Natural Lands
Prescribed Fires
UCF uses prescribed burning as one of our forest management practices. This technique is used successfully when weather parameters and fuel moisture are in line to produce a predictable and manageable fire. Doing this helps keep the campus safe from wildfires that can ignite during our frequent lightning storms. Many Florida native plant species depend on these fires for regeneration. Florida ecosystems inherently experienced fire long before urbanization and are accustomed to the regenerative properties that fire produces. In our ever changing native Florida landscape, fire is a catalyst for change and growth.
Conservation
The Conservation Section of the University’s Master Plan outlines the goals, objectives, and policies that demonstrate the University’s commitment to the protection of our environmentally significant lands. Management techniques used in campus natural lands include prescribed fire, invasive species management, and protected species conservation & management. Research, particularly focused on wildland-urban interface management, is actively conducted. This research is used to continuously develop better land management techniques.
Invasive Species Management
Invasive species are increasing across the Central Florida region, altering the soil composition, food-web, native plant and animal community, and ultimately, an area’s ecological balance. Many invasive species have proven extremely difficult, or impossible to eradicate, and are costly to control once established. Thus, stringent measures to avoid unwanted species are justified both ecologically and economically. The United States Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Information Center defines invasive species as plant, animal, insect or microbial organisms that are “1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Research has shown that invasive species negatively affect over half of the species listed as endangered or threatened and that around $100 billion is spent every year controlling them. Existence of these species in UCF’s natural areas greatly interferes with management goals of the University. In an effort to control these unwanted species, the University of Central Florida has joined forces with state & federal agencies, private landowners, and non-profit organizations in the Central Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CF CISMA). The CF CISMA’s mission is to create a partnership that develops resources, educates, and shares information to manage invasive species in a specified area. Information on free training dates, partners, control methods, species identification, and projects can be found by visiting http://www.floridainvasives.org/Central/.
Natural Lands
UES Land Management oversees the maintenance of the trails found in our natural lands to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. Our team regularly inspects and repairs trail surfaces, manages vegetation to preserve native species, clears debris, and addresses drainage concerns. We also maintain signage and wayfinding tools to enhance visitor experience while implementing practices that protect wildlife habitats and support UCF’s commitment to conservation. Through these efforts, UES provides a welcoming and educational outdoor space for recreation, research, and community engagement.
