Urban areas and nature may seem at odds, but they can work together beautifully. Urban Ecology for Citizens and Planners by Gail Hansen, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida, and Joseli Macedo, Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape at the University of Calgary, provides city planners, developers, and anyone interested in greener communities with practical ideas to make cities eco-friendly and more sustainable.
How Can We Reconnect Cities and Nature?
This book is a good resource for anyone looking to understand how urban life can integrate with the natural world. It delves into the science behind urban ecosystems, explaining how green spaces not only beautify cities but also improve the quality of life for their residents. It offers actionable insights that can guide sustainable initiatives and influence environmental policies, equipping readers with the knowledge needed to make a lasting impact.
Urban Ecology for Citizens and Planners explores how humans and nature coexist in cities and how this relationship can shape the future of urban green spaces. The authors emphasize the importance of incorporating nature into city design—not just for aesthetics but for its tangible benefits on health, happiness, and the overall well-being of communities. Through the concept of biophilic urbanism—the practice of embedding nature into urban design—they illustrate how cities can be transformed into more livable, resilient spaces.
What Role Can Citizens Play in Greener Cities?
The book doesn’t stop at theory. It offers a variety of real-world case studies, successful community projects, and examples of citizen science programs from cities around the globe. These stories show how urban areas have been positively impacted by integrating nature, providing inspiration for anyone who wants to launch their own green initiatives or simply better understand how cities and nature can work together.
Hansen and Macedo make it clear that citizens have an important role to play in shaping the environmental future of their cities. They call on readers to get involved, collaborate with others, and take action in creating healthier, greener urban spaces.
Here are some EDIS articles related to urban ecology that you may find valuable:
- Protecting Natural Areas During Development: Four Spatial Considerations to Maximize their Benefits
- Air Pollution Removal and Temperature Reduction by Gainesville’s Urban Forest
- Conservation Subdivision: Design Phase—Wildlife-friendly Transportation Network
- Understanding Ecosystem Services from Urban Agriculture
Visit the UF/IFAS Bookstore today to get your copy of Urban Ecology for Citizens and Planners!
Reading age: Adults, Print length: 386 pages, Languages available: English, Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches, Publisher: University of Florida Press
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