Date of Completion
3-13-2025
Degree Type
Honors Thesis - Campus Access
Discipline
Biology (BIOL)
First Advisor
Demian Willette
Abstract
Parks are routinely recognized for their recreational benefits, yet the magnitude and value of other ecosystem services parks provide are often overlooked. In this study, we quantify the ecosystem services, the free benefits given by nature to humans, provided by twelve urban parks across three council districts in Los Angeles. Specifically, we focus on quantifying carbon sequestration, rainfall-runoff avoided, ozone removal, nitrogen dioxide removal, PM2.5 and PM10. The species of each tree, its location within the park, tree condition, and the diameter at breast height were recorded for all trees over three meters in height at each park (n = 2,176). These data were analyzed in the tree-benefit estimation tool, i-Tree Eco, generating park-specific ecological (e.g., lbs of CO2 stored) and economical (monetary) values. i-Tree Canopy was also used to evaluate ecosystem service benefits of canopy coverage in the twelve urban parks. Results suggest that neither age of the park nor size of park drive ecosystem service values, while higher percentage of canopy coverage increases ecosystem service values. Additionally, tree composition (native versus nonnative) seems to have minimal impact on ecosystem services, though when examining the size makeup of the two types, larger nonnative trees may have a disproportionate impact while native trees are more consistent in their contribution. This research plays a significant role in advocating for the thoughtful design and assessment of urban parks, particularly in underserved communities in Los Angeles. By supporting the goals of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Park (RAP) and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), it underscores the need to increase and expand access to park spaces that promote sustainable management and environmental stewardship.
Recommended Citation
Landers, Grace and Willette, Demian A., "Beyond Recreation: Uncovering the Hidden Environmental Wealth of Northeast LA’s Urban Parks" (2025). Honors Thesis. 576.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/honors-thesis/576
