitalization project in Gainesville, FL. photo: Thomas WrightUrban forests provide benefits to society often referred to as ecosystem services: they improve human health, environmental quality, and local economies by increasing property values and aesthetics in communities. They help cities control storm water, reduce air pollution and energy costs, and offset carbon dioxide emissions. But urban forests also have “ecosystem disservices.” An accurate assessment of an urban forest’s costs can assist decision makers to better understand the role the forest plays in improving the well-being of the community. Identifying how funding is used can also help communities minimize costs and increase benefits. This 4-page fact sheet will review some of the types of costs associated with urban forests and present typical financial costs associated with urban forest management in the city of Gainesville, Florida. Written by Francisco Escobedo and Jennifer Seitz, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr279

Forest Management in the Interface: Reducing Fire Risk (FOR179/FR249)

Figure 3. The best way to minimize risk of fire damage is to reduce fuels around the structure. Wildfire is one of the most serious and publicized challenges facing interface forest management. Wildfires can change forest vegetation, affect human health, and cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes, businesses, timber, and tourism. This 5-page fact sheet outlines tips for the firewise community development, design of structures, landscaping and fuel reduction. Written by Bruce Hull, Sarah F. Ashton, Rien M. Visser, and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr249

Landscaping in Florida with Fire in Mind (FOR71/FR076)

Figure 1. With careful management and preparation, fire can be a positive force in maintaining Florida's native forests.Fire is a powerful part of Florida’s landscape. It can maintain healthy natural ecosystems (Figure 1), but can also turn a home to ashes. Florida’s frequent lightning strikes and human carelessness guarantee that wildfire will continue to be a factor in both rural and suburban areas. Some homeowners may wonder if they are in danger of wildfire. Find out if you are at risk, and follow these guidelines to reduce the threat of wildfire. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Martha Monroe, Alan Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr076

Developing Land in Florida with Fire in Mind: Recommendations for Designers, Developers, and Decision Makers (FOR63/FR059)

 Figure 1.  Developments can be designed to help residents live safely with fire in Florida. This home is protected by breaks in the ground-level vegetation between the yard and neighboring undeveloped land.In 1998, fire destroyed or damaged 330 homes and businesses in Florida. Losses totaled more than $800 million. In some places, homes were saved by fire-fighting crews, or where the right decisions were made by builders or designers. With advance planning, architects and developers can do a great deal to reduce wildfire risk for those living and working in Florida. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Martha C. Monroe and Susan Marynowski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr059

Cassia javanica, Pink and White Shower (FOR297/FR365)

Figure 1. Clustering flowers of Cassia javanica (Pink and White Shower)Cassia javanica is planted primarily as a decorative shade tree. Many people consider pink and white shower to be aesthetically pleasing because of its pink and white blooms that emerge during the summer months. Because its leafless season is so short, it can be a good shade tree throughout the year. Its rapid growth rate makes it an ideal tree for homeowners looking to increase their tree cover. And its natural resistance to pests increases its desirability as a landscape tree that is commonly used as an ornamental street tree. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr365

Lessons Learned from Evaluations of Citizen Science Programs (FOR291/FR359)

Figure 1.  Citizen scientist volunteers assist in the installation of groundwater monitoring wells. Extension agents with an interest in increasing the scientific and environmental awareness of their constituents may find an answer through a form of participatory scientific research known as citizen science. Citizen science uses volunteers of all ages, professions, backgrounds, and skills — often across broad geographic areas — to engage non-scientists in a variety of tasks, but most commonly data collection. This 5-page fact sheet informs potential citizen science practitioners of recent evaluations of citizen science programs. Looking closely at identifying appropriate tasks for volunteers, assessing data validity, and evaluating changes in volunteers’ knowledge and attitudes can help organizers avoid common pitfalls and develop citizen science programs most likely to succeed. Written by Luke Gommerman and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr359

Sorting out the Florida Sabal Palms (FOR289/FR357)

Figure 3.  Sabal etonia, scrub palmetto, at Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA While traveling through the Florida peninsula, a casual observer will notice a wide variety of palms and find that many are called “palmetto.” This 4-page fact sheet helps field investigators identify the four Sabal species found in Florida's natural areas, first by distinguishing them from other fan palms and then from each other. Written by David A. Fox and Michael G. Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr357

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (FOR288/FR356)

Figure 1.  GIS data layers Image courtesy of Malahide, OntarioA GIS can be used in land management to document existing conditions, plan future operations, and archive completed work. Farming applications include soil productivity for different crops, crop yield prediction, and determining fertilizer and pesticide application rates. Forestry applications include estimating forest stand acreage, determining forest stand characteristics, and determining where to harvest. This 4-page fact sheet was written by John Lagrosa, Chris Demers, and Michael Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr356

Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests (SSFOR19/FR133)

