UCF Urban Forestry

The tree canopy at the University of Central Florida is an incredible asset, especially for a campus of its size and functionality. It serves many purposes, including student safety, aesthetics, sequestering of carbon, and the filtering of storm water. UCF is one of the largest universities in the nation, hosting a community population of over 66,000 as of 2016. The campus is 1,415 acres, 800 of which are considered “natural lands” which are maintained as natural Floridian ecosystems. Currently, there are 319 acres of natural lands protected under conservation easements with by the St. John’s Water Management District. Since the campus is located within the St. Johns River watershed, and only 0.8 miles from the Econlockhatchee River Wilderness area, our land and water impacts directly influence the local conservation areas, state parks, and their rivers. Water conservation, pollution removal, canopy cover conservation, erosion control, and aesthetic appeal are the five ultimate goals driving our urban forestry program. Our landscaping and maintenance initiative, facilitated through the Landscape and Natural Resources Department, is committed to creating green spaces that provide utility for our natural environment, create outdoor comfort for our students, support sustainability initiatives, and promote a sense of place on campus.