This is NOT REQUIRED!
I will be attending the NYC Grow Together on Saturday the 24th of March. If any of you plan to stay in the city over that weekend and would like to be a part of something like this, I highly recommend it. See below.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Children and "Back -to-Nature"--more context
All of you raised great point, questions, and critiques reagrding last weeks readings...some of them dealing with"nature-deficit disorder" and related topics.
Here is a link to the latest book on the subject:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Child-Woods-Children-Nature-Deficit/dp/1565125223/sr=8-1/qid=1172690519/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2405519-2286242?ie=UTF8&s=books
...and below, more on the subject. Some of you will no doubt find this interesting and of use. Enjoy!
A back-to-nature movement to reconnect children with the outdoors is burgeoning nationwide"
- USA Today, Nov. 21, 2006
Children & Nature Movement Update
The grass roots Children and Nature Movement continues to grow and expand. Twenty-two regions have now launched or are considering launching a Children & Nature Campaign. From Louisville to Seattle, communities are coming together to raise awareness and map-out plans for action. Shifts in policy are also underway with several groups working together to propose children and nature amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act.Recent movement gatherings include the December conference on children and nature hosted by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the C&NN planning session held in January to inform the drafting of a C&NN Action Guide for regional leaders and community collaboratives. C&NN Chairman, Rich Louv, continues to speak as author and a spokesman for the movement with over 20 speaking engagements in February and March alone. As the movement grows, so do the resources and support for movement leaders.
This month C&NN publishes two key tools for communicating the need, reasons, urgency and scientific foundations for taking action to re-connect children & nature: 1) a report listing the first of 20 premier research studies on the benefits of connecting children to nature, and 2) a selection of conference resources, including exclusive video excerpts, from the 2006 Dialogue on Children and Nature co-convened by the Conservation Fund, the National Conservation Training Center and Rich Louv. These resources will help provide scientific information, common language and a shared vision to support advocacy, innovation, and local leadership.Research ReportParents and grandparents, friends, family, teachers, physicians and concerned citizens-people want to do what is right and best for children. With that in mind, C&NN has set out to compile a premier set of research studies to help us all understand the connection between nature and the healthy development of children. The conclusion of these studies is clear: nature experience improves children's health, happiness, academic achievement, and general well being.[+] read more
Leadership Report and ResourcesC&NN publishes a Leadership Report on the National Dialogue on Children and Nature with video and PowerPoint presentations. View video excerpts or presentations by Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, Richard Louv, Larry Selzer, Stephen Kellert, Kathy Baughman McLeod, Charles Jordan and others as they speak out on the children and nature connection.[+] read more
Here is a link to the latest book on the subject:
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Child-Woods-Children-Nature-Deficit/dp/1565125223/sr=8-1/qid=1172690519/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2405519-2286242?ie=UTF8&s=books
...and below, more on the subject. Some of you will no doubt find this interesting and of use. Enjoy!
A back-to-nature movement to reconnect children with the outdoors is burgeoning nationwide"
- USA Today, Nov. 21, 2006
Children & Nature Movement Update
The grass roots Children and Nature Movement continues to grow and expand. Twenty-two regions have now launched or are considering launching a Children & Nature Campaign. From Louisville to Seattle, communities are coming together to raise awareness and map-out plans for action. Shifts in policy are also underway with several groups working together to propose children and nature amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act.Recent movement gatherings include the December conference on children and nature hosted by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the C&NN planning session held in January to inform the drafting of a C&NN Action Guide for regional leaders and community collaboratives. C&NN Chairman, Rich Louv, continues to speak as author and a spokesman for the movement with over 20 speaking engagements in February and March alone. As the movement grows, so do the resources and support for movement leaders.
This month C&NN publishes two key tools for communicating the need, reasons, urgency and scientific foundations for taking action to re-connect children & nature: 1) a report listing the first of 20 premier research studies on the benefits of connecting children to nature, and 2) a selection of conference resources, including exclusive video excerpts, from the 2006 Dialogue on Children and Nature co-convened by the Conservation Fund, the National Conservation Training Center and Rich Louv. These resources will help provide scientific information, common language and a shared vision to support advocacy, innovation, and local leadership.Research ReportParents and grandparents, friends, family, teachers, physicians and concerned citizens-people want to do what is right and best for children. With that in mind, C&NN has set out to compile a premier set of research studies to help us all understand the connection between nature and the healthy development of children. The conclusion of these studies is clear: nature experience improves children's health, happiness, academic achievement, and general well being.[+] read more
Leadership Report and ResourcesC&NN publishes a Leadership Report on the National Dialogue on Children and Nature with video and PowerPoint presentations. View video excerpts or presentations by Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, Richard Louv, Larry Selzer, Stephen Kellert, Kathy Baughman McLeod, Charles Jordan and others as they speak out on the children and nature connection.[+] read more
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The Three Articles
I thought that the three articles articulated a reoccurring theme in the urban environmental discourse. That theme is that green spaces and nature in general provide us with more than just clean air but an overall improvement in our quality of life. The research that the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory is involved in showing that medicine is not the only resource in treating disorders such as ADD. Nature projects can keep the youth of the streets and instill values and discipline in them. Furthermore, the Center for Urban Horticulture emphasizes interaction with plants can have a beneficial psychological gain for those who chose to participate.
I am bad at titles...
Urban Nature Benefits:
Psycho-Social Dimensions of People and Plants
I think that it is an interesting concept that people who experience more nature in their lives are happier, that they take less sick days, get more job satisfacton, and feel safer in natural places. I also feel like this article was a little one sided. It stated things like "studies have shown..." but was very vague on the actual content of the studies. It seems like there is more to happiness than just nature. Specifically, there are known psychological disorders that are associated with the winter time. Seasonal affective disorder is an accepted psychological disorder fairly common in this country. It is commonly treated not with trees and flowers, and getting peopel outside in the winter, but with bright light therapy. The use of full spectrum lamps, or "the happy lamp", as my roomate calls, it tends to bring peopel out of the "winter slumps" that frequently occur. Is it possible that the people with offices near windows are just responding to the natural light, as opposed to the green things that they see?
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory
I like this site a little better, cause it gives specific examples of how green spaces and things help people psychologically. I am still a little skeptical (as I tend to be) that there is not just a coincidence occuring here. Especially with the ADD example, I think a culture change has occured that is not being explored. Over the past few years people, including children, have been spending more time indoors playing videogames, watching tv, or various other physically inactive activities. There has also been an increase in ADD diagnosis. Children used to spend a lot more time just running around in general than they do now. When the children would get hyperactive, parents would just tell them to go outside and run around, now they are medicated. Peopel are now realizing that they can send their children outside to physically release that energy as opposed to putting them on ritalin, and are attributing it to the green things that are also outside. I am not saying that it is impossible that the natural things found outside are not helping peoples behavior, but I do believe that it is not as clear cut as the websites are making it out to be.
Social Science Research Project:
Forest Ecosystem Work and Youth Benefits
I like this article. I think that it is a good idea to foster a relationship between young people and the environment. People need to be aware of the world around them and how to take care of it so that it will be stabel and sustainable for years to come. This program also aims to get people more physically active, which is also a problem that should be confronted in our society. I like that this program, from what I could see, did not claim to provide psychological benefits based on proximity to green plants.
Psycho-Social Dimensions of People and Plants
I think that it is an interesting concept that people who experience more nature in their lives are happier, that they take less sick days, get more job satisfacton, and feel safer in natural places. I also feel like this article was a little one sided. It stated things like "studies have shown..." but was very vague on the actual content of the studies. It seems like there is more to happiness than just nature. Specifically, there are known psychological disorders that are associated with the winter time. Seasonal affective disorder is an accepted psychological disorder fairly common in this country. It is commonly treated not with trees and flowers, and getting peopel outside in the winter, but with bright light therapy. The use of full spectrum lamps, or "the happy lamp", as my roomate calls, it tends to bring peopel out of the "winter slumps" that frequently occur. Is it possible that the people with offices near windows are just responding to the natural light, as opposed to the green things that they see?
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory
I like this site a little better, cause it gives specific examples of how green spaces and things help people psychologically. I am still a little skeptical (as I tend to be) that there is not just a coincidence occuring here. Especially with the ADD example, I think a culture change has occured that is not being explored. Over the past few years people, including children, have been spending more time indoors playing videogames, watching tv, or various other physically inactive activities. There has also been an increase in ADD diagnosis. Children used to spend a lot more time just running around in general than they do now. When the children would get hyperactive, parents would just tell them to go outside and run around, now they are medicated. Peopel are now realizing that they can send their children outside to physically release that energy as opposed to putting them on ritalin, and are attributing it to the green things that are also outside. I am not saying that it is impossible that the natural things found outside are not helping peoples behavior, but I do believe that it is not as clear cut as the websites are making it out to be.
