Outdoor recreation is booming across the US, but research shows that the presence of humans – or the trails they hike and ski on – can have harmful effects on wildlife at less-than-close range.
Green spaces are inequitably distributed across cities: The quality and quantity are lower in racialized neighbourhoods.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Green spaces can be part of the plan to ‘build back better’ after COVID-19. But city officials and policy-makers must address systemic racism for urban green spaces to benefit public health.
The more cities grow, the more urban residents need access to enjoy urban forests.
(squeaky marmot/flickr)
COVID-19 has underscored the value of parks and public spaces. A new survey shows that US mayors have gotten the message, but post-pandemic plans for public spaces remain largely undefined.
If they run across some trash while they’re out paddling, what will they do about it?
Marlin Levison/Star Tribune via Getty Images
Nicknaming a lake, planning your route or simply seeing a ‘Welcome to your park’ sign can help visitors feel more like a public place is their own to some degree.
Tennessee warblers (Leiothlypis peregrina) breed in northern Canada and spend winters in Central and South America.
Kyle Horton
Your local ducks (and other wild birds) will thank you.
People wandering on a pedestrian portion of Ste-Catherine Street in Montréal. The pandemic has contributed to a recognition of the importance of public space.
The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz
Containment during the pandemic has contributed to a recognition of the importance of public space as a gathering place and an essential tool to meet the needs of the population.
Deep worry about climate change and biodiversity loss can affect kids’ mental health.
Kira Hofmann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
Melbourne’s stage 4 lockdown forbids residents travelling more than 5km from home during their daily hour of exercise. Fine for those in leafy suburbs, but not for those with less greenery nearby.
Central Park, New York City, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2020.
Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images
Research that measures the public mood based on Twitter posts shows that it’s currently at its lowest point in a decade. One exception: when people visit parks and green spaces.
People have been rediscovering nature during the pandemic, but it’s not just good for public heath. Conservation also creates jobs.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
The Trump administration is rolling back environmental regulations, claiming it’s good for the economy. But research shows that conservation is better both for public health and for job creation.
Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park hosted more than 2.5 million visitors in 2019.
Anqi Lu/Unsplash
A new survey finds that Americans are willing to accept limits on visitors to public lands to reduce crowds, and want staff and visitors to wear masks.
Looking south from New York City’s Central Park.
Ajay Suresh/Wikipedia
Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of many great North American city parks, understood that ready access to nature made cities healthier places to live.
Omo Forest, a home for elephants, in Ijebu East and North Local Government Areas, Ogun State, Nigeria
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