#greenercities — Public Fediverse posts

#Aotearoa / #NewZealand - The case for #WildlifeCorridors, bridges & belts

Connected networks of vegetated or aquatic spaces that enable movement of species across fragmented urban landscapes.

Excerpt: "#ClimateChange – #VegetatedCorridors contribute to #UrbanCooling and #microclimate regulation, supporting #ClimateAdaptation benefits alongside #biodiversity outcomes.
#HumanWellbeing – Access to connected, #biodiverse #GreenSpaces is associated with improved psychological wellbeing and restorative experiences.
#Freshwater security – Riparian and #BlueGreenCorridors can improve #stormwater attenuation, #WaterQuality, and #flood #resilience while supporting aquatic and terrestrial connectivity."

Read more:
https://aotearoabiodivercity.org/design-strategies/green-wildlife-corridors-bridges-and-belts/

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeAdaptation #GreenerCities #GreenCorridors #WildlifeCrossing #WaterIsLife #NatureHeals #SpendTimeInNature #Greenspaces

This #FirstNations horticulturist Indigenizes plant spaces in B.C.

#ShaylaChalifoux sub-consults for landscape architects on incorporating #NativePlants

Edzi'u Loverin · CBC News · Posted: Nov 14, 2025

Excerpt: "According to the province of B.C., plant biodiversity in #BritishColumbia is unmatched in Canada, with at least 2,500 native vascular plant species, in addition to thousands of lichens, mosses and fungi.

"Individuals can help support the land by planting native plants in pots on their balconies and gardens, said Chalifoux.

" 'Why would you plant a native plant here? Because host nations have a relationship with that, or this specific plant is a host plant for a larva, a native butterfly, that needs to eat only this plant to survive,' said Chalifoux.

" 'The land is hurting. One way we can help the land is by incorporating native plants.'

"Chalifoux said though things are changing, not many municipalities have policies to ensure a percentage of native plants are included in city landscaping.

"#CBCIndigenous asked the City of #Vancouver if it had any policies around the number of native plants required to be planted in urban planning.

"A City of Vancouver spokesperson said in a statement that the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is working to increase native plants in #UrbanSpaces and considers a number of factors in planning, including maintenance, resilience, and canopy cover, and consults with local #FirstNations.

"A prime example of this is the addition of #PacificYew to the Stanley Park Restoration initiative, upon receiving feedback from local First Nations," said the statement.

"The city said it has also provided native plants for #EcologicalRestoration in Vancouver parks to non-profits and community groups that hold community planting events."

Full article:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenize-plant-spaces-in-b-c-9.6978056

#SolarPunkSunday #VancouverBC #FirstNations #GreenerCities #GardeningForPollinators #Biodiversity #Canada #RestoreNature #ContainerGardening

The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

Published: 02 July 2025
Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

"Abstract:

#UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

"Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

[...]

"Conclusion

[T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

"The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

"To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

"This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

Full article:
http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07578-2

#SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

This place sounds so cool!

#Toronto - The Children’s Garden at #EvergreenBrickworks is where kids can explore and connect with nature. It’s a place for kids to get hands on the natural world, including exploring the garden’s rich array of plants.

- Summer weekdays, July and August: 5:30pm to dusk (after Summer Camp programs)
- School-Year weekdays, September through June: 4pm to dusk (after Children’s Education programs)
- Year-round weekends and holidays: 8am to dusk

Ecology at the Children’s Garden

"Our #UrbanAgriculture beds within the garden offer space to grow familiar veggies and herbs. Garden spaces like these can play a vital role in bringing together community members to work to grow food collectively. They can also teach us some valuable lessons on the value of farms and protected local agricultural land, which are able to produce food on a much larger scale.

Located inside the Children’s Garden, the Guild Garden is designed with children in mind. Made possible by support from Forester’s Financial, the garden is built around a central cherry tree surrounded by many species of plants (including fruit shrubs, berries, vegetables and herbs) to create a rich and diverse garden for children to explore. The plants chosen for this garden support #BeneficialInsects, help deter pests and protect the soil.

Lining the alley leading up the garden, stockpots and metal container were installed in 2021 by Foresters Financial, to showcase a regenerative landscape, while also providing food for both pollinators and people. The art on the planters was designed by #Délı̨nę #FirstNations artist and printmaker #LauraGrier.