Social Science Research Project:
Forest Ecosystem Work and Youth Benefits
I like this article. I think that it is a good idea to foster a relationship between young people and the environment. People need to be aware of the world around them and how to take care of it so that it will be stabel and sustainable for years to come. This program also aims to get people more physically active, which is also a problem that should be confronted in our society. I like that this program, from what I could see, did not claim to provide psychological benefits based on proximity to green plants.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
3 articles
Social Benefits of Nature
I think this article has a fascinating argument for the benefits that nature has on people’s mental health. I do believe that workers exposed to a view of the outdoors would be more inclined to work. I would like to know more about the studies done, to be sure that they are accurate because the article does not explain them well. Nature can definitely impact a person’s attitude as well as the amount of stress one feels. I also thought it was interesting that the presence of trees and grass has been studied as a factor influencing family interactions. This is a new idea, but if nature can have an impact on stress and attitude, these things would also impact family interactions.
The research done at U of I on adults and children, with focus on crime, safety, violence, community, attention, self-control, learning, and a variety of other topics sounds very promising in promoting nature and benefiting people living in the city. I am especially interested to learn about this project because I lived in Champaign, IL for three years and considered going to college there. It is not surprising that playing outdoors can lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Not only is it physically healthy for the children, but it allows them to experience the world first-hand instead of from a TV screen. I thought it was interesting to point out the greener affected girls’ self-discipline and confidence, but was not significant to boys’ confidence. When I read about crime and green spaces, I thought that it must also be a factor of income and location. Reading further, the web site made some good arguments that greenery brings neighborhoods and communities outdoors more often, so crime is discouraged. This is also linked to a strong feeling of community. These are very good arguments to support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants in cities, but we must also address the issue of cost. Will the city really invest in landscaping in poor neighborhoods that would put the plants at risk to vandalism?
Youth Benefits
This sounds like a promising study about the effects of outdoor community service in nature on youths. I think that when children and even adults volunteer in the environment, they learn to appreciate the world more. They develop their ecological identity, which the article says is the degree to which nature and the environment are integrated into one’s sense of self. People will learn to be more accepting and more giving, instead of acting selfish and focused on their own needs. Not only will they respect nature, but I think they will care for other people as well. Instead of choosing a career that makes money, they could be more inspired to do something beneficial for the world. I think it is great the study is looking into the effects of environmental volunteer work on children as individuals as well as America as a nation. A program promoting youth involvement outdoors would benefit the nation and could be a step towards changing our culture from a mostly sedentary way of life to an active lifestyle.
I think this article has a fascinating argument for the benefits that nature has on people’s mental health. I do believe that workers exposed to a view of the outdoors would be more inclined to work. I would like to know more about the studies done, to be sure that they are accurate because the article does not explain them well. Nature can definitely impact a person’s attitude as well as the amount of stress one feels. I also thought it was interesting that the presence of trees and grass has been studied as a factor influencing family interactions. This is a new idea, but if nature can have an impact on stress and attitude, these things would also impact family interactions.
The research done at U of I on adults and children, with focus on crime, safety, violence, community, attention, self-control, learning, and a variety of other topics sounds very promising in promoting nature and benefiting people living in the city. I am especially interested to learn about this project because I lived in Champaign, IL for three years and considered going to college there. It is not surprising that playing outdoors can lessen the symptoms of ADHD. Not only is it physically healthy for the children, but it allows them to experience the world first-hand instead of from a TV screen. I thought it was interesting to point out the greener affected girls’ self-discipline and confidence, but was not significant to boys’ confidence. When I read about crime and green spaces, I thought that it must also be a factor of income and location. Reading further, the web site made some good arguments that greenery brings neighborhoods and communities outdoors more often, so crime is discouraged. This is also linked to a strong feeling of community. These are very good arguments to support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants in cities, but we must also address the issue of cost. Will the city really invest in landscaping in poor neighborhoods that would put the plants at risk to vandalism?
Youth Benefits
This sounds like a promising study about the effects of outdoor community service in nature on youths. I think that when children and even adults volunteer in the environment, they learn to appreciate the world more. They develop their ecological identity, which the article says is the degree to which nature and the environment are integrated into one’s sense of self. People will learn to be more accepting and more giving, instead of acting selfish and focused on their own needs. Not only will they respect nature, but I think they will care for other people as well. Instead of choosing a career that makes money, they could be more inspired to do something beneficial for the world. I think it is great the study is looking into the effects of environmental volunteer work on children as individuals as well as America as a nation. A program promoting youth involvement outdoors would benefit the nation and could be a step towards changing our culture from a mostly sedentary way of life to an active lifestyle.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Urban Greenery
Urban Nature Benefits: Psycho-Social Dimensions of People and Plants
This article arguments that in urban environments, plants not only improve the environment, but also beautify the scenes. This contributes to psychological as well as social benefits in society. This can be seen in cities like NYC, where life is hectic. Nature relaxes. Who could possibly know how many lives the Central Park in NYC has saved?
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory-University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This study shows further proof that nature and green areas provide human health in a psychological way. As with the previous article on Urban Nature Benefits, urban areas with more green areas are perceived and observed to be safer and healthier.
Social Science Research Project: Forest Ecosystem Work and Youth Benefits
This article studies the impact that nature can have in youth and young adults. It is based on the argument that early encouragement provides authentic interest on ecology, and a positive impact on a person’s personality, future interests, and social role. This article also goes into psychometrics, which is the study of how people’s psychological/social reaction on different situations. It is argued that nowadays, it is regretful that society is becoming more sedentary and less inclined to eat healthy food since young age. Therefore, various cardiovascular and health illnesses are developing and affecting society. A change is necessary, this article says. A solution may be more interest and action on green market.
This article arguments that in urban environments, plants not only improve the environment, but also beautify the scenes. This contributes to psychological as well as social benefits in society. This can be seen in cities like NYC, where life is hectic. Nature relaxes. Who could possibly know how many lives the Central Park in NYC has saved?
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory-University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This study shows further proof that nature and green areas provide human health in a psychological way. As with the previous article on Urban Nature Benefits, urban areas with more green areas are perceived and observed to be safer and healthier.
Social Science Research Project: Forest Ecosystem Work and Youth Benefits
This article studies the impact that nature can have in youth and young adults. It is based on the argument that early encouragement provides authentic interest on ecology, and a positive impact on a person’s personality, future interests, and social role. This article also goes into psychometrics, which is the study of how people’s psychological/social reaction on different situations. It is argued that nowadays, it is regretful that society is becoming more sedentary and less inclined to eat healthy food since young age. Therefore, various cardiovascular and health illnesses are developing and affecting society. A change is necessary, this article says. A solution may be more interest and action on green market.
Introducing myself
Dear Urban Environments Course Participants,
Mr Tidball has invited me to join in the Urban Environments 07 blog. I have looked over your comments and it looks as if you are doing some good thinking about cities and natural resources.
As chair of the Department of Natural Resources, I am very interested in your thoughts about ways our Department should be addressing urban natural resources issues. You are welcome to email me (mek2) or perhaps talk with Mr Tidball if you want to share thoughts as a class. I very much appreciate Mr Tidball assuming leadership on urban issues in Natural Resources by teaching this course, as well as your active participation in the class and in the ASB service-learning component.
I am hoping to join you for the Monday of spring break in NYC, and I will be talking with you about community gardens and Garden Mosaics on March 6. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Marianne Krasny
Mr Tidball has invited me to join in the Urban Environments 07 blog. I have looked over your comments and it looks as if you are doing some good thinking about cities and natural resources.
As chair of the Department of Natural Resources, I am very interested in your thoughts about ways our Department should be addressing urban natural resources issues. You are welcome to email me (mek2) or perhaps talk with Mr Tidball if you want to share thoughts as a class. I very much appreciate Mr Tidball assuming leadership on urban issues in Natural Resources by teaching this course, as well as your active participation in the class and in the ASB service-learning component.
I am hoping to join you for the Monday of spring break in NYC, and I will be talking with you about community gardens and Garden Mosaics on March 6. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Marianne Krasny
Website reflextions
The CFR Washington website provided some interesting perspectives on the importance of trees based on various sociological and psychological studies. The study on office workers and the relationship between the ability to see greenery from their desks and their job satisfaction was pretty suspicious. The study concluded that people who could see green at work felt more relaxed at work and had less sick days. However, there may be another aspect of these people's lives that may affect these issues more than just being able to see the lawn. Generally, office workers that have windowed offices are the upper level employees. These people may have more experience (and thus better coping abilities), higher income ( more comfortable lifestyle) and have probably invested more time in their work (therefore seeing it as more challenging) than those desk workers that do not have office windows.
