This trend was anticipated and was the main reason for sampling such a high number of randomly selected people. Detailed statistical analyses of selected data have been completed. Questions for the selected analyses were chosen based on our estimation of their potential usefulness to urban and community foresters. Data were analyzed for the entire survey population, as well as by ethnic group. In general, respondents, regardless of ethnicity, expressed positive attitudes toward both the utilitarian and social benefits of trees in urban areas.
People appear to appreciate trees and understand the diverse benefits they provide.
We anticipated this trend, but were surprised by the magnitude of the response. We also found that, in many cases, there appear to be strong relationships between childhood experiences with nature and people s current attitudes toward trees. For example, people who reported that they had frequently spent time in the outdoors with trees or actually had planted trees as children were more likely to have positive attitudes toward trees as adults. Participation in organized nature or environmental education outside of school, such as through summer camp or scouts, also appeared to positively influence adult attitudes. These results indicate that childhood experiences with nature influence adult sensitivities to trees and that the influence is very strong.