The goal of this effort is to evaluate ecosystem services and disservices in NTS compared to surrounding landscape types (e.g., lawns, ornamental gardens, and remnant natural ecosystems), and evaluate public perception and perceived values of NTS. Field surveys of NTS on all five campuses will yield information on plant and insect communities, carbon storage, microclimate effects, and nitrous oxide emissions (using the portable gas analyzer discussed in item 6 of the annual report). Preliminary measurements of soil invertebrate diversity in biofilters indicate that enhanced moisture and organic matter in campus lawns and biofilters significantly increases soil invertebrate richness relative to native coastal sage scrub habitats (UCSD). Field data collection on all five campuses will begin in earnest in March 2018 to coincide with plant and insect emergences (UCLA and UCSD). To evaluate perceived services/disservices a survey has been developed and tested, and is currently under review with the UCI IRB. We intend to offer the survey to student, faculty, and staff at all five campuses (UCI, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, UCR).
Catalyzing A Revolution in Stormwater Management