The UCF Arboretum helps create and maintain an inviting outdoor environment that contributes to a sense of place and exemplifies the university’s commitment to conservation and sustainability.
UCF uses prescribed burning as one of our forest management practices. This technique is used successfully when weather parameters and fuel moisture are in line to produce a predictable and manageable fire. Doing this helps keep the campus safe from wildfires that can ignite during our frequent lightning storms. Many Florida native plant species depend on these fires for regeneration. Florida ecosystems inherently experienced fire long before urbanization and are accustomed to the regenerative properties that fire produces. In our ever changing native Florida landscape, fire is a catalyst for change and growth.
Additional Links
The Conservation Section of the University’s Master Plan outlines the goals, objectives, and policies that demonstrate the University’s commitment to the protection of our environmentally significant lands. Management techniques used in campus natural lands include prescribed fire, invasive species management, and protected species conservation & management. Research, particularly focused on wildland-urban interface management, is actively conducted. This research is used to continuously develop better land management techniques.
Additional Links
Invasive species are increasing across the Central Florida region, altering the soil composition, food-web, native plant and animal community, and ultimately, an area’s ecological balance. Many invasive species have proven extremely difficult, or impossible to eradicate, and are costly to control once established. Thus, stringent measures to avoid unwanted species are justified both ecologically and economically. The United States Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Information Center defines invasive species as plant, animal, insect or microbial organisms that are “1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Research has shown that invasive species negatively affect over half of the species listed as endangered or threatened and that around $100 billion is spent every year controlling them. Existence of these species in UCF’s natural areas greatly interferes with management goals of the University. In an effort to control these unwanted species, the University of Central Florida has joined forces with state & federal agencies, private landowners, and non-profit organizations in the Central Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CF CISMA). The CF CISMA’s mission is to create a partnership that develops resources, educates, and shares information to manage invasive species in a specified area. Information on free training dates, partners, control methods, species identification, and projects can be found by visiting http://www.floridainvasives.org/Central/.
Beetlemania: Biological Control of Air Potato
The beetles have arrived at UCF and are ready to do their work! UCF participates in a biological control program to help manage the invasive air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) by releasing a natural predator that feeds heavily on the invasive vine. Air potato, which is native to tropical Asia, was introduced to North America in the early 1900’s. Since its arrival it has established itself in moist hammocks and other natural areas throughout the South. This aggressive vine can grow several inches a day in the growing season and cover tree canopies, smothering them from sunlight. A beetle that feeds on air potato in its native range was studied for several years to see its potential as a biological control. Studies were done to ensure the beetle is host specific and that it does not feed on any other plant species, particularly Florida’s native plants. The beetle is known as the Air Potato Leaf Beetle (Liliocerus cheni), a female can lay more than 1,200 eggs during its lifetime. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Plant Industry is currently rearing the beetles for distribution around the state. UCF’s Natural Resources team monitors beetle and air potato populations following their release onto campus and reports results back to the FDACS.
Additional Links
- Florida Invasive Species Council (Previously FLEPPC)
UCF’s Arboretum & Sustainability Initiatives has a large team of student leaders and staff devoted to cultivating, celebrating, and communicating the value of plants, ecosystems, and biodiversity to human well-being. This includes management of over 800 acres of conservation lands here on campus, providing habitat for threatened species as well as unique learning and recreational opportunities for students and the community.
Landscape management staff work closely with the UCF Arboretum and Sustainability Initiatives to make the campus an outdoor, living laboratory that provides opportunities for research and education, experienced-based learning, and human connection to the natural world. We demonstrate how knowledge in landscape architecture, environmental horticulture, and natural resource management can be applied to the creation of sustainable urban environments.