Project:

Studying the Effects of Norway Maple Populations on Biodiversity, Native Species Presence, and Soil Quality in Fort Greene Park

Students:

Zakiya Ahmed, Anna Kuflik

School:

Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn

Mentors:

Michael Estrella

Abstract:

Biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate due to multiple factors; one of them being the rapid growth of invasive species. Plant extinction is happening at a rate 500 times faster than normal, with over 600 species having become extinct over the last 250 years. Norway Maples are one of the top 5 most common street trees in NYC. Their dense canopies and shallow root systems cause a sharp decline in plant populations that are unable to access nutrients and survive under them. The purpose of this study is to identify the species in Fort Greene Park (Brooklyn, NY) that thrive under them, to determine the Norway Maple’s impact on biodiversity and identify native species that are compatible with them. We hypothesize that when Norway Maples are planted, then the species that survive under them will be primarily invasive, and there will be low biodiversity in the area. To test this, plant species at three different distances under both Norway Maples and non-Norway Maples will be identif

Poster:

Team samples: