CFS Supported Research: Current and Completed Projects
Since its inception, the CFS has supported a wide range of projects related to natural resources and urban development. In line with the goal to promote interdisciplinary research, these projects were funded to PIs representing academic departments throughout Auburn University. The CFS has supported research at a variety of scales including local (e.g., the Saugahatchee Creek), regional (e.g., Birmingham, AL; Columbus, GA; the Florida Panhandle), and international (e.g., western China, India). The type of research supported has covered a wide range of topics related to urbanization (e.g., ornithology, aquatic biology, water quality, economics, water use, urban forests, environmental services, carbon cycling, watershed stakeholders, development policy, and biodiversity).
One of the most visible research efforts supported by the CFS was the West Georgia study. This project was an interdisciplinary investigation of urban development impacts along a forested landscape near Columbus, Georgia. The study used a gradient of increasing urbanization by identifying 22 watersheds (1000-5000 ha) under variable land use conditions. Researchers examined numerous feedback relationships between land use, economics, culture, biodiversity, water quality, vegetation patterns, faunal dynamics, and aesthetics. As a result of this project, PIs representing several academic departments worked under a shared research approach. This study generated numerous student theses and dissertations and peer-reviewed journal articles. The results were so well received that it was featured in a dedicated issue of the international journal Urban Ecosystems (Volume 8, Issue 1) in 2005.
Dedicated issue of Urban Ecosystems 8(1)March 2005: Special Issue: Ecological-Socioeconomic Interactions Along an Urban-Rural Gradient: The WestGa Project
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