I hold the rest of the studies about the psychologically beneficial effects of trees in contempt for several reasons. First of all, these fun facts about trees are certainly interesting, but just because they provide the name of the person who conducted the study does not mean that these studies were conducted in a legitimate manner. Secondly, these reports do not give enough information about the methods of the experiments for the reader to judge for herself wheter to believe the findings. Who was asked if they felt less stress/endured less domestic violence/viewed tree-lined streets as safer? What was their economic background? Age? Sex? All these factors and more come into play when evaluating the significance of trees in peoples lives and these details were left out of these reports.
Planning has historically made wealthier areas more beautiful (generally with artful building and landscape design). The studies that talk about reduced domestic violence, reduced stress and reduced feelings of insecurity of areas with many trees seems suspiciously tied to the planning of the area and the type of people that live in those places. More time and effort are put into an area where it is perceived that people and businesses will invest their money. So, if the neighborhoods looked more dangerous because of their lack of trees, perhaps that was because they were indeed less invested in. In my opinion, environment plays a huge role in shaping the opinions of people. Other studies have shown that people brought up in economically disadvantaged families generally suffer from higher stress, poor education opportunities, and as a result of these desperate conditions, more crime. It seems as though the presence of trees is a physical manifestation of the amount of money in the area (both from individual families and from the government). So, while planting more trees in areas that are lacking certainly wouldn't hurt, more trees will not necessarily solve the problems affecting people which are due to greater and more varied causes ( mainly pertaining to economic status).
The Landscape and Human Health Laboratory website seemed to understand the presence of trees in urban life from a more reasonable perspective. Their studies focused on impoverished inner-city adults and children, the elderly, and children with ADHD. This laboratory seemed more to look at whether improving the environment in which these groups lived would make a positive impact in their lives. In other words, whether the existence of urban forestry would improve the lives of these groups over those living with less greenery. There is recognition that it is not JUST the lack of trees in these people's lives that causes social distress.
I hold the rest of the studies about the psychologically beneficial effects of trees in contempt for several reasons. First of all, these fun facts about trees are certainly interesting, but just because they provide the name of the person who conducted the study does not mean that these studies were conducted in a legitimate manner. Secondly, these reports do not give enough information about the methods of the experiments for the reader to judge for herself wheter to believe the findings. Who was asked if they felt less stress/endured less domestic violence/viewed tree-lined streets as safer? What was their economic background? Age? Sex? All these factors and more come into play when evaluating the significance of trees in peoples lives and these details were left out of these reports.
Planning has historically made wealthier areas more beautiful (generally with artful building and landscape design). The studies that talk about reduced domestic violence, reduced stress and reduced feelings of insecurity of areas with many trees seems suspiciously tied to the planning of the area and the type of people that live in those places. More time and effort are put into an area where it is perceived that people and businesses will invest their money. So, if the neighborhoods looked more dangerous because of their lack of trees, perhaps that was because they were indeed less invested in. In my opinion, environment plays a huge role in shaping the opinions of people. Other studies have shown that people brought up in economically disadvantaged families generally suffer from higher stress, poor education opportunities, and as a result of these desperate conditions, more crime. It seems as though the presence of trees is a physical manifestation of the amount of money in the area (both from individual families and from the government). So, while planting more trees in areas that are lacking certainly wouldn't hurt, more trees will not necessarily solve the problems affecting people which are due to greater and more varied causes ( mainly pertaining to economic status).
The Landscape and Human Health Laboratory website seemed to understand the presence of trees in urban life from a more reasonable perspective. Their studies focused on impoverished inner-city adults and children, the elderly, and children with ADHD. This laboratory seemed more to look at whether improving the environment in which these groups lived would make a positive impact in their lives. In other words, whether the existence of urban forestry would improve the lives of these groups over those living with less greenery. There is recognition that it is not JUST the lack of trees in these people's lives that causes social distress.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Benefits of Nature
Urban Nature Benefits
Once again I was struck by the extent to which trees, plants, flowers or just greenery improve our environment and affect the way we function and feel. Out of the entire article, one word really captivated me and that word was "restorative." This little word encapsulates so much concerning the relationship between nature and people.
I liked how the article provided examples of how nature improved the lives of people. For example, workers who had a view of nature from their work space had less illnesses compared to those who did not have a view. People with trees in their homes experienced reduced domestic conflict and less physcial abuse. I really liked the part about how schools with tended landscapes contributed to reduced feelings of fear and violence. I can attest to this.
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory
I found this laboratory site fascinating and also it's recent findings. Things such as:
Green activity reducing ADHD symptons ( I did not know this).
Views of trees from homes improve girls self-discipline, what about boys self-discipline, lol.
Trees boost concentration and the ability to cope ( duh)
The right residential landscaping can discourage crime. This one really surprised me and I started thinking what kind of landscape would attract a criminal? Would it be an unkempt landscape or would it be something that people took time and spent money beautifying? What does this say about people who take pride in their surroundings and enhancing it versus those who allow the landscape in which they live to be overgrown and obviously neglected?
Green residential landscaping strengthens communities. I liked this one also because it reminded me of the gardens article that we read last week.
Social Science Research Project
I liked this article especially since they told us upfront that there is no empirical data to support a lot of the findings regarding the perceived changes in young people after they have participated in nature-based programs. What I took away from this article was that young people benefit form nature-based work experiences and this got me very excited for our springbreak of service. Like the article I do believe that nature work programs are essential. The article talks about a pilot study that will be undertaken and seeks to address some very relevant questions. It is important to look at things like the impact of nature based programs on lifestyle and career choices of youths and also the ecological literacy aspect of things. I anticipate reading more about their findings.
Once again I was struck by the extent to which trees, plants, flowers or just greenery improve our environment and affect the way we function and feel. Out of the entire article, one word really captivated me and that word was "restorative." This little word encapsulates so much concerning the relationship between nature and people.
I liked how the article provided examples of how nature improved the lives of people. For example, workers who had a view of nature from their work space had less illnesses compared to those who did not have a view. People with trees in their homes experienced reduced domestic conflict and less physcial abuse. I really liked the part about how schools with tended landscapes contributed to reduced feelings of fear and violence. I can attest to this.
Landscape and Human Health Laboratory
I found this laboratory site fascinating and also it's recent findings. Things such as:
Green activity reducing ADHD symptons ( I did not know this).
Views of trees from homes improve girls self-discipline, what about boys self-discipline, lol.
Trees boost concentration and the ability to cope ( duh)
The right residential landscaping can discourage crime. This one really surprised me and I started thinking what kind of landscape would attract a criminal? Would it be an unkempt landscape or would it be something that people took time and spent money beautifying? What does this say about people who take pride in their surroundings and enhancing it versus those who allow the landscape in which they live to be overgrown and obviously neglected?
Green residential landscaping strengthens communities. I liked this one also because it reminded me of the gardens article that we read last week.
Social Science Research Project
I liked this article especially since they told us upfront that there is no empirical data to support a lot of the findings regarding the perceived changes in young people after they have participated in nature-based programs. What I took away from this article was that young people benefit form nature-based work experiences and this got me very excited for our springbreak of service. Like the article I do believe that nature work programs are essential. The article talks about a pilot study that will be undertaken and seeks to address some very relevant questions. It is important to look at things like the impact of nature based programs on lifestyle and career choices of youths and also the ecological literacy aspect of things. I anticipate reading more about their findings.
I am excited to watch the Gotham Fish Tails Movie. I was unaware that anything could actually live in the waters around New York City. I like the Urban Neighbors site a lot. I especially enjoy the sentiment of "It refutes the canard that pigeons, cockroaches, and rats are the city’s only local wild fauna." There are a lot of steriotypes about cities like New York, and Urban Neighbors is helping to change people's false impresions about wildilife in the city. The Wild Side of New York website is interesting caue it is a place where information about natural things in the city can be easily found. Many "wild" things in cities are hard to come by, or at least find out about, and the idea of this website is good cause interested people won't have to search forever.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Comments on Benefirts of Urban Trees and Trees as Capital Assets
Comments on Benefits of Urban Trees:
This article outlines the importance of trees in cities. Trees are projected as indispensable to humankind, since they provide many benefits such as improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff and erosion, modifying local climates, conserving energy, being beneficial for the economy, creating a habitat for plants and animals, improving health, serving as screens, and promoting community. The question asked behind the scenes is: what would happen if trees were not present? How would our world be? Trees in this article are, as already mentioned before, portrayed as necessary to mankind. The United States Department of Agriculture relates trees with many aspects that make up a society (which are sometimes taken for granted) and that are necessary to keep a society working. For example, by stating that trees improve air quality, USDA concludes that if trees did not exist, we would have shorter life spans (if any) since everybody needs air to live, right! By stating that trees are beneficial for the economy, the USDA states that without trees, the economy would be less profitable, since trees add beauty and therefore, another reason why something, such as houses surrounded by trees, should be bought (one of the thresholds of economy). Finally, by stating that trees improve health it is being stated that if you keep trees around, you will be happier. And let’s not forget that trees promote community….indeed. Everyone likes to gather, once in a while, around or near trees. After declaring and proving how trees are necessary in every society, the USDA provides solutions on how “you” can promote urban tree conservation.
