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Beyond the Concrete Jungle: Cities as Sources of Ecosystem Services (Podcast—Episode 2)

 

October 2012—When you hear the word “ecosystem,” what comes to mind? A forest? A river, maybe? Well, how about a city? It turns out, the green spaces in our urban areas can offer a range of ecosystem services, just like forests and rivers. Station scientists are working to better understand cities as ecosystems and demonstrate how nearby nature provides important benefits and services. (4:19). 

Dr. Kathy Wolf, research social scientist, studies the human dimensions of urban forestry and urban ecosystems.
Trees in urban ecosystems can make important contributions to city livability, by reducing rainwater runoff and trapping airborne pollutants, for example
Parks and open spaces within cities can encourage physical activity, leading to healthier lifestyles. As part of the Green Cities Research Alliance, scientists are documenting the benefits of nearby nature in urban communities.
Urban ecosystems can provide forest products—like edible fruits and greens—that residents can gather. As part of the “Green Cities Research Alliance,” scientists are studying patterns of urban foraging in Seattle.

Learn More

 

Audio file
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People

  • Person
    Yasmeen Sands

    Yasmeen Sands

    Public Affairs Specialist
    https://research.fs.usda.gov/about/people/yasmeen.sands
  • Person
    USDA Forest Service Logo

    Kathleen Wolf, PhD

    Research Social Scientist
    https://research.fs.usda.gov/about/people/kwolf
Last updated December 4, 2023
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