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Estimating Environmental Impacts of Native Tree Species in Deep Creek Lake

Alex Himes research poster

Alexander Himes, an Environmental Engineering major, investigated the effectiveness of the “10-in-10” Program at Deep Creek Lake, which encourages homeowners to plant native trees to improve shoreline stability and water quality. Using i-Tree and ArcGIS Pro, this project found that native species significantly reduce erosion, stormwater runoff, and nutrient pollution while boosting carbon sequestration and long-term ecosystem health. The research also mapped vulnerable shoreline areas and highlighted which species offer the greatest environmental benefits, reinforcing that strategic native planting can make a substantial, lasting impact on the Deep Creek Lake's overall resilience.