Renata Poulton Kamakura reminds us of the importance of nearby nature and the power in community that orbits around urban ecology. Renata is a PhD student at Duke University’s Clark Lab, a NatureNet science fellow, and a NSF Graduate Research Fellow.

Renata’s current work is mostly within the realm of urban ecology. They have authored and collaborated on published research focused on the pace of tree migration and invasion in tallgrass prairies. Also, tree fecundity related size and age as well as indirect climate effects. Long story short, I also know Renata because they have some insights on phenology, growth, mortality and local adaptation of Pacific madrone. I cherish their contribution to the body of thought about madrone as well as their efforts at applying emergent strategy and expanding the possibilities for healthier urban forests in community with our neighbors.

More about Renata and their current research on Duke University website https://sites.duke.edu/renatakamakura

Kamakura, R. P., DeWald, L. E., Sniezko, R. A., Elliott, M., & Chastagner, G. A. (2021). Using differences in abiotic factors between seed origin and common garden sites to predict performance of Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii Pursh). Forest Ecology and Management, 497, 119487. 

From treating ash trees to neighborhood outreach to petitions, residents rally to protect the urban forest. Chicago Tribune. June 12th, 2022.

‘Urban areas are stressful’: Ecologist shares how to help trees thrive amid city life. Spectrum News. March 23, 2022.

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