Chines Tallowtree infestationInvasive non-native organisms are one of the greatest threats to the natural ecosystems of the United States. Invasive plants reduce biodiversity, encroach on endangered and threatened species, and rob native species of habitat. This 8-page fact sheet describes many of the current methods used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Written by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Orlando, Florida’s Urban and Community Forests and Their Ecosystem Services (FOR290/FR358)

Lymmo Right-of-Way and Station at Turn-Around Area , http://www.fta.dot.gov/12351_4370.html
Urban forests, or the trees and shrubs on these land uses, play an important role in providing ecosystem services and are often key components in urban planning and management as well as in environmental regulations. This 10-page fact sheet provides information, based on an assessment of urban forests within the limits of the City of Orlando was conducted during the summer of 2010, on the structure and composition of Orlando's urban forest, the occurrence of invasive trees in the city, the ecosystem services trees provide, including estimating the mitigation of climate change effects and their role in urban hydrology, and how this information can be used to define sustainable urban planning objectives and goals. Written by Edem Empke, Elizabeth Becker, Jessica Lab, Ross Hinkle, and Francisco Escobedo, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr358

Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Gainesville’s Urban Forest (FOR210/FR272)

live oak Darien GA (CC BY-NC 3.0) Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.orgCities are a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. This fact sheet demonstrates that urban and natural trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change somewhat by sequestering CO2 but can only sequester a small portion of all carbon dioxide emitted from cities. In addition, decomposing trees and mulch, tree maintenance activities, and improperly placed trees that cause shading in winter can also result in emissions of CO2, so it is important for communities to reduce fossil fuel emissions and manage for and preserve large, healthy trees to maximize the amount of CO2 sequestered by an urban forest. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Francisco Escobedo, Jennifer A. Seitz, and Wayne Zipperer, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr272

The Effect of Gainesville’s Urban Trees on Energy Use of Residential Buildings (FOR211/FR273)

Trees provide shade and help with utility costs. Andrew Koeser, International Society of Arboriculture, Bugwood.org (CC BY-NC 3.0)Based on a 2007 average retail price of electricity in Florida, trees in Gainesville are estimated to provide about $1.9 million in savings each year due to reduced air conditioning and heating use. However, trees also increase energy costs in winter by approximately $367 thousand annually because their shade cools buildings and thus raises building heating costs. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Francisco Escobedo, Jennifer A. Seitz, and Wayne Zipperer, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr273

Beyond the Trees: A Systems Approach to Understanding Forest Health in the Southeastern United States (FOR287/FR355)

cover: Beyond the Trees: A Systems Approach to Understanding Forest Health in the Southeastern United StatesForest health is an important topic for biology, agriculture, current issues, and environmental science classes. But conversations with educators suggested that they were not equipped to teach about it given their existing curricula. This 79-page educator guide includes six activities designed to help learners consider forest health from various viewpoints; understand interrelationships and feedback mechanisms in a forest system; visualize spatial and temporal mechanisms of forest system functions; appreciate the variety of threats to forest health; and consider their role as future forest stewards. Written by Geetha S. Iyer, Martha M. Monroe and Jason A. Smith, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr355

What Is a Healthy Forest? A Supplement to Florida Project Learning Tree (FOR286/FR354)

handbook coverThere is no question that forests provide important ecological services and economic resources to Floridians. Similarly, there is no doubt that the health of our forests is at the mercy of how we manage our landscape and make decisions.The activities in this supplement, with the original PLT Guide, help our students rise to these twin challenges.This 84-page handbook was written by Sarah L. Hicks, Martha C. Monroe, Geetha S. Iyer, and Jason A. Smith, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr354

Assessing the Survival of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Wood Chips (FOR289/FR351)

Figure 2. 1 m3 mulch bin with mesh bags on the surface containing woodchips from the infested redbay trees.What is the best way for homeowners to dispose of dead redbay trees to avoid spreading laurel wilt? This 4-page fact sheet summarizes a UF/IFAS study providing evidence that a simple technique — chipping the dead trees — can help contain the disease within a small area and that there is a low probability of long-distance movement of LW via wood chips. Written by Don Spence, Jason Smith, Albert Mayfield III, Jiri Huler, Randy Ploetz and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr351

Economic Value of Upland Invasive Plant Management in Florida State Parks (FOR290/FR352)

invasive plantsInvasive plants are a serious problem for Florida’s natural areas, but what is the impact of their management on the economic value of our state parks? This 6-page fact sheet reports the results of a survey of Florida residents to determine how much they would pay for lower levels of invasive plant coverage in parks they visit, and estimate the value of invasive plant control. Written by Damian C. Adams, Anafrida N. Bwenge, Donna J. Lee, Sherry L. Larkin, and Janaki R. R. Alavalapati, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr352