Environmental Benefits

Sprawl is inflicting major damage on forests essential for livable communities. Here's American Forest's view on how to take a stand for the trees.

But unfortunately, the urban forest is disappearing in many communities around the country, according to Edward McMahon, Director, the Conservation Fund.

A helpful primer on greenways, including a list of resources on benefits (air quality, flood control, etc.), from the Trails & Greenways clearinghouse.

Helpful materials on trees, cities & sprawl, including ways to get a GIS survey of your tree cover!

Chicago's Motto is "Urbs in Horto -- City in a Garden." This article from Conscious Choice tells why.

Two researchers at the University of Illinois find evidence that trees may reduce violence.

A design process that gathered input from schools and in-kind donations from businesses and organizations turned a children's play area, and the environmental restoration project surrounding it, into a backyard, a schoolyard and a science classroom.

Beyond Joyce Kilmer- stats and other useful information about contributions trees make to neighborhood environmental quality, visitor perceptions, and more.

What does a garden contribute to a neighborhood? How does it enhance the quality of life for people living there and working in it? Find out here.

Research that supports the common sense answers you've been using for years -- from the American Community Gardening Association.

A description of a project using teen volunteers to do water quality monitoring and conservation/restoration efforts in Portland.

An overview of the "benefits" literature and some specifics as they pertain to winter recreation.

An article from LA Weekly on street trees and the urban environment in Los Angeles.

A highly informative examination of the essential role parks play in urban neighborhoods, this white paper from Trust for Public Land includes chapters on the health, environmental, economic, and social benefits of parks and open spaces.