Abstract Detail

Education and Outreach

Golden, Alexandra [1], Nelson, John [2].

Engaging the Public in Botany Through “Treasured Trees”.

Encouraging involvement in the botanical sciences is critical to the future of botany, as well as to the future of conservation programs which rely heavily on public interest. To engage the Columbia, SC area in botany and native plants, four self-guided walking tours of notable trees in the downtown area were prepared. The Richland County “Treasured Trees” database as well as personal observation was used to locate 30 landmark trees for these tours. Included with the tours was a list of native, naturalized, and popular ornamental trees in Richland County, SC; botanical information and cultural significances were compiled and included in the list. The tree list and walking tours are made freely available to the public in PDF format and uploaded onto the City of Columbia website as well as the Richland County website. An official launch of the materials is planned for Earth Day, April 22, 2017. It is hoped that the materials will spur additional participation in the Treasured Trees program and other conservation activities around Columbia, as well as familiarize the public with Columbia’s urban forest.

1 - University of South Carolina, Biological Sciences, 715 Sumter Street, CLS 401, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
2 - University of South Carolina, Biological Sciences, 715 Sumter Street, CLS 208, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

Keywords:
Education
outreach
public engagement
Earth Day.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Education and Outreach Poster Section
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEO002
Abstract ID:208
Candidate for Awards:None