Novel Ecosystems and the Urban Landscape

Start Date

08/04/2021

End Date

08/04/2021

Description

The combination of the chronic environmental stress induced by climate change, the physical disturbances of urbanization, and the competition presented by globalization (invasive species) interact to create urban novel ecosystems that have no analog with those found in nature.
Peter Del Tredici will discuss the remarkable ability of spontaneous urban vegetation to rebuild ecological functionality from the ground up, thereby making cities more livable for all their inhabitants. James Hitchmough will discuss intentionally-designed novel plant communities, where the general characteristics of historic plant community associations are scientifically applied to newly-created plant assemblages with varying nativity. The session will conclude with a spontaneous conversation between our presenters and attendees on how these approaches can enhance the urban landscape.

Distance Learning

Yes

Course Equivalency

Subjects

Horticulture / Plants
Urban Planning & Design

Health, Safety and Welfare

Yes

Hours

3.0

Learning Outcomes

Learn to recognize the ecosystem services provided by spontaneous urban vegetation.
Acknowledge that nothing is native to the city as it currently exists and that the spontaneous plants that grow there are its “natural” vegetation.
To explore the “invasive species question” from a “novel plant community” perspective.

Instructors

Dr. Peter Del Tredici and Dr. James Hitchmough

Course Codes

Provider

New Directions in the American Landscape

Subscribe to RSS feed of new LA CES approved courses