The Three Mile Creek Hydrological Restoration
The Three Mile Creek Hydrological Restoration project is taking place in one historic channel of the Three Mile Creek, located east of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, and covering approximately 1,800 linear feet (Ref 3). This project, led by the City of Mobile, aims to remove sediment from the stream channel. This segment of the Creek was bypassed with a straight channel in the early 1980s to control flooding in the area, thus accelerating the accumulation of sediments in the historic channel (Ref 1).
The project's goal is to restore and maintain the natural flow to the historic channel and create a connection to the City and County's Blueway initiatives (Ref 3). This will improve habitat conditions and water quality and help to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 8). It will also contribute to revitalizing the Three Mile Creek Watershed and provide increased recreational opportunities for citizens, like kayaking and canoeing (Ref 6). Construction work occurred in 2022 and 2023 (Ref 3).
The Three Mile Creek Hydrological Restoration is a key component of the Mobile Bay Shore Habitat Conservation and Acquisition Initiative, which focuses on acquiring, restoring, and preserving habitats, including riparian, wetland, and upland areas that support various fish and wildlife species affected by the environmental disasters of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred in 2010 (Ref 1). The project spans three critical areas: 450 acres within the Three Mile Creek Watershed (as detailed in this project profile), 300 acres in the Dog River Watershed, and 40 acres of bay shore property in the Garrows Bend Watershed (with the latter two areas being part of separate initiatives) (Ref 4).
The project's goal is to restore and maintain the natural flow to the historic channel and create a connection to the City and County's Blueway initiatives (Ref 3). This will improve habitat conditions and water quality and help to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 8). It will also contribute to revitalizing the Three Mile Creek Watershed and provide increased recreational opportunities for citizens, like kayaking and canoeing (Ref 6). Construction work occurred in 2022 and 2023 (Ref 3).
The Three Mile Creek Hydrological Restoration is a key component of the Mobile Bay Shore Habitat Conservation and Acquisition Initiative, which focuses on acquiring, restoring, and preserving habitats, including riparian, wetland, and upland areas that support various fish and wildlife species affected by the environmental disasters of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred in 2010 (Ref 1). The project spans three critical areas: 450 acres within the Three Mile Creek Watershed (as detailed in this project profile), 300 acres in the Dog River Watershed, and 40 acres of bay shore property in the Garrows Bend Watershed (with the latter two areas being part of separate initiatives) (Ref 4).
Maskinparken
Maskinparken is a new park covering 3700 m2 in the Lindholmen district, a new neighbourhood in a previous industrial/harbour area [Ref. 5]. The park is described as a well-needed green oasis or green lung in the developing area. The park finished construction in 2022 and is intended to provide access to green space for people living and working nearby. It is also designed as a blue-green stormwater management solution, where about 500 m3 of rainwater can be stored in the lower areas during heavy rainfall. Stormwater will be leaked from surrounding grey areas to the park to protect them from flooding. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) has highlighted the park as a good example of climate adaptation in urban planning. The park has a variety of plants such as different tree species and flowering meadows, and plants that can withstand being soaked in the lower areas. Plants can grow in different landscape structures, such as hills and a pergola. The park also has amenities such as benches and lights, which are designed to mirror the style of the surrounding, older industrial brick buildings [Ref. 1-4].
Dodder Valley Park Wetlands
Two new wetlands were established in Dodder Valley Park as part of the Dublin Urban Rivers Life Project (DURL). This project aimed to create integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) at strategic locations in South Dublin County to purify wastewater and storm-water before it discharged into rivers.
The ICWs consisted of a series of cells resembling shallow ponds, typically 200 to 300 mm deep. Heavily planted with specific vegetation, these cells treated water by removing nutrients and harmful impurities, resulting in cleaner, purer water being discharged. The water flowing into the wetlands came from wastewater of misconnected appliances and storm-water pipes located under public roads, which collected rainwater from roads, footpaths, and the roofs and patios of houses.
These wetlands also provided important benefits, including flood alleviation, bioretention of particulates and nutrients, improved habitat conditions, and enhanced biodiversity. The project aimed to promote the relationship between green infrastructure and public well-being, creating a complex biological system that supports a diverse range of plants, animals, microorganisms, and hopefully attracts frogs, newts, and birds.
