The Future of the UMM Canopy
Location
John Q. Imholte Hall, Room #109
Event Website
https://2026undergraduateresearchsy.sched.com/event/2Ix7y/the-future-of-the-umm-canopy
Start Date
15-4-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 4:00 PM
Description
Urban tree canopies are delicate ecosystems that offer natural green infrastructure benefits. A healthy canopy can provide shade on buildings, lowering the cost of climate control during warmer months. Chemical-resistant species strategically located near roads can process chemical runoff through evapotranspiration. Even strategic planting can help process pollutants in the soil and the surrounding environment through phytoremediation. A survey was conducted on the University of Minnesota Morris’ campus canopy and developed into a Geographic Information System (GIS) interactive map to study and plan for near-future canopy stressors, including Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) pressures. The survey was conducted using widely utilized field research methods. This includes geolocating devices to pinpoint specific coordinates of trees, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) tapes to measure the diameter of the trees’ trunks at breast height, a standard in tree surveying, and tree species field books to identify a tree down to a species level. The completion of the survey yielded a total of 2861 trees, ⅓ of them being of the genus Fraxinus or commonly known as ash trees. This is a significant problem with EAB confirmed in Glenwood, MN, just 30 miles East of Morris (Pope County, 2024, popecountymn.gov). With this GIS map, we can start planning for different climate and environmental pressures by testing our tree species against various projected scenarios. The data collected can be further analyzed for not only pest pressures but also for various emission scenarios through the Minnesota Climate Mapping Analysis Tools (MN CliMAT). This can further our understanding of our campus and aid in the development of a better fit canopy for our future.
Publication Date
2026
The Future of the UMM Canopy
John Q. Imholte Hall, Room #109
Urban tree canopies are delicate ecosystems that offer natural green infrastructure benefits. A healthy canopy can provide shade on buildings, lowering the cost of climate control during warmer months. Chemical-resistant species strategically located near roads can process chemical runoff through evapotranspiration. Even strategic planting can help process pollutants in the soil and the surrounding environment through phytoremediation. A survey was conducted on the University of Minnesota Morris’ campus canopy and developed into a Geographic Information System (GIS) interactive map to study and plan for near-future canopy stressors, including Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) pressures. The survey was conducted using widely utilized field research methods. This includes geolocating devices to pinpoint specific coordinates of trees, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) tapes to measure the diameter of the trees’ trunks at breast height, a standard in tree surveying, and tree species field books to identify a tree down to a species level. The completion of the survey yielded a total of 2861 trees, ⅓ of them being of the genus Fraxinus or commonly known as ash trees. This is a significant problem with EAB confirmed in Glenwood, MN, just 30 miles East of Morris (Pope County, 2024, popecountymn.gov). With this GIS map, we can start planning for different climate and environmental pressures by testing our tree species against various projected scenarios. The data collected can be further analyzed for not only pest pressures but also for various emission scenarios through the Minnesota Climate Mapping Analysis Tools (MN CliMAT). This can further our understanding of our campus and aid in the development of a better fit canopy for our future.
https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/urs_event/2026/oralpresentations/6