Comments on Trees as Capital Assets:
This article talks about green infrastructure. After pointing out that urban forest managers are aware of the importance of trees in urban areas, this article goes into some detail by talking about how economy, capital laws, investment, and governmental rules can work towards creating an urban and green infrastructure. It points out that these types of projects sometimes involve passing debts from generation to generation. The process may seem complicated for someone not familiar with the methods and how urban forestry management programs work, but in reality, it may become a simple process for someone with experience in this area. It is a matter of understanding how economy works, and how ones understanding of urban forestry can be applied to the political and economic rules.
This article outlines the importance of trees in cities. Trees are projected as indispensable to humankind, since they provide many benefits such as improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff and erosion, modifying local climates, conserving energy, being beneficial for the economy, creating a habitat for plants and animals, improving health, serving as screens, and promoting community. The question asked behind the scenes is: what would happen if trees were not present? How would our world be? Trees in this article are, as already mentioned before, portrayed as necessary to mankind. The United States Department of Agriculture relates trees with many aspects that make up a society (which are sometimes taken for granted) and that are necessary to keep a society working. For example, by stating that trees improve air quality, USDA concludes that if trees did not exist, we would have shorter life spans (if any) since everybody needs air to live, right! By stating that trees are beneficial for the economy, the USDA states that without trees, the economy would be less profitable, since trees add beauty and therefore, another reason why something, such as houses surrounded by trees, should be bought (one of the thresholds of economy). Finally, by stating that trees improve health it is being stated that if you keep trees around, you will be happier. And let’s not forget that trees promote community….indeed. Everyone likes to gather, once in a while, around or near trees. After declaring and proving how trees are necessary in every society, the USDA provides solutions on how “you” can promote urban tree conservation.
Comments on Trees as Capital Assets:
This article talks about green infrastructure. After pointing out that urban forest managers are aware of the importance of trees in urban areas, this article goes into some detail by talking about how economy, capital laws, investment, and governmental rules can work towards creating an urban and green infrastructure. It points out that these types of projects sometimes involve passing debts from generation to generation. The process may seem complicated for someone not familiar with the methods and how urban forestry management programs work, but in reality, it may become a simple process for someone with experience in this area. It is a matter of understanding how economy works, and how ones understanding of urban forestry can be applied to the political and economic rules.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Lost poster
Hey guys, this is very off topic but I think I left a poster in class on Tuesday, has anyone seen it? It was a white tube of paper inside of a clear plastic bag. Please let me know it you have seen it around. thanks!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
These sites represented various organizations that are trying to better urban living conditions through increased interaction with greenery. The studies that correlated the benefits of greenery to less crime, greater concentration, less domestic violence, are understandable and very interesting. However I would have liked them to be a little more specific - the vagueness made it sound less credible. Overall the studies did make a lot of sense, because they all harkened back to nature's calming effect. I really value the work of organizations that seek to show nature to innercity children. Beyond establishing self confidence and leadership, these outings establish a relationships with outdoors. It is often the children who played in nature that grow up to care the most about the environment.
Reading for 2/20/2007
The article about the benefits of urban tress explained the value of trees to humans and the urban environment. The article stated what seems to be common knowledge in general areas, like having trees on ones property increasing the value of that property and that trees play an integral part in local climate control. Furthermore, trees give us benefits in health that we usually look for in pill form. Such as reduced stress, more productive and happier life experiences. The article finishes with what we can do to protect and keep trees healthy in our urban environments.
The article on treating trees as capital assets expressed a very interesting approach to managing trees and thinking of trees in economic terms and benefits. As I read the article i felt that trees were not trees anymore, meaning that presenting trees in this form or language seemed to lessen the natural beauty of trees. It is as if trees have been removed from nature to the domain of bureaucratic expenditures. If this is the way to keep trees healthy and extend their longevity in urban environments they must become part of our systems and budgets to make that possible. It might sound sad and unnatural to speak of trees in this manner but its about having a process that ensures that trees be apart of urban environments.
The article on treating trees as capital assets expressed a very interesting approach to managing trees and thinking of trees in economic terms and benefits. As I read the article i felt that trees were not trees anymore, meaning that presenting trees in this form or language seemed to lessen the natural beauty of trees. It is as if trees have been removed from nature to the domain of bureaucratic expenditures. If this is the way to keep trees healthy and extend their longevity in urban environments they must become part of our systems and budgets to make that possible. It might sound sad and unnatural to speak of trees in this manner but its about having a process that ensures that trees be apart of urban environments.
These two articles worked together very well to first, explain and describe some of the benefits of urban forestry, then to analyze how these benefits fit into the economics of the city. I thought that the "Benefits of Urban Trees" article explained many well-known benefits that trees offer in the urban environment. What was most interesting was the secondary and tertiary benefits trees offer. That is to say that trees not only provide a sense of place and natural cycling of air and water, but they can also serve as local recreation spaces. So not only are they trees reducing the cost of air conditioning and flood water management, they are reducing the cost of gas, costs to run a power plant, and, this article even suggests, cost of medicine for people with attention disorders and people in hospitals. The monetary values of these benefits are surely incalculable.
This sentiment progresses nicely into the second article, “Trees as Capital Assets.” I am not sure if I understand completely the economic models presented in this article, but it seems to me that Dudley Hartel wanted to calculate the incalculable benefits that trees offer in order to increase their value in the eyes of local governments. It would make sense to provide a budget for the planting and maintenance of urban trees on state owned property. While the author of “Benefits of Urban Trees” would argue that tree planting and maintenance are community building activities and thus the responsibility lies within the community, this idea is rather vague. What does the phrase “the community” mean? Who is included? Is it just the residents of the area or does it include the government and its employees that do no necessarily live in the area? Hartel’s argument for monetary representation of the benefits that trees provide tries to assign some responsibility to the local government. The economic models for increased taxation seem like a good idea but may be seen negatively if not properly articulated. The idea of having a debt so that the future community also must pay for the trees seems like it would be unpopular and seems to view urban trees’ negative aspects far more than their positive aspects. The idea of making a place for urban forestry in the tax laws as assets that need to be protected is definitely a good one and I would like to understand better how to this all works.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Readings for 2/20/07
Trees as Capital Assets
This article was very policy and business oriented. While I had never thought of the economic benefits of trees for urban environments, I find it disheartening that the value of trees must be calculated to allow for governments and officials to support their utilization. The article suggests that the beneficials services provided by trees could be taxable qualities. The benefits provided such as cooling clean air, flood control, and carbon sequestration could be assesed and added to a budget to support green infrastructure. I realize that it is important to account for these positive services because otherwise, the government would not support the use of trees in cities as much. The article says that government agencies, departments, and elected officials would support urban forestry budgets because the GASB 34 would show that they are beneficial and maintain the currect condition of infrastructure; however, what is the aethetic value of the tree? How can a price tag be put on beauty and comfort and happiness?
Benefits of Urban Trees
I thought this flyer was more sensitive to the aethetic and natural view of trees, but was also trying to convince people of economic reasons why they should support trees in urban environments. It talked of beauty, color, cover, and privacy that trees provide as well as other aspects that I had not considered. For example, I was interested to learn that trees can lower the temperature, lessen the force of storms, and reduce the heat-island effect in trees. I liked how it supported useful urban landscaping by suggesting the deliberate placement of certain kinds of trees on specific sides of the house to reduce energy usage. The flyer did a good job of increasing my interest in the subject and showing me that trees have many more uses and benefits than I thought.
This article was very policy and business oriented. While I had never thought of the economic benefits of trees for urban environments, I find it disheartening that the value of trees must be calculated to allow for governments and officials to support their utilization. The article suggests that the beneficials services provided by trees could be taxable qualities. The benefits provided such as cooling clean air, flood control, and carbon sequestration could be assesed and added to a budget to support green infrastructure. I realize that it is important to account for these positive services because otherwise, the government would not support the use of trees in cities as much. The article says that government agencies, departments, and elected officials would support urban forestry budgets because the GASB 34 would show that they are beneficial and maintain the currect condition of infrastructure; however, what is the aethetic value of the tree? How can a price tag be put on beauty and comfort and happiness?
