Nearby Nature in the City: Preserving and Enhancing Livability
Our focus is on the ways in which nature is experienced and the psychological andsocial benefits that come from seeing it, being in it, and exploring it.
"We use the term nature very broadly throughout this document. While “nature” is often referred to as “green,” its color varies with season and plants. And while sometimes referred to as “open space,” nature places can be enclosed. Our use of “nature” refers to vegetation of all kinds; but it also includes the spaces that are created by it and the opportunities the natural elements foster.
"Our focus is on the ways in which nature is experienced and the psychological and social benefits that come from seeing it, being in it, and exploring it. At the same time, nature bestows many other benefits as well – improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff, cooling the city, providing nesting habitats. These are no less important, but not the subject of this document.
"Although the development pressures in Ann Arbor inspired our project, we believe the outcome is applicable to communities on many scales, from small towns to the big cities. The nature opportunities we offer are designed to be flexible and appropriate to a broad set of urban contexts. They can be taken individually or combined in many ways. They can also serve as inspiration for opportunities that fit local contexts we have not even imagined. We hope the same organic process which led to this work leads to the creation of many nature places, and that these nature places contribute to the life of the city and its people." [Preface]
R. Kaplan, J.E. Ivancich, R. De Young
2007
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Social and Cultural Impacts
Michigan
