Abstract:
Sustanability anti -glob-al awareness are more important issues in today's world than ever before. Books about sustainability, products, definitions, awards, aspects of reuse, political parties and organizations, lobbying groups, companies, scientists, and neighbors; everyone and everything is involved. More specifically, every car company is constantly coming out with the "newer and better" hybrid or "green" vehicle. Cars and products do not matter, however, if we do not take a look at our surroundings and, to use an over worn phrase, "increase the green" so that places (neighborhoods, downtowns, streets, sidewalks, and parking lots) work more congruently with people, things (cars, technology, and plant life), and the environment.This thesis looks at the possibility and capability of implementing aspects of urban forestry, a methodology of "re-planting" cities, into an area of Muncie's downtown. Fifty-four square blocks of space in the heart of downtown were studied for parking capacity and green space, as well as how this has changed over time. Case studies from New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Wyoming were studied for the impact of tree and plant life, both aesthetically on a human scale and financially on a practical scale. Percentages and types of green space were studied in comparison to the amount of carbon they were capable of offsetting in relation to the cost of the plant life and maintenance. Books related to urban forestry planning, plant growth, maintenance, and cost were studied to determine the most practical and efficient outcome for an implementation in Muncie.The final part of the study brought together both the research of Muncie's downtown as well as the information found in the case studies and research. Ideas for urban forestry in downtown Muncie include increased green space (both overall and in proportion with parking lot reduction), more/maintenanced walkways, increased number of trees, and porous pavements for parking lot areas; all of which help offset the total carbon footprint of downtown, as well as increase the health of the city and its patrons.
