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ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9109-7060

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Embargo Period

11-13-2022

Degree Program

Environmental Conservation

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2022

Month Degree Awarded

May

Abstract

The environmental and human health benefits of urban forests have been well documented. In the United States, volunteers conduct 5% of municipal tree care-related activities in urban forests. A literature review related to urban forestry volunteers in the United States was conducted and it was concluded that urban forestry volunteers are often organized via a committee or non-governmental organization (NGO) and that there is limited understanding around many of these entities. Following Dillman’s methods, an electronic qualitative survey with a primary objective of better understanding their characteristics was disseminated to urban forestry NGOs throughout the temperate forest region of the United States. Private citizens are significant partners that are essential in forming and funding urban forestry NGOs. More than 40% of organizations were established to extend limited municipal resources and improve urban tree canopy cover. Nearly 80% of responding NGOs had helped develop, shape, or implement local urban forestry-related policy in their community.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/28539990

First Advisor

Richard W. Harper

Second Advisor

Benjamin Weil

Third Advisor

Eric E. Griffith

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