Evergreen

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The Nature of Cities, Alberta An Evergreen Workshop on urban green space protection and restoration : 

The Nature of Cities, Alberta An Evergreen Workshop on urban green space protection and restoration

Evergreen: 

Evergreen WHO WE ARE National not-for-profit founded in 1991 Mandate to bring nature back to cities and towns through naturalization/restoration 3 Main Programs WHAT WE DO Grants, resources, forums, hands-on greening, outreach and education National support strategy

What is urban green space?: 

What is urban green space? Includes urban parks, natural areas, community gardens, boulevards, etc. Natural urban green space includes areas where more than 50% of the area is native vegetation

Issues and Challenges : 

Issues and Challenges 80% of Canadians live in cities Natural systems that support us are undervalued Disconnect between people & nature Limited budgets and growing demands

National Context: 

National Context Evergreen research survey found: More and better urban green space is needed Lack of effective policies and barriers to implementation Intensification a key challenge Limited funding Partnerships increasing but largely underutilized Lack of information about innovative tools and strategies

Green Space Provision: 

Green Space Provision

The Alberta Context : 

The Alberta Context Key Trends: Booming population Rapid urban growth and expansion Changing demographics Growing importance of water issues

The Alberta Context : 

The Alberta Context Key challenges: Limitations of MGA Lack of regional planning Limited public and political awareness Municipal Parks , Open Space Master Plans, Ecosystem-based Planning

On the Positive Side…: 

On the Positive Side… ALBERTANS VALUE THE ENVIRONMENT - 64% listed it as a high priority COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP - a growing movement; citizens want to do more NON-TRADITIONAL ALLIANCES - Health, financial sectors

Local Successes…: 

Local Successes…

Urban Green Space Trends and Tools: 

Urban Green Space Trends and Tools

Social/Health Considerations: 

Social/Health Considerations Improves air and water quality “ecosystem services” Builds community ties and can reduce crime Encourages physical activity Promotes healing and reduces stress – increases seniors’ survival rates

Economic benefits : 

Economic benefits Green Space pays in increased real estate values… Property values increase by up to 20% if located next to natural areas Open space land pays more in taxes than it requires in servicing

Economic benefits: 

Economic benefits Saved $12,000 per dwelling unit in East Clayton, Surrey Seattle ‘green streets’ reduce runoff by 98% Reduced vegetation canopy in Puget Sound cost $2.4 billion US in lost stormwater retention capacity Green space pays in reduced cost for green infrastructure…

Tools for ‘getting greener’: 

Tools for ‘getting greener’ Protection Acquisition Restoration and Enhancement Green Infrastructure

1) Green Space Protection: 

1) Green Space Protection Green infrastructure inventory Conservation easements Cluster developments Comprehensive development zoning Integrated by-laws Landscaping standards Complete Master Park Plans

Green Space Protection: 

Green Space Protection City of Calgary’s Wetland Conservation Plan “No net loss’ principle Mitigates disturbances through restoration/creation in watershed where loss occurs. Incorporates wetlands into Natural Areas network. Wetland management part of City’s Natural Areas Management Plan

Protection tools in action: 

Protection tools in action District of Highlands: Cluster development and amenity zoning = 36% park land dedication 5% of a development site disturbed by layering: Parkland dedication Covenants on private lands ROW vegetation standards. Green Space Protection

Protection tools in action: 

Protection tools in action Conservation Development Prairie Crossing Cluster development, 70% open space On-site stormwater drainage serves 22 acre lake Native landscaping in original residential development Development tied to local stewardship Green Space Protection

Green Space Protection Obtaining Developer Buy-in: 

Developer Consultation Workshops, Regina New regulations required - buffer widths, permeable surfaces, natural landscaping Nominal cost increase, offset by lower maintenance costs Better defined, more equally applied regulations Green Space Protection Obtaining Developer Buy-in

2) Green Space Acquisition: 

2) Green Space Acquisition Tools include: Development rights and density transfers Partnerships Parkland dedication Land swaps Eco gifting

Slide22: 

Acquisition tools in action City of Vancouver: 16 hectares new waterfront space in exchange for development rights in False Creek Green Space Acquisition

Slide23: 

Acquisition tools in action Mongomery County, Maryland, US put TDR program in place that conserved 43,195 acres (2003) of agricultural land and rural open space – the greatest conservation of agricultural land in the US Green Space Acquisition Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Green Space Acquisition Utility Corridors to Urban Greenways: 

Green Space Acquisition Utility Corridors to Urban Greenways Gained public access to new green space without buying it Challenges: encroachment, liability, education City of Guelph partnerships

3) Green Space Restoration and Enhancement: 

3) Green Space Restoration and Enhancement Tools include: Community stewardship Community education programs Partnerships Alternative Development Standards Landscaping Standards Natural Area Management Plans

Green Space Restoration and Enhancement: 

Green Space Restoration and Enhancement Community stewardship builds capacity. It can look like: In-house stewardship coordinators Partnerships with local community groups Grants

Restoration and Enhancement -Comprehensive Stewardship Program: 

Restoration and Enhancement -Comprehensive Stewardship Program Calgary -Natural Environment Adopt-A-Park Comprehensive volunteer screening/training policies Staff and volunteer rights and responsibilities Expanded volunteer base by 700% in 2 years.

Restoration and Enhancement – Community Stewardship and Urban Revitalization: 

Restoration and Enhancement – Community Stewardship and Urban Revitalization Woodland Park, Vancouver Neglected park space Community ‘takes back’ the park. Elements: community visioning and design, art and ecology mix, cultural diversity represented

Restoration and Enhancement Community Partnership: 

Restoration and Enhancement Community Partnership Calgary Alternative Support Services Human service agency supporting adults with development disabilities Focus Urban farming/community gardening Diverse partners Builds self-esteem, employment skills and environmental awareness.

Restoration and Enhancement Community Partnership: 

Restoration and Enhancement Community Partnership Mahon Park, North Vancouver Suite of activites increase public involvement EG contributes $35,000 Stewardship layered with planning and policy Increased public attention transformed park.

Union Gas – Corporate Partnership: 

Union Gas – Corporate Partnership Lost ecosystems restored Participatory process involving community Trails, signage, brochures Unrestricted public access Considerable cost savings realized Brantford Prairie, Brantford ON

4) Green infrastructure: 

4) Green infrastructure Tools include: Greenways Stormwater management Alternative development standards

Seattle Street Edge Alternatives: 

Seattle Street Edge Alternatives Retrofitted ‘green’ streets: Reduced impervious areas by 11% Reduced total volume of stormwater leaving the street by 98% for 2-year storm event Involved residents in planting and maintenance Cost the same as typical curb and gutter system

Parting Messages: 

Parting Messages Natural green space ensures healthy communities and healthy ecosystems Integrating policies and programs is critical Bringing nature back to our cities requires creativity, resourcefulness and opportunism Much can be accomplished by working together - diverse partnerships are critical

“When one tugs at a specific thing in nature, he finds it is attached to the rest of the world.” John Muir: 

“When one tugs at a specific thing in nature, he finds it is attached to the rest of the world.” John Muir