In this second section of Module 1, we are starting to look at urban forestry, defined as the planning and management of all trees and associated vegetation. We will see how urbanisation led to greater focus on urban green spaces such as park, in order to make cities better places to live, work and play. We will see how urban forestry came to be, and how has it been defined. Moreover, we will discuss the characteristics of urban forestry as an interdisciplinary field, and look at some of types of jobs available in urban forestry.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
Describe the historical roots of urban forestry.
Define the concept of urban forestry and understand its characteristics.
Explain differences in how urban forestry has developed and been defined in different parts of the world.
Explain why urban forestry needs to be interdisciplinary.
Identify and describe the range of urban forestry-associated actors and professions.
List and describe key skills that urban forestry professionals use.
Explore more about career opportunities in urban forestry.
Readings and Discussion Questions (For certificate learning only)
This section has three assigned readings. The two chapters from the Routledge Handbook of Urban Forestry will give you an overall introduction to urban forestry, while the chapter on the history of trees in the city provides you with more background and examples from across the world. The brief online article by Sonja Dümpelmann provides an interesting historical perspective on the role of trees in the city, taking New York City as an example.
After that you have seen the two lectures in this section and explored the associated readings, it is time to post a couple of discussion questions. Please post one discussion question on the history and concept of urban forestry, and one on urban forestry as an interdisciplinary field.
Lecture Recordings
Urban forestry builds on many centuries of urban greening practices. However, as a distinct field of its own it has only been around for about 60 years. Please view Cecil Konijnendijk’s lecture on ‘Urban forestry: history and concepts’ to learn about the history of urban forestry, and the definition of the concept of urban forestry.
Urban forestry is what we call an ‘interdisciplinary field’, building on disciplines and fields such as biology, ecology, forestry, planning, landscape architecture, and social science. Urban forestry will often involve experts from a wide range of backgrounds – and not all of them will call themselves ‘urban foresters’. View Lorien Nesbitt’s lecture on ‘Urban forestry as an interdisciplinary field’ to learn more about the interdisciplinary nature of urban forestry. You will also learn more about the types of job in urban forestry.
Post-lecture Mini Quiz (For certificate learning only)
Now it’s time for you to complete an online, multiple choice topic quiz after finishing viewing each lecture for this topic. The main purpose of the quiz is to examine how well you grasp the contents for this topic. The quiz will be open-book, covering contents of the lecture(s) for the topic. You will have 5 mins to complete the quiz. Two attempts are allowed and higher mark will be saved for your grade. There will be 13 online topic quizzes throughout the course with 4-5 questions per quiz, each worth 4-5 points that collectively count for 10% towards the final grade.
When you are ready, click the link Mini Quiz 1.2 or go to left menu > Quizzes > Mini Quiz 1.2 to start taking the quiz.
Topic Summary
You have now been introduced to the interdisciplinary field of urban forestry, which embodies a holistic approach to the planning, design, and management of urban vegetation – with trees in focus. Urban forestry is still a young field, after its inception in the 1960s. However, it builds on centuries of experience with introducing trees and other vegetation to our cities and towns.
As we have seen, urban forestry has been developed and implemented differently across the globe, and you will see differences also in the Asia-Pacific region. Keep this in mind as you apply ‘urban forestry thinking’ to your own context.
Topic Self-review (For self learning)
To review what you have learned in the topic, you are encouraged to use the following reflection questions as a study guide to do a self-review for the topic:
Were you familiar with the concept of urban forestry before this section? Has the material changed your view of what urban forestry stands for?
What is your own disciplinary background? How can your background and expertise contribute to urban forestry?
What can you say about urban forestry in your city and country? How does it compare to for example, the situation in cities like New York?
What type of urban forestry job appeals to you? How can this course help you in developing your urban forestry career?
Graded Assignment(s) for the Week (For certificate learning only)
Photo Assignment 1
We ask you to go out and explore your home city or town. Please find some of your favourite trees in your neighbourhood or wider city, and take photos of two of these favourites. Post these photos on the course discussion board, with a brief description and explanation of why these trees are among your favourites.
All photos need to be posted by Monday of Week 4, at 12 noon, Pacific Time.
Based on the posting of clear photos and good descriptions, you can get up to 10 points (5 for each photo). This photo assignment together with two upcoming assignments of the same kind will comprise 5% of your course grade.
FODE012
Requirements Changed
Topic 1.1: Urbanization and the Need for Green Cities Topic 1.3: Urban Forest Resources and Urban Ecology