Benefits of Urban Trees
I thought this flyer was more sensitive to the aethetic and natural view of trees, but was also trying to convince people of economic reasons why they should support trees in urban environments. It talked of beauty, color, cover, and privacy that trees provide as well as other aspects that I had not considered. For example, I was interested to learn that trees can lower the temperature, lessen the force of storms, and reduce the heat-island effect in trees. I liked how it supported useful urban landscaping by suggesting the deliberate placement of certain kinds of trees on specific sides of the house to reduce energy usage. The flyer did a good job of increasing my interest in the subject and showing me that trees have many more uses and benefits than I thought.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I thought the readings and lecture on urban trees was really interesting. I have always wondered how the trees lived in the little holes, and apperently the answer is "not very well". Most people don't realize that it is really difficult for the trees to grow in such a confined space. The solution, the soil developed at Cornell, doesn't seem very expensive and should be more widly used in places that want trees growing in the sidewalk or streets or other paved places. Most people in urban areas don't conciously appreciate the sidewalk trees, but there is most likely a subconcious affection for seeing nature in places where there is a lot of concrete and buildings. there should be more of an effort to plant trees and to help them grow as best they can.
More on trees...
We will read a bit more on the social and economic values of trees in this course, but for those of you that heard something in Dr Bassuk's lecture that caught your interest, please be advised that she teaches a class called 'Creating the Urban Eden" Horticulture/Landscape Architecture(co-listed) 491 in the Fall and 492 in the spring.( 4 credits each semester T,R, 12:20-4:25) You need to take 491 before taking 492. She also teaches a woody plant ID course ,which is half of 491 and 492. It is called HORT 391in the fall and 392 in the spring.Fall, Hort 391( R, 12:20-4:25). Spring, Hort. 392( T.12:20-4:25).
Also, check the link on this blog to TREES NY to learn more about our partner in NYC.
Also, check the link on this blog to TREES NY to learn more about our partner in NYC.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
NPR listenings
Hawks in the City.
On hearing that the tenants of the co-op tore down the Red-tailed Hawks nest I was angry. When I learnt that an agreement was made between the co-op and the Audubon society I was happy. This story showcases that humans and animals/nature can coexist and that all it takes is a little bit of compromise and understanding.
Machetes and Marigolds
This is perhaps a disadvantage of community gardening. Since there is no structure someone is bound to think that they are the boss and then make things difficult for others. This shows that whenever you have a lot of people coming together there is bound to be some conflict. People have different temperaments and a variety of backgrounds that is bound to breed tension. Also, due to the success of community gardening, there was bound to be a high demand for additional plots.
Guerrilla gardening illustrates that people want their surroundings to be beautiful and planting flowers is a way of achieving this goal.
Defiant Gardens
These stories touched me. They were extremely poignant. I particularly liked the line "small pleasure must correct great tragedies." Planting gardens in the midst of war I feel illustrate the soldiers need to have control over something in their lives. It is also a way of cultivating life and beauty amidst all the death and devastation surrounding them. The soldiers are transcending the war. The gardens have a cathartic effect on them. It soothes their soul in the same way that music calms the soul.
On hearing that the tenants of the co-op tore down the Red-tailed Hawks nest I was angry. When I learnt that an agreement was made between the co-op and the Audubon society I was happy. This story showcases that humans and animals/nature can coexist and that all it takes is a little bit of compromise and understanding.
Machetes and Marigolds
This is perhaps a disadvantage of community gardening. Since there is no structure someone is bound to think that they are the boss and then make things difficult for others. This shows that whenever you have a lot of people coming together there is bound to be some conflict. People have different temperaments and a variety of backgrounds that is bound to breed tension. Also, due to the success of community gardening, there was bound to be a high demand for additional plots.
Guerrilla gardening illustrates that people want their surroundings to be beautiful and planting flowers is a way of achieving this goal.
Defiant Gardens
These stories touched me. They were extremely poignant. I particularly liked the line "small pleasure must correct great tragedies." Planting gardens in the midst of war I feel illustrate the soldiers need to have control over something in their lives. It is also a way of cultivating life and beauty amidst all the death and devastation surrounding them. The soldiers are transcending the war. The gardens have a cathartic effect on them. It soothes their soul in the same way that music calms the soul.
What is means to be "Urban"
pertaining to a city or town
www.idealcity.org.au/glossary.html
I do not like this definition. It is to elementary. This definition is to narrow and therefore leaves out to many critical factors.
Typically, a community or settlement with a population of 2,000 or more is considered urban. www.planetwire.org/glossarylist.php
This definition still leaves out a lot of the key factors of what is means to be urban.
Area is characterized by a substantially urbanized environment, although the background may have natural-appearing elements. Renewable resource modification and utilization practices are often used to enhance specific recreation activities. Vegetative cover is often exotic and manicured. Sights and sounds of humans are predominant onsite. Large numbers of users can be expected both onsite and in nearby areas. ...fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossr.htm
I like this definition. This definition is much more realistic and accounts for the complex factors involved when trying to explain what it means to be urban.
www.idealcity.org.au/glossary.html
I do not like this definition. It is to elementary. This definition is to narrow and therefore leaves out to many critical factors.
Typically, a community or settlement with a population of 2,000 or more is considered urban. www.planetwire.org/glossarylist.php
This definition still leaves out a lot of the key factors of what is means to be urban.
Area is characterized by a substantially urbanized environment, although the background may have natural-appearing elements. Renewable resource modification and utilization practices are often used to enhance specific recreation activities. Vegetative cover is often exotic and manicured. Sights and sounds of humans are predominant onsite. Large numbers of users can be expected both onsite and in nearby areas. ...fwie.fw.vt.edu/rhgiles/appendices/glossr.htm
I like this definition. This definition is much more realistic and accounts for the complex factors involved when trying to explain what it means to be urban.
Readings for 2/13/07: Doing it Right From the Start and Gardening's Socioeconomic Impacts
In my minds eye I combined both articles. I have to say that I found the article on the socioeconomic impacts of gardening to be a fantastic read. Both articles serve to encapsulate the importance of having plants/trees in nature. All of these things enhance the aesthetics of an area. Also, people need vegetables to enrich their bodies and people need trees to provide clean air.
The Patel article talks about the benefits of community gardening. It was very enlightening for me since I come from a place where an idea such as this would be laughed at. All of the points presented were brilliant. Community gardening is a way of breaking down the social, racial and ethnic barriers that divide us. It can also improve health, diet and overall well-being. Most importantly I like the point the author makes about community gardening saving money. This is a huge incentive to get people to participate in such an endeavor.
I also like the point the author makes about community gardening fostering self-sufficiency by providing a plot of land that someone who is landless can call their own for a time. I agree with him when he says that it is worthwhile to promote community gardening. I just have a hard time conceiving how an idea such as this works. I feel that despite all the benefits presented by the author there must be some disadvantages to community gardening yet I cannot come up with any at the moment.
The article about urban tree planting was very informative. It crystallizes the importance of taking various factors into consideration when making additions to nature. It also highlights that everything we put into nature has an affect, even though we may not see any obvious effect at the present time. Tree planting is a complex process and should not be entered into lightly. I know the reason why most trees planted in urban areas in the tropics are palms because palms are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions. When planting trees factors such as what effect that tree species will have on other tree species present should be considered in addition to the nutrient needs of the tree. Other questions to be considered are: What is the level of competition between the trees? Is the tree shade tolerant or will it require lots of sunlight? Is the planting area up to meeting the challenge posed by planting a tree there? Basically try to account for any and every possible outcome when planting trees in urban areas and making additions to nature in general because if something is to be done it is worth doing to the best of our ability the first time around.
The Patel article talks about the benefits of community gardening. It was very enlightening for me since I come from a place where an idea such as this would be laughed at. All of the points presented were brilliant. Community gardening is a way of breaking down the social, racial and ethnic barriers that divide us. It can also improve health, diet and overall well-being. Most importantly I like the point the author makes about community gardening saving money. This is a huge incentive to get people to participate in such an endeavor.
I also like the point the author makes about community gardening fostering self-sufficiency by providing a plot of land that someone who is landless can call their own for a time. I agree with him when he says that it is worthwhile to promote community gardening. I just have a hard time conceiving how an idea such as this works. I feel that despite all the benefits presented by the author there must be some disadvantages to community gardening yet I cannot come up with any at the moment.
