Bringing Biodiversity to the City of Cincinnati

Abstract

Record ID: 94

Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Video

Abstract: Biodiversity is one of the most important aspects when working to maintain ecosystem health. We can gather a lot of information based on the species that live in an area such as: pollution via pollution intolerant species, ecosystem relationships, ecosystem stability, and resistance to forces such as climate change. In order to improve the biodiversity of an ecosystem, an area needs to first assess what biodiversity they currently have. Analyzing the number and types of species that exist in an area can be a highly tedious task, and seem almost impossible in large city areas.The goal of this study is to answer the following questions presented by the Green Cincinnati plan, what biodiversity assessments exist already? What are the major gaps? What do experts view as being needed most? What tools, such as apps, exist to support citizen science in this area? In this study, we aim to analyze the viability of a biodiversity assessment specifically in the city of Cincinnati. First, we analyze what current biodiversity data is available for the city. Then we compare this information to similar reports that have been completed in other larger cities. We also aim to expand on what current citizen science exists in this area, to maximize public involvement in the environment.