Urban Forestry 200 provides an introduction to the various human health benefits provided by urban forests. The course will explore basic relationships between urban residents’ health and well-being and surrounding urban forests. Referring to the most common health issues of today, the course will demonstrate why urban forests are crucial public health assets of our cities.
Through both lectures and seminars the course will address the theoretical context of relationships between nature and human health; explore the scientific evidence on physiological and psychological effects of nature exposure; outline contemporary public health issues and challenges; and demonstrate how various pathways, such as increased physical activity and improved air quality, can result in health benefits from urban forests. The course emphasizes the value of working across sectors, with a focus on the connections between urban ecosystem functioning and human health over the life course.
We might have gone over this in class, but are we supposed to comment on one lecture/seminar/reading per week or is it once for each category overall?
We expect everyone to comment on at least one lecture or seminar and provide a question for at least one reading before the end of the term (so two posts altogether), but your insights are always welcome!
Hello UFOR200,
Regarding assignment 1, would an electronic copy suffice or do we hand in a physical copy in class?
An electronic copy is acceptable. Please email it to: sara.fryer.barron@gmail.com.
Will seminars’ contents and readings included in the midterm?
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The midterm will cover all of the content presented in the course so far, including both lecture and seminar presentations and readings. Only required readings will be included, however: optional readings are posted for students who are interested in a more in-depth exploration of a topic.
Hello Emily, Sara and Matilda! Could one of you please give an overview of the Midterm’s format? I am not quite sure how to study for it. Thank you!
Hello,
The Midterm exam will be in the format of straight forward questions mainly requiring just a short answer. We might also include some question, where we want you to discuss around a particular topic of the course. The focus will predominantly be on issues mentioned in class during lectures and seminars.
Good luck!
Today’s lecture is very impressive. I really appreciated the green roof. By the way, some studies I learnt from
another class told me that we can divided the green roof into two types. One is extensive green roof while the other is intensive green roof. Extensive green roof means a green area grows with no limit. So, on the opposite, the intensive roof shows us some vegetation limit in a small grid. Which type we choose really depends.
I agree with you. Green roof is a very smart design that improves the quality of the environment and increases people’s chances to contact with green spaces，which is very good for people’s well being.
Maintenance should not be considered an issue or negative effect that must be avoided when implementing nature into the urban setting. Maintenance can be very specialized and intensive. This provides urban forest and green space work. This work requires professional skilled individuals who are knowledgeable about urban sustainability.
With intensive and specialized maintenance, there is a raised bar for knowledge regarding sustainability. Many people will have work that relates to nature which will benefit everyone’s health and wellbeing as well as benefiting the environment, society and economy.
As cities become more sustainable cities will become denser. As densification increases urban green space can expand. New buildings can incorporate green infrastructure such as green roofs, walls and floors. (CIRS at UBC is a great example of future sustainable architectural design) As natural space within the urban city increases maintenance will increase.
This is a compelling reason to promote the implementation of urban green space. Since the society and economy is directly benefited from increased jobs due to sustainable city design.
Trees must be cared for by professionals that know how to properly asses and maintain trees for the safety of the public/citizens. This will reduce generalizations and increase people’s faith and understanding of “Urban Forestry”.
Link for Maintenance, health and wellbeing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GXgyOC4PQ&feature=youtu.be
Link for more great arboricultural content from the ARBCAN: https://www.youtube.com/user/ArbCan
Video of my big rig from the Butchart gardens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njx2OAzsRik
Thanks again for a great course!
The first link for the Maintenance, health and wellbeing video does not work. Here is the correct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO_VGdxppAs&feature=youtu.be
Sorry for the inconvenience.
If you would like to watch a cool removal video hit the third link for the big rig at the Butchart gardens! its a cool video of yours truly removing a severely damaged Douglas-fir at the Butchart gardens as part of a Arboriculture Canada work shop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njx2OAzsRik
This is the official link for the Maintenance, health and wellbeing video, there were issues with the first two uploads… sorry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsPb9QCF3Q&feature=youtu.be
Hi,
Do you think we should still proceed the maintenance and reintroduction of the urban forest if we are under the strong public stress like people do not want that (park, garden, or green wall)?
I found an interesting place you could visit, a fantastic treehouse. I think it could be a perfect design to attract people to go to the natural forest.
http://www.narcity.com/vancouver/enchanted-forest-hours-vancouver-worth-drive/#