To increase native biodiversity, the wetlands were designed with pollinator-friendly plants and trees, making them visually appealing for park users and the public. A Wetland Planting Day took place on September 9, 2022, with over 40 participants, including residents and representatives from local organizations. This phase of the project fulfilled not only the objectives of the LIFE project but also those of the River Basin Masin Management Plan 2022–2027, the Water Framework Directive, the Climate Change Action Plan, the Floods Directive. (1, 2, 5)
The ICWs consisted of a series of cells resembling shallow ponds, typically 200 to 300 mm deep. Heavily planted with specific vegetation, these cells treated water by removing nutrients and harmful impurities, resulting in cleaner, purer water being discharged. The water flowing into the wetlands came from wastewater of misconnected appliances and storm-water pipes located under public roads, which collected rainwater from roads, footpaths, and the roofs and patios of houses.
These wetlands also provided important benefits, including flood alleviation, bioretention of particulates and nutrients, improved habitat conditions, and enhanced biodiversity. The project aimed to promote the relationship between green infrastructure and public well-being, creating a complex biological system that supports a diverse range of plants, animals, microorganisms, and hopefully attracts frogs, newts, and birds.
To increase native biodiversity, the wetlands were designed with pollinator-friendly plants and trees, making them visually appealing for park users and the public. A Wetland Planting Day took place on September 9, 2022, with over 40 participants, including residents and representatives from local organizations. This phase of the project fulfilled not only the objectives of the LIFE project but also those of the River Basin Masin Management Plan 2022–2027, the Water Framework Directive, the Climate Change Action Plan, the Floods Directive. (1, 2, 5)
The "Pentagonito" Tree Planting Programme
San Borja has 1,347,000 square metres of green areas, equivalent to 12 square metres of green space per inhabitant, one of the highest ratios in the capital (1, 2). In total, there are 75 parks within its jurisdiction (1, 3). However, in recent years it has consolidated its role as a metropolitan urban centre and has become denser with new multi-family construction projects replacing traditional single-family homes with gardens (2). As a result, tree cover has decreased, affecting the creation of shaded areas and air quality, putting the health of residents at risk (2). Nevertheless, this municipality has reaffirmed its participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, committing to implement policies and take measures to reduce (or limit where appropriate) greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, as it is vulnerable to heat waves and droughts, as well as high wind and thunderstorm hazards and fires (1). Thus, since 2014, 56,000 trees have been planted, which is one tree for every two residents in the district (2). The mitigation programme includes 40 measures, including the creation and conservation of green areas, which involve planting trees to create urban forests to help regulate temperature, prevent heat waves, improve CO2 absorption, and preserve endemic species (1). In addition, the programme promotes the use of organic farming practices and the propagation of plants using natural methods (1).
One of the sectors where there has been the most progress is Sector 12, with 31% of the green areas created (3). Within this sector, the district is planting and creating an urban forest within the premises of the Army Headquarters, better known as ‘Pentagonito’. Its objective is to educate neighbours and promote greater environmental awareness (3, 4, 5).
One of the sectors where there has been the most progress is Sector 12, with 31% of the green areas created (3). Within this sector, the district is planting and creating an urban forest within the premises of the Army Headquarters, better known as ‘Pentagonito’. Its objective is to educate neighbours and promote greater environmental awareness (3, 4, 5).
Community garden Ayllu 21
In 2018, a group of residents from Sector II in the Villa El Salvador district initiated a communal effort to transform an abandoned space into an urban garden (3). This is how Ayllu 21, the first community-based agroecological garden in Villa El Salvador, was born. The project was spearheaded by a group of mostly migrant senior women who decided to dedicate their time and labour to reclaiming a landfill space, to turn it into a productive green area (1). Their philosophy is rooted in the concept of "ayllu," a Quechua word signifying family, collective identity, solidarity, and respect for the environment to foster harmonious coexistence (3).
Today, Ayllu 21 spans 1400 square meters and features 40 plots where agroecological practices are employed (1, 3). The garden aims to become a space for comprehensive development, through promoting environmental awareness, political advocacy, and the fight against gender-based violence in a district that ranks third in the number of violence cases (1).
The vegetables produced are primarily for self-consumption, with any surplus distributed among neighbouring families. If there are any sales, the profits are shared among the members, who work an average of two days per week in the garden (3).
This space seeks to strengthen socialization among women and seniors and foster learning and community-building among neighbours through agriculture. It was initiated with the support of IPES Promotion of Sustainable Development as part of the Sowing in the Desert program (3, 6), and it has received support from a diversity of programmes, such as the framework of the Women United for Food and Environmental Security (MUSA) (1