Month: August 2015
Quantifying the Value of Nature
The Biophilic hypothesis, first introduced by Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophilia, suggests that we as humans have an instinctive response to other living things. Since that time, numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of nature as a healing force. Ever since Roger Ulrich’s (TKF Foundation project team member, A Nature Place) 1984 ground…
What Green Spaces Reveal: New Orleans 10 Years On
In our Open Voices blog we share insight from leaders in our communities who are advancing what it means to have sacred, open green spaces in our cities. This month we examine the need for equal access to healthy urban spaces. A decade ago New Orleans faced dramatic floods and destruction following Hurricane Katrina. This…
Healing Our Wounded Warriors
As we start to recognize the healing powers of nature, we are also seeing a rise in the popularity of healing and therapeutic gardens in hospitals, senior centers and other health care environments. These green spaces provide a place to get away from the traditional health care environment for quiet meditation, a breath of fresh…
Risks and Benefits in our Urban World
In our Open Voices blog we share insight from leaders in our communities who are advancing what it means to have sacred, open green spaces in our cities. This month we examine the need for equal access to healthy urban spaces. Every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or age, is entitled to live in…
Park(ing) Day: Temporary public space, lasting impression
In many urban environments, open, public space is often a commodity in short supply. Parks, gardens and green space compete with roads, parking lots, commercial development and other demands of the city. But what if for a few precious moments, these urban spaces could be temporarily transformed into public parks? What effect would it have…
Equitable Urban Green Space Initiatives
In our Open Voices blog we share insight from leaders in our communities who are advancing what it means to have sacred, open green spaces in our cities. This month we examine the need for equal access to healthy urban spaces. At times, a community recognizes the absence of nature, and works for change. At…