ENCOURAGEMENT OF HUMAN INTERACTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS' CAMPUS

Human interaction with the environment is important because it helps to create a positive outlook of nature and encourages humans to be accountable for their actions that could affect their surroundings. To this end, a virtual, self-guided tour of the University of Indianapolis’ campus will be set in place with several trees as focal points throughout the tour. This will motivate students and visitors on the walk to pay close attention to the trees around them with the hope that other aspects of the environment will be recognized along the way. In order to set up the database for this tour, data was collected from each tree on the University of Indianapolis’ campus. Measurements included: tree height, live top, crown base, diameter at breast height, percent die back, percent missing, and width N/S and E/W. This project will lead to further research opportunities to take place on campus. With the measurements of all trees on campus readily available, research options such as tracking health of trees, investigating fungal growth on certain trees, which organisms utilize specific trees, and the effects root growth has on trees could be implemented.