Rrea project abstract FY 2026 ZHU ning, project director, southern university project title: engaging communities in forestry and renewable natural resource stewardship through tree trail…

Rrea project abstract FY 2026 ZHU ning, project director, southern university project title: engaging communities in forestry and renewable natural resource stewardship through tree trail establishment and utilization. This project creates and implements a tree trail that extends from southern university campus (SU) to the communities in baton rouge, LA. The tree trail connects communities and provides access to the historic scott's bluff of the mississippi river on SU campus. IT also bridges the communities to scotlandville green way that was established by the baton rouge recreation and park commission. The joint effort provides communities with access to forests, water, and renewable natural resources that not only promote outdoor activities but also foster forestry and natural resource stewardship. The tree trail provides a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment for communities to learn about the mighty mississippi river and its adjacent watershed ecosystems, benefits of forests in improving air quality and preventing flooding, and importance of renewable natural resource conservation. The objectives are to 1. Establish a tree trail for communities to link MI ssissippi riverfront to the communities, 2. Utilize the trail for extension educational programs such as watershed protection, forestry, and renewable natural resource conservation, 2. Promote outdoor activities, health, and wellness utilizing forests, river front, and nature, 3. Encourage renewable natural resource stewardship through community participation in tree planting, tree maintenance, and best practices, and 4. Enhance community engagement and foster positive relationships through shared spaces and forest recreational opportunities. To accomplish the objectives, we design and implement an appealing and user friendly tree trail that considers the preservation of existing trees and natural features. Clear and informative wayfinding signage will be installed along the trail to ensure community members easily navigate. Interpretive signs will be placed at vantage points to educate trail users about the local flora and fauna and the importance of trees within the ecosystem. The trail will be equipped with the appropriate signs for gathering areas and picnic spots that will encourage social interaction and community building. We will organize community events, nature walks, educational programs and clean up exercises, inviting both SU students and scotlandville residents to participate. These activities will serve as opportunities to promote health and wellness, natural resource awareness, and the appreciation of nature. The target audiences comprise of the louisiana communities such as high school students, college students, faculty, residents, community organizations, green organizations, municipal organizations, and nonprofits working on urban and community forestry issues, arborists, urban foresters, etc. In addition to establishing a tree trail, both electronic and printed educational materials on forestry, environment, and renewable natural resources will be produced and distributed to enhance stakeholders' knowledge. Conference presentations and paper publications will be produced and distributed. The project will increase community awareness on urban forestry sustainability, environmental protection, and natural resources conservation; increase community's access to natural resources and enhance young generation's interests and their desire to play an active role in forestry and natural resource stewardship. Keywords: forests, trees, water, renewable natural resources, extension education program.