Milkcrate containers are a legacy left over from the #BoweryProject, which seeks to set up mobile urban farms by setting up #ContainerGardens in urban lots. Initially installed in 2015 with an urban agriculture focus, the milkcrates were revitalized in 2023 into a native container garden concept. This project aims to demonstrate to visitors that NativePlantGardens can be planted anywhere, even without a yard. The containers also aim to model the creation of #GreenCorridors that connect fragmented pieces of habitat throughout the city; to this end they were planted out with plants donated by #ProjectSwallowtail, which aims to connect #greenspaces across the city.

The milkcrate containers in the alley contain edible native plant species. In 2023 they were planted out with the following:

• Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
• Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
• Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)
• Violets (Viola labradorica)
• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)"

FMI:
https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/activities/the-childrens-garden/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #BuildingCommunity #EdibleGarden #GreenerCities #UrbanGardens #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime #ChildrensGarden

Urban Edible Gardening 101: How to Grow Food in Small Spaces (Balcony, Patio, Apartment)

Your Backyard Farmer
Sep 22, 2024

"Did you know that 55% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, making urban edible gardening more pertinent than ever? If you’ve got a small balcony, patio, or windowsill, you can join this growing movement and start producing fresh, chemical-free food. With techniques like container and vertical gardening, you can maximize every square inch of your limited space. Imagine harvesting your herbs, leafy greens, and cherry tomatoes from your apartment. Therefore, how do you begin transforming your urban space into a thriving garden? Let’s investigate the fundamentals.

Our Quick Highlights

- Use #ContainerGardening and #VerticalGardening to maximize space on balconies and patios.
- Select compact, fast-growing plants suitable for small spaces, like herbs, leafy greens, and cherry tomatoes.
- Ensure 6-8 hours of sunlight exposure and proper drainage for optimal plant health.
- Incorporate organic gardening practices and companion planting to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Utilize self-watering systems and moisture monitoring to maintain consistent soil moisture."

Learn more:
https://yourbackyardfarmer.com/urban-edible-gardening/

#SolarPunkSunday #UrbanFarming #UrbanGardens #CityAgriculture #GreenerCities #GrowYourOwn
#GrowYourOwnFood #BalconyGardens
#RooftopGardens #ContainerGardening #UrbanFarms #SelfSufficiency #GrowLocal

Related link: #NYC - The First Comprehensive #UrbanAgriculture Map

"One of MOUA’s first priorities was building a complete picture of urban agriculture across the city, and making that information available to the public. The office created the Urban Agriculture Data Explorer Hub, an interactive platform that maps food production across all five boroughs. The tool has cataloged 2,580 sites so far: #SchoolGardens, #UrbanFarms, #CommunityGardens, #IndoorAgriculture businesses, and underutilized city-owned land. Users can sort by borough, zip code, land management type, and food production status, then click on individual locations for more detail. The platform will eventually also track wellness programs, commercial activity, and climate mitigation efforts. Its crowdsourced design allows community members to contribute information that official records miss, creating a more complete picture over time."

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/7d3e668dfcdd4bce93275dae44fcd3dd

#SolarPunkSunday #GreenerCities #UrbanFarms #UrbanGardens #FarmersMarkets #FarmToTable #FoodSecurity #NYC

Alrighty then... I'll be boosting and re-posting a few SPS posts from yesterday, but I wanted to leave you all with this very #SolarPunk story. TY to @MaQuest and @BrambleBearSnoring and everyone else who used the hashtag. We'll be back at it next #SolarPunkSunday!

Three Years In, New York’s #UrbanAgriculture Office Has Delivered

by Haley Schusterman, January 20, 2026

"Three years in, the office is delivering on its full mandate. It built its own relationships with community leaders and advocates, launched education programs connecting students to working #farms, opened pathways for #SmallFarmers to sell to city institutions, mapped the city’s urban agriculture landscape, and pushed for procurement reform that could redirect how the city spends its food dollars. The office is working to change how eight million #NewYorkers grow, buy, and think about food, using urban agriculture as a lever for #ClimateAction, #EnvironmentalJustice, #FoodAccess, workforce development, and economic #resilience."

Read more:
https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/three-years-in-new-yorks-urban-agriculture-office-has-delivered/

#GreenerCities #UrbanFarms #UrbanGardens #FarmersMarkets #FarmToTable #FoodSecurity #NYC