Mapping Invaders from Heaven: (Ailanthus altissima)

 Ailanthus altissima, also known as Trees of heaven, is a rapidly growing non-native tree. Increased numbers of trees descended from intentionally planted ornamental trees may signal the start of an invasion in areas where the species has not previously been considered problematic. Student scientists ventured into the residential areas of Weatherford, OK in order to determine if trees of heaven are a problem in our community. Trees of heaven were censused, mapped, measured and we concluded that the majority of the trees of heaven in Weatherford, OK were not intentionally planted. On-going data collection is involving more students in monitoring and conservation around the campus community.