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Research Focus

Urban Ecology

Urban ecology is the study of how environmental systems work in cities. This includes the interaction of natural processes (such as water cycling, nutrient flows, and growth of trees and other vegetation), built systems (such as transportation networks and buildings), and social systems involving people and communities.

Our urban ecology research focuses on the major cities of Chicago, New York City, and Baltimore. In these diverse environments, decisions about public land use, infrastructure development, and resource conservation affect hundreds of interdependent communities and millions of people.

Selected Research

• Green Jobs Training and Employment Result in an Increased Sense of Accomplishment as well as Positive Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors in Young Adults
• UFORE/i-Tree Eco Analysis of Chicago’s Urban Forest
• Urban Tree Canopy
• The Value of Urban Tree Cover
• New York City Research
  • Stewardship Mapping
  • Urban Tree Canopy
  • Public Health
  • Environmental Literacy
• Calumet Region Research
• Baltimore Research
  • Parks, Crime, and Property Prices in Baltimore
  • Measuring Park Access and Environmental Justice in Baltimore