The article about urban tree planting was very informative. It crystallizes the importance of taking various factors into consideration when making additions to nature. It also highlights that everything we put into nature has an affect, even though we may not see any obvious effect at the present time. Tree planting is a complex process and should not be entered into lightly. I know the reason why most trees planted in urban areas in the tropics are palms because palms are highly resistant to adverse weather conditions. When planting trees factors such as what effect that tree species will have on other tree species present should be considered in addition to the nutrient needs of the tree. Other questions to be considered are: What is the level of competition between the trees? Is the tree shade tolerant or will it require lots of sunlight? Is the planting area up to meeting the challenge posed by planting a tree there? Basically try to account for any and every possible outcome when planting trees in urban areas and making additions to nature in general because if something is to be done it is worth doing to the best of our ability the first time around.
Readings 2/13/2007
Gardening's Socioeconomic Impacts
This article expressed a common theme in our class, that community gardens improve the quality of life of those directly and indirectly involved in community gardening. The connection between community gardening and neighborhood cohesion is very interesting but I think with any activity that takes a group to come together to complete can have the same effects. The article expressed many numerical figures that are questionable because we do not know what methods were used to conduct the statistics. I assume that it was a voluntary response survey of the people who took part in the community gardening. So I take the figures as a testament of their experiences not scientific findings. Furthermore, I find that the community gardening importance lies with the people that it effects. If this activity can improve the quality of life of individuals, deter juvenile delinquency, and increase urban green space, then these factors should motivate more people to take part in community gardening and make it an issue for local governments to take seriously.
Doing it Right from the Start
This article addressed the question that has been bothering me since the start of this class. That is are cities unnatural? Our class could not come to a conclusion on this question but this article gave some insight on the interaction between our man-made environments and nature. The article gives examples of towns planting trees for their aesthetic values. The townspeople did not take into consideration the factors that sustain trees and that the trees in urbanized environments face different factors than in their natural habitats. This showed that we must realize out effect on nature and that we will have to adjust our methods to coexist with nature.
This article expressed a common theme in our class, that community gardens improve the quality of life of those directly and indirectly involved in community gardening. The connection between community gardening and neighborhood cohesion is very interesting but I think with any activity that takes a group to come together to complete can have the same effects. The article expressed many numerical figures that are questionable because we do not know what methods were used to conduct the statistics. I assume that it was a voluntary response survey of the people who took part in the community gardening. So I take the figures as a testament of their experiences not scientific findings. Furthermore, I find that the community gardening importance lies with the people that it effects. If this activity can improve the quality of life of individuals, deter juvenile delinquency, and increase urban green space, then these factors should motivate more people to take part in community gardening and make it an issue for local governments to take seriously.
Doing it Right from the Start
This article addressed the question that has been bothering me since the start of this class. That is are cities unnatural? Our class could not come to a conclusion on this question but this article gave some insight on the interaction between our man-made environments and nature. The article gives examples of towns planting trees for their aesthetic values. The townspeople did not take into consideration the factors that sustain trees and that the trees in urbanized environments face different factors than in their natural habitats. This showed that we must realize out effect on nature and that we will have to adjust our methods to coexist with nature.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Doing It Right From The Start & Gardening's Socioeconomic Impacts
Doing it Right From The Start:
This article reminded me of my childhood, when I was in elementary school, back in Guatemala and Honduras. On several field trips, we went, as a class, to plant trees to urban and rural zones. Part of today’s ecological problem is deforestation. The alternative is reforestation. However, this does not always work that easily. Soil, like any product, has its expiration date; it gets depleted from natural minerals and nutrients if used very often and if not treated correctly to grow healthy crops. Therefore, before reforestation, soil must be treated so that trees can grow strong again. Therefore, deforestation may not be due to a lack of reforestation, but also due to a lack of appropriate and naturally rich land. See attached picture, concerning reforestation in USA. Also, if interested on further information on deforestation (and climate change) in the Amazon, our world lung, check this article online: http://www.sinoitaenvironment.org/ReadNewsex1.asp?NewsID=2460
Gardening’s Socioeconomic Impacts:
This article emphasized on the importance, in social and economic aspects, of gardening. It explained that gardening not only improves the environment, but it also served as a therapy for many people to get to know other people and to balance their lives socially. At the beginning of the article, the author shows that people have the will to garden, but they sometimes lack the land. It is important to encourage gardening at a massive level. Community gardening is one alternative. Encouragement, motivation, awareness, and enthusiasm of the present need of more natural areas in the middle of urban cities should also help on this good-natured task. New York City is a great example of an urban place where organized community gardening is on its way.
This article reminded me of my childhood, when I was in elementary school, back in Guatemala and Honduras. On several field trips, we went, as a class, to plant trees to urban and rural zones. Part of today’s ecological problem is deforestation. The alternative is reforestation. However, this does not always work that easily. Soil, like any product, has its expiration date; it gets depleted from natural minerals and nutrients if used very often and if not treated correctly to grow healthy crops. Therefore, before reforestation, soil must be treated so that trees can grow strong again. Therefore, deforestation may not be due to a lack of reforestation, but also due to a lack of appropriate and naturally rich land. See attached picture, concerning reforestation in USA. Also, if interested on further information on deforestation (and climate change) in the Amazon, our world lung, check this article online: http://www.sinoitaenvironment.org/ReadNewsex1.asp?NewsID=2460
Gardening’s Socioeconomic Impacts:
This article emphasized on the importance, in social and economic aspects, of gardening. It explained that gardening not only improves the environment, but it also served as a therapy for many people to get to know other people and to balance their lives socially. At the beginning of the article, the author shows that people have the will to garden, but they sometimes lack the land. It is important to encourage gardening at a massive level. Community gardening is one alternative. Encouragement, motivation, awareness, and enthusiasm of the present need of more natural areas in the middle of urban cities should also help on this good-natured task. New York City is a great example of an urban place where organized community gardening is on its way.
Urban Tree Planting
I've wondered about urban tree planting for a while and this chapter worked to fill that gap of knowledge. I find intriguing the many considerations that have to be taken - water, nutrients, soil type - for optimal tree growth. I once wrote a report on fertility in tropical soils and so was excited to see that urban trees, trees all over the world and in different environments, have similar requirements. But it was even more interesting to see how the circumstances are different, that sidewalks can cause root damage and dehydration. I also liked how the chapter discussed the importance of picking the right tree for the area. Some trees are more pollution and drought resistant, and I've heard that is why one sees large numbers of the same sort of trees in downtowns.
The article on Gardening's Socioeconomic Impacts solidified the benefits of urban green that we have already discussed in class. I especially found it nice to see that diet improvement is a legitamite benefit. I've heard that vegetables are expensive and hard to come by in New York City, but it's nice to see that gardening offers a viable option for a healthier diet.
The article on Gardening's Socioeconomic Impacts solidified the benefits of urban green that we have already discussed in class. I especially found it nice to see that diet improvement is a legitamite benefit. I've heard that vegetables are expensive and hard to come by in New York City, but it's nice to see that gardening offers a viable option for a healthier diet.
Reflection on Urban Gardening and Forestry
Bassuk and Trowbridge address the urban ecological factors that affect urban trees. I cannot think of how many times I've seen poorly planted trees on a new development project or parking lot. I used to work for Friends of the Urban Forest in San Francisco, and I did street tree care. Improper planting and pruning resulted in numerous specimen deaths. Further, Friends of the Urban Forest went through many trial tree species to see what conditions would be ideal for their growth in San Francisco- a ecosystem that had very few trees before the Europeans arrived. Thus, many trees were limited by the clayey or sandy soils found in SF, as well as the cool temperatures and of course the neglect by the street scene.
Patel's article points out the importance of community gardening, and the countless positive socioeconomic affects a garden can provide. I fully agree, as my own experience in community gardens reflects the same sentiment.
Patel's article points out the importance of community gardening, and the countless positive socioeconomic affects a garden can provide. I fully agree, as my own experience in community gardens reflects the same sentiment.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
NYC at Night!
Start thinking of things to do in the evening. We have four nights to spend together as a group. We could do many things, such as attending concerts or eating at interesting restaurants. If you know of anything, let me know so we can create an evening schedule. Remember- we'll probably have time to go out from 6pm until Midnight, so some things won't be possible :(
-Tony
-Tony
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Nice Work Class
Just a quick thanks and commendation to the entire class for a lively, thought-provoking discussion accompanied by evidence of having "done your homework." Each of you brought important perspectives to our growing understanding of the phenomena "urban."
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
Further to our discussion in which various theories on Anarchy emerged, below, a pic and link that may be of interest to some of you.
