Web Site Enhancement for arborday.org (01-DG-11020000-068)

This project developed three modules to offer learning opportunities for a diverse forestry audience.

With the support of NUCFAC and the USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry program three modules were developed on arborday.org offering unique learning opportunities for a diverse audience ranging from the novice tree planter to the forestry professional: Online Tree Guide includes 131 commonly planted landscape trees that can be sorted by common name, scientific name or family. The guide can be searched by type, soil, sun, hardiness zone, spread, height or shape and includes infomation about use of trees forshade, wildlife, windbreaks, etc.  Right Tree Right Place Quiz offers questions to test the user's knowledge of trees and provides information in a fun and educational format by asking the user to determine which tree is best for a particular situation. The quiz highlights landscaping to conserve energy and attract wildlife, reduce heat island effect, consideration of utilities, crownshape, mature size, riparian areas and windbreaks.  Virtual Pruning encourages proper pruning cuts and includes information on pruning for strength, form and fruit, and warns against topping. The module provides information onstorm damage, pruning tools and hiring an arborist for big jobs.

This project involved:

•Selection of an advisory committee to review and test education modules.

•Development of three online modules. (Original goal was four modules, but development resulted in two being combined to one. Virtual Tree and The Tree Source were combinedto create Online Tree Guide.)

•Collection and evaluation of user surveys.

Attachments

Click here to download this final grant report as a PDF.