Abstract
In response to growing concerns about the impacts of climate change, recent studies have been conducted investigating ecological connectivity and resiliency. Improving connectivity can increase landscape resiliency in the face of a changing climate. The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus is interested in improving its ecological, soil, and shade connectivity, as these factors influence student and environmental health. Satellite imagery, and data from UBC Campus and Community Planning was used to analyze ecological (specifically important endemic tree species), shade and soil connectivity on the Vancouver campus. Ecological connectivity was lower in the north eastern portion of campus, specifically there were fewer trees and they were more spread out. Shade connectivity was higher in the north part of campus where there were buildings and trees. Shade connectivity was the lowest in the southern part of campus where there were more open fields. Soil connectivity was the highest in the southern part of campus, as there were more fields. Soil connectivity was the worst in the north section of campus as there was more linear infrastructure and buildings. Planting tree species that are more suitable for future climates and maintaining high levels of connectivity will improve landscape resiliency. To maintain the history of a landscape, a portion of land can be reserved for endemic species where their connectivity is maintained to a high level. Increased maintenance could help endemic species survive, and limiting the species to a section of land would keep maintenance costs as low as possible. Improving soil connectivity would improve soil health, allowing for more and healthier trees, which in turn would improve shade connectivity, helping to maintain thermal comfort.
MGEM Student: Brice Jonassen
Community Partner: Renée Lussier (UBC Landscape Architect – Planner), Zachary Johnston (SEEDS -Urban Biodiversity Coordinator)
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Jonassen, Brice, 2023, “Ecological, Shade, and Soil Connectivity on the University of British Columbia Vancouver Campus”, https://doi.org/10.5683/SP3/VLF2P2, Borealis, V1