Sarah P. Church

From street trees to natural areas: retrofitting cities for human connectedness to nature

This research is a response to a call for concern over a human–nature disconnect due to urban form that ignores, rather than embraces, nature and natural processes. Connectedness to nature contributes to well-being and is a precursor for environmentally responsible behavior. Integrating nature into urban landscapes might facilitate human–nature reconnection. This paper presents the results of an exploratory qualitative case study undertaken in Portland, Oregon in which I conducted 42 semi-structured interviews with community members. The results suggest that in order to address a human connection to nature at least two aspects of urban retrofit should be considered: (1) incorporate multiple scales and types of nature for multiple experiences; and (2) provide opportunities for hands on work in nature and personal control of space. As we retrofit both shrinking and growing cities in this era of uncertainty and change, this research offers insight into the creation of livable, nature-full cities.

Beyond water data: benefits to volunteers and to local water from a citizen science program

Survey results of citizen science water data collection volunteers are presented, indicating personal benefits (e.g., being in nature, helping local water quality), and suggesting potential long-term benefits of improved watershed health (e.g., behavior change). These results can inform citizen science program development and contribute to watershed planners’ understanding of the broad benefits of such programs. We suggest that respondents’ positive feelings toward the watersheds major river and desire to learn about science and nature are place-specific elements that watershed and citizen science program managers could utilize in program development. Moreover, we explore the potential of social diffusion and behavior change and suggest the need for further research in these areas. We conclude that citizen science has potential not just as a means to collect large amounts of data (cheaply), but as a means to engage citizens to make environmentally friendly decisions.