Trees in the City, Gardens in the community
I found the reading "Getting it right from the start" was very insightful and interesting. Trees and other plants ARE often an afterthought in urban design. Because of limited understanding of what a tree needs to grow, trees are often just plopped down in a patch of dirt and expected to grow a beautiful canopy. After reading this excerpt about what trees need, I am now very surprised at the number of trees that are able to grow in "urban" areas. It would seem that a city is the most dangerous place for a tree to grow. The soil could be compacted from construction of the surrounding buildings and sidewalk, and therefore the soil is unable to provide oxygen, nutrients or water flow to the trees roots. Another aspect is the amount of water. It would seem like there isn't much available water in the city because of the extensive storm drains. Also, during the winter, the sidewalks are often over-salted to prevent ice, but what happens when the ice melts? Doesn't the dissolved salt modify the soil for the tree?
Greenery in urban areas seems to create opportunities for a sense of community to develop. The online article on gardens and the interactions between the neighbors working in the garden seems to echo the points made in earlier readings. Gardens supplement diet, provide a community space, etc. I found it interesting to read the demographics of urban gardeners, but not all that surprising. Women in every culture have always had to provide for their family in some way or another. Modern society seems to further stress this with the prevalence of female-headed, single families. How do these women possible find the time and energy to work, take care of their kids, take care of their house, run errands AND garden? And yet, community gardening fits very well into the needs of a family. The garden offers opportunities for parents to meet fellow community members ( the parents of their children's friends, teachers, neighbors that often share the responsibility of overseeing children in the area), a place to call your own (an important thing if your financial status forces you to rent most of your things house, furniture, etc), and fresh produce that can either supplement your store bought food or can be sold to supplement your income.
Greenery in urban areas seems to create opportunities for a sense of community to develop. The online article on gardens and the interactions between the neighbors working in the garden seems to echo the points made in earlier readings. Gardens supplement diet, provide a community space, etc. I found it interesting to read the demographics of urban gardeners, but not all that surprising. Women in every culture have always had to provide for their family in some way or another. Modern society seems to further stress this with the prevalence of female-headed, single families. How do these women possible find the time and energy to work, take care of their kids, take care of their house, run errands AND garden? And yet, community gardening fits very well into the needs of a family. The garden offers opportunities for parents to meet fellow community members ( the parents of their children's friends, teachers, neighbors that often share the responsibility of overseeing children in the area), a place to call your own (an important thing if your financial status forces you to rent most of your things house, furniture, etc), and fresh produce that can either supplement your store bought food or can be sold to supplement your income.
City as a Thing and as a Process
Mumford, Lewis. "What is a City?" In R. LeGates and F.Stout. The City Reader, 2nd Edition. London, New York: Routledge. 2000. Pages 92-96
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Urban environment notations
City Bountiful and Nature and the City:
The link between times of human suffering, desperation and community gardens is astonishing to me. I have a better understanding on what Professor Tidball was stating in the last lecture on horticulture therapy for veterans of war and how it at least gave them a medium to relieve post-traumatic sress or any other aliment from war on them. City Bountiful highlighted the innate need thata all humans have to connect with nature that seems to be loss due to modern consumerism, which flourishes as a substitute for nature. Also breeds the conception of man v. nature or nature is here to supply our endless needs which cannot be fulfilled due to scarcity- the basic economic principle that constrains us. This notion is also touched upon in Nature and the City, where the ill effects of our behavior have manifested into health and environmental hazards in L.A. Nature and City compares and contrast the cities Toronto and L.A. Where urban environmentalism is carried out in distinctive ways and are characterized unique within each city. Urban environmentalism in L.A. is tied to social injustice and in Toronto it is tied to politics and the effort to keep Toronto the epicenter of Canada.
The link between times of human suffering, desperation and community gardens is astonishing to me. I have a better understanding on what Professor Tidball was stating in the last lecture on horticulture therapy for veterans of war and how it at least gave them a medium to relieve post-traumatic sress or any other aliment from war on them. City Bountiful highlighted the innate need thata all humans have to connect with nature that seems to be loss due to modern consumerism, which flourishes as a substitute for nature. Also breeds the conception of man v. nature or nature is here to supply our endless needs which cannot be fulfilled due to scarcity- the basic economic principle that constrains us. This notion is also touched upon in Nature and the City, where the ill effects of our behavior have manifested into health and environmental hazards in L.A. Nature and City compares and contrast the cities Toronto and L.A. Where urban environmentalism is carried out in distinctive ways and are characterized unique within each city. Urban environmentalism in L.A. is tied to social injustice and in Toronto it is tied to politics and the effort to keep Toronto the epicenter of Canada.
Monday, February 5, 2007
NYC = FUN
I got some ideas about places to visit in NYC:
Museums, statue of liberty, times square ( i know i am so original aren't i?)
and this i just heard about today, the Essex Street Market, its somewhere by wall street. Did someone already mention street markets? I heard about this one through Ken Reardon, a Prof in AAP who worked to keep Trump out and protect the market and the neighborhood's residents jobs there. Any one interested?
some thoughts on the readings:
Nature and the City seems like a really interesting book because of its focus on the value of city gardens despite corporate interests to develop these places. I was also drawn to the environmental justice and environmental racism that the introduction promises to discuss.
City Bountiful was interesting, but less gripping than Nature and the City. I found the readings a tad repetitive, but informative nonetheless. The idea of putting idle hands to work seemed like a good one. In Cleveland, my home city, there are a lot of brownfields and unemployed people. I kept thinking about the possibilities for city gardens would be in my city. I was also concerned about the classification of "organic" for the produce from city gardens. Though these plants aren't sprayed with chemicals per se, they are grown in a polluted city environment and I am concerned about how the toxins found in most cities could effect the nutritional value of the plants. I was also intrigued by the idea of hiring children to work in the gardens, and how it gave them pride and leadership skills while keeping them out of trouble.
Museums, statue of liberty, times square ( i know i am so original aren't i?)
and this i just heard about today, the Essex Street Market, its somewhere by wall street. Did someone already mention street markets? I heard about this one through Ken Reardon, a Prof in AAP who worked to keep Trump out and protect the market and the neighborhood's residents jobs there. Any one interested?
some thoughts on the readings:
Nature and the City seems like a really interesting book because of its focus on the value of city gardens despite corporate interests to develop these places. I was also drawn to the environmental justice and environmental racism that the introduction promises to discuss.
City Bountiful was interesting, but less gripping than Nature and the City. I found the readings a tad repetitive, but informative nonetheless. The idea of putting idle hands to work seemed like a good one. In Cleveland, my home city, there are a lot of brownfields and unemployed people. I kept thinking about the possibilities for city gardens would be in my city. I was also concerned about the classification of "organic" for the produce from city gardens. Though these plants aren't sprayed with chemicals per se, they are grown in a polluted city environment and I am concerned about how the toxins found in most cities could effect the nutritional value of the plants. I was also intrigued by the idea of hiring children to work in the gardens, and how it gave them pride and leadership skills while keeping them out of trouble.
City Bountiful, Comments-
This section talks about gardens and how they have been implemented in various ways in our society. Gardens are important in every society. After all, we all depend on various types of grains, seeds, fruits, and other types of natural foods. Where does bread and other types of pasta come from? Gardens also provide food for animals such as cows, which produce milk. These are just a few among many examples why gardens are indispensable in society. Gardens, the natural food producers, are not to be taken for granted, just because today civilization has its benefits. Gardens also provide natural medicines for various types of serious or not so serious illnesses….God’s pharmacy? And for those who love to cook.......gardens is a MUST! Whether gardens helps humanity directly or indirectly, they must be present in as many places as possible. That is why I like the Central Park in NYC, because in the middle of civilization, there is a giant garden which is respected. Cornell is another example of a big garden in the midst of an intellectual paradise.
Nature and the City Comments, Comments-
This section deals with the battle between civilization and nature. It seems that sometimes, one or the other has to prevail. However, why not live together in harmony? I guess it is not that simple! It is a matter of space….while some people want to construct buildings, others want to continue appreciating the trees in that same spot.
This reading deals with the change our society is going through….a green revolution. I consider that today, people are more aware and conscious about the destruction of planet Earth. If we humans don’t act fast, we will destroy ourselves. If we as a civilization and society cannot come up with an alternative to live in harmony with nature, it seems that a choice will have to be made between a planet to live in, or technology and its benefits. This statement sounds dramatic, but it has its realistic side as well. Think about it. It’s time to act not as individuals, but instead, as a conscious, concerned, and responsible society.
