Urban Stream Corridors and Forest Patches—The Connections: A Case Study of Bloomington, IN

Streams and forests are ecosystems connected through hydrology, but few studies have looked at the connectivity between streams in context of urban development. City-made decisions affect connections by isolating both ecosystems. often channelized or buried to increase potential development areas. Forests become fragmented may be removed unless protected. Historical choices land usage sites sizes current streams, forests, This affects distribution impervious surfaces, which separates from forests. Despite these barriers stream/forest interactions, cities can experience connectivity. Seven Bloomington watersheds ranked on their proportions forested forest patch cover, surface along with historical presence urbanization. Watersheds demonstrate connectivity, five containing 50% greater stream segments. canopy cover reduces stormwater runoff approximately 127 kiloliters per year. These areas reduce flooding, nutrient loading, conditions associated syndrome. Understanding improve green infrastructure design space design, resilience better connect residents environment.