Urban parks are biodiversity hotspots and are integral components of green infrastructure in urban areas. A variety of land use practices and environmental factors affect urban park biodiversity and vegetation structure, composition, and ecological function, but few studies compare plant taxonomic composition, structural complexity, and species traits across different types of urban green spaces. The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationships between plant community composition, structural patterns, biodiversity, and environmental and species traits by using a standardized data collection method across different types of urban parks in Portland, Oregon. We examined the potential ways that different types of urban parks preserve native species and/or harbor non-native and invasive species. We used a stratified random sampling design to select 15 parks of different types based on use: 1) recreational-active use parks, 2) natural-passive use parks, and 3) multi-use parks. Within each of the selected parks, data were collected in five 400-m2 square plots. One-way analysis of variance was used to test hypotheses about variables associated with diversity. Multivariate analyses such as ordinations, cluster analysis, and hilltop plots were used to explore vegetation composition data and associations of different species assemblages with environmental variables.
Results/Conclusions
We found a total of 178 plant species belonging to 141 genera and 65 families. The largest number of native and invasive species were herbaceous, while most non-native species were saplings/shrubs. Statistically-significant differences in species richness and biodiversity indices were found between different park types. More native species were found in natural-passive use parks than other park types, more non-native species are found in multi-use parks than the other park types, and more invasive species were found in natural passive-use parks than in recreational-active use parks. Attributes such as wetland habitat, natural-passive use park type, steep slopes, native species origin, and vine and tree forms were those most strongly correlated with the ordination, indicating that these attributes exert the strongest influence on species abundance and distribution with Portland’s urban parks. The findings can assist park managers in aims to promote native species cover, reduce invasive species presence, or achieve their other goals for urban parks. Improved management of plant community composition, structure, and cover within all park types has the potential to improve the habitat quality for animals, microorganisms, and fungi, as well as a range of economic, health, social, and cultural benefits for people who live in urban areas.