Environmental Justice

Economically deprived neighborhoods are often the sites of polluting industries and toxic waste disposal. Northern Research Station (NRS) scientists are studying the ways that urban plantings can help to mitigate some of these effects. In addition, the NRS is a major player in the National Science Foundation’s Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) in the Long-Term Ecosystem Research Program. Scientists in this program are comparing various socio-economic and natural resources in two Baltimore neighborhoods---watershed 263, an economically deprived inner city neighborhood in Baltimore City, and Cub Hill, a middle-income suburban neighborhood in Baltimore County.

Selected Research Studies

Baltimore Ecosystem Study
As part of the BES, the Forest Service has been conducting research and continuous monitoring to evaluate best management practices (BMPs) that can be implemented in urban and suburban landscapes to improve the quality of life for urban residents and to lessen impacts of storm water management on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, they have conducted a photo narrative survey of local residents and developed a geographic information system (GIS) linking household information, field observation surveys, and photo narrative data. Numerous scientific studies are underway measuring and monitoring many aspects of the urban environment.

Social aspects of urban greening
Urban greening is a powerful tool for improving the quality of urban life. People gain from urban greening both as individuals and communities. Our scientists have studied how greening reduces stress, enhances creativity, and improves job and school performance. They have also found that urban greening can change people’s perception of their neighborhoods, reduce violence and crime, and increase neighborhood stability. Our investigations into how urban greening can foster community empowerment has yielded results that include guidelines for managers and planners seeking the best ways to work with volunteers for the most far-reaching results

Natural-environment perception & preference
Understanding differences in people’s perceptions of the environment, as well as what types and characteristics of landscapes they prefer, is key to developing responsive policies and practices. For instance, what are the ideal number and kinds of trees in a community park, from the human perspective? Can there be too many trees? Too few? Our research shows that urban people’s perceptions of scenic quality, safety, and naturalness in landscapes are greatly influenced by the types, sizes, and numbers of trees and other plants. We help predict how environmental preferences will change if, for example, a certain number of trees are planted or removed. This type of information becomes a powerful tool for shaping guidelines for natural resource managers.

Demographic differences and diversity
As urban populations become more diverse, managers of natural resources across the urban-to-rural spectrum need to be able to anticipate and respond to their needs. People of different backgrounds may experience the environment differently. Age, race and ethnicity, income, education, and other factors influence how people experience and are affected by the environment. Different people have different expectations for how natural resources should be managed. Certain individuals or groups might have unique needs, or because they are in a minority, may not have their needs voiced in the larger public context of resource management and planning. Our research identifies the differences and commonalities between a wide variety of constituents to help ensure the most responsive resource management and policies. We help policymakers and planners prepare for changes in the populations they serve.