Native Plants in the Built Environment

It is well-established that native tree species in an urban forest provide habitat for the insect fauna and the avifauna. California and indeed, the globe, is in a potentially catastrophic biodiversity crisis. Forty percent of the world’s insects are threatened with extinction, as are 30% of bird species. Every effort must be made to restore, to what extent is possible, the botanical underpinnings of ecological diversity, including in urban areas. Infrastructure support (wide planting strips and other measures) must be considered to support these plantings.

Dr. Schierenbeck’s research interests are in the areas of plant hybridization, plant evolution, and invasive species. She teaches courses in Evolution and Plant Diversity at Cal State University Chico.

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