This section talks about gardens and how they have been implemented in various ways in our society. Gardens are important in every society. After all, we all depend on various types of grains, seeds, fruits, and other types of natural foods. Where does bread and other types of pasta come from? Gardens also provide food for animals such as cows, which produce milk. These are just a few among many examples why gardens are indispensable in society. Gardens, the natural food producers, are not to be taken for granted, just because today civilization has its benefits. Gardens also provide natural medicines for various types of serious or not so serious illnesses….God’s pharmacy? And for those who love to cook.......gardens is a MUST! Whether gardens helps humanity directly or indirectly, they must be present in as many places as possible. That is why I like the Central Park in NYC, because in the middle of civilization, there is a giant garden which is respected. Cornell is another example of a big garden in the midst of an intellectual paradise.
Nature and the City Comments, Comments-
This section deals with the battle between civilization and nature. It seems that sometimes, one or the other has to prevail. However, why not live together in harmony? I guess it is not that simple! It is a matter of space….while some people want to construct buildings, others want to continue appreciating the trees in that same spot.
This reading deals with the change our society is going through….a green revolution. I consider that today, people are more aware and conscious about the destruction of planet Earth. If we humans don’t act fast, we will destroy ourselves. If we as a civilization and society cannot come up with an alternative to live in harmony with nature, it seems that a choice will have to be made between a planet to live in, or technology and its benefits. This statement sounds dramatic, but it has its realistic side as well. Think about it. It’s time to act not as individuals, but instead, as a conscious, concerned, and responsible society.
What is Urban?
So, Powerpoint doesn't like me and won't stay open for more than 30 seconds, so I will post this now, and hopefully I can put up a slide later, or bring one to class.
What is Urban?
Merriam-Webster (www.m-w.com) gives a very concise definition:
Main Entry: ur·ban
Pronunciation: '&r-b&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin urbanus, from urbs city
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city
WordNet (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/), a lexical database run by Princeton, gives a very similar one:
-relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area.
-located in or characteristic of a city or city life
Both of these definitions give a very dry sense of the word. They cover the technicalities of "urban" by discussing the idea of a city or large numbers of people, but there is a lot left out. I would prefer to give my own definition that encompasses these elements, but covers a whole lot more.
Urban: an area that is used by a large number of people. Many of these people reside in the urban area, usually in a relatively small space. Differences in class usually characterize urban areas, where parts of the city are inhabited by extremely wealthy people, while other sections are very poor. There are also many people who use the area that do not live in the city itself, but work in it. An urban area also has a lot going on at any given time. There is lots of entertainment an activity throughout the day and night. It is more than just a place, it is a way of life.
What is Urban?
Merriam-Webster (www.m-w.com) gives a very concise definition:
Main Entry: ur·ban
Pronunciation: '&r-b&n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin urbanus, from urbs city
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city
WordNet (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/), a lexical database run by Princeton, gives a very similar one:
-relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area.
-located in or characteristic of a city or city life
Both of these definitions give a very dry sense of the word. They cover the technicalities of "urban" by discussing the idea of a city or large numbers of people, but there is a lot left out. I would prefer to give my own definition that encompasses these elements, but covers a whole lot more.
Urban: an area that is used by a large number of people. Many of these people reside in the urban area, usually in a relatively small space. Differences in class usually characterize urban areas, where parts of the city are inhabited by extremely wealthy people, while other sections are very poor. There are also many people who use the area that do not live in the city itself, but work in it. An urban area also has a lot going on at any given time. There is lots of entertainment an activity throughout the day and night. It is more than just a place, it is a way of life.
What is Urban?
I had trouble loading my Powerpoint slides-- so here is what i got, except much less fancy:
•Encarta’s Definition: Of city, relating to or belonging to a city
Criticisms: this definition leads us to ask what is a city? exactly how big is a city?
when we say city do we mean the city limits or the metropolis which is the area that the city overflows its geographic/political limits
Answers.com’s definitions:
•Of, relating to, or located in a city.
•Characteristic of the city or city life.
•Relating to cities or intensively developed areas. Contrast with rural, which refers to sparsely developed areas, orSuburb , which is a moderately developed area.
•Of, relating to, or located in a city.
•Characteristic of the city or city life.
•Relating to cities or intensively developed areas. Contrast with rural, which refers to sparsely developed areas, or
•Criticisms:
•This definition seems more comprehensive than Encarta’s because it contrasts what is “urban” with what is “rural” and “suburban” thus giving us some context.
•This definition seems more comprehensive than Encarta’s because it contrasts what is “urban” with what is “rural” and “suburban” thus giving us some context.
•My Definition:
•Of or relating/belonging to a diverse, densely populated area (one that has been modified by the activities of its inhabitants and is composed of both the built and the natural environment) in which people live and work
•Of or relating/belonging to a diverse, densely populated area (one that has been modified by the activities of its inhabitants and is composed of both the built and the natural environment) in which people live and work
•Criticisms:
•There are far too many aspects of what is “urban” to enable us to truly define what urban is, but this definition provides some base-line characteristics
•There are far too many aspects of what is “urban” to enable us to truly define what urban is, but this definition provides some base-line characteristics
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Urban?
What is Urban?
1. Urban- relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area; “urban sociology”; “urban development”
Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/urban
Comment: Too simplistic! Isn’t urban also a mentality and a way of life? People (or the amount of) are the reason why a place is called “urban.” Grade: 65%
2. Urban- Land occupied by buildings and related facilities used for residences, industrial sites, institutional sites, public highways, airports, and similar uses associated with towns and cities.
Source: techreg.sc.egov.usda.gov/NTE/TSPNTE2/def_glossary.html
Comment: This “urban” definition is closer to accuracy. I like how the definition mentions the different landscapes that compose an urban environment. Grade: 80%
3. Urban- The "urban" category includes those areas classified as being urbanized (having a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile and a total population of at least 50,000) as well as cities, villages, boroughs (except in Alaska and New York), towns (except in the six New England States, New York, and Wisconsin), and other designated census areas having 2,500 or more persons.
Source: www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99/glossary.html
Comment: Voila! I like this definition more than the other two. It is more specific, by stating what amount of people makes a place urban. Sometimes, a long definition is not necessary. In this case, more is more. Grade: 96%
1. Urban- relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area; “urban sociology”; “urban development”
Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/urban
Comment: Too simplistic! Isn’t urban also a mentality and a way of life? People (or the amount of) are the reason why a place is called “urban.” Grade: 65%
2. Urban- Land occupied by buildings and related facilities used for residences, industrial sites, institutional sites, public highways, airports, and similar uses associated with towns and cities.
Source: techreg.sc.egov.usda.gov/NTE/TSPNTE2/def_glossary.html
Comment: This “urban” definition is closer to accuracy. I like how the definition mentions the different landscapes that compose an urban environment. Grade: 80%
3. Urban- The "urban" category includes those areas classified as being urbanized (having a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile and a total population of at least 50,000) as well as cities, villages, boroughs (except in Alaska and New York), towns (except in the six New England States, New York, and Wisconsin), and other designated census areas having 2,500 or more persons.
Source: www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99/glossary.html
Comment: Voila! I like this definition more than the other two. It is more specific, by stating what amount of people makes a place urban. Sometimes, a long definition is not necessary. In this case, more is more. Grade: 96%
Friday, February 2, 2007
green buildings
so, this is not related to the assignment, but it is something that i think people will be intersted in. these are places in NYC that are built green, or environmentally friendly or whatever the proper terminology is.
Hearst Tower
http://www.hearst.com/tower/facts/
Build A Green Bakery
http://openfordesign.msn.com/?id=3tech1_ericsteinman>1=8941
http://www.buildagreenbakery.com/
there is also an article from the NY Times from november about the green bakery and things, but I can't put the link up cause its on times select and you would have to pay for it. if you want i can bring copies of the article in for people, but i don't want to post a copy of it on this blog cause i don't want the NY Times to kill me for copyright stuff.
Hearst Tower
http://www.hearst.com/tower/facts/
Build A Green Bakery
http://openfordesign.msn.com/?id=3tech1_ericsteinman>1=8941
http://www.buildagreenbakery.com/
there is also an article from the NY Times from november about the green bakery and things, but I can't put the link up cause its on times select and you would have to pay for it. if you want i can bring copies of the article in for people, but i don't want to post a copy of it on this blog cause i don't want the NY Times to kill me for copyright stuff.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
What is Urban?
KGT's urban definition de jour--
URBAN - Relating to a city; but in a more general sense it signifies relating to houses. All servitudes are established either for the use of houses or for the use of lands. Those of the first kind are called urban servitudes, whether the buildings to which they are due be situated in the city or in the country. Those of the second kind are called rural servitudes. The principal kinds of urban servitudes are the following: the right of support; that of drip; that of drain, or of preventing the drain, that of view or of lights, or of preventing the view or lights from being obstructed: that of raising buildings or walls, or of preventing them from being raised that of passage and that of drawing water. from http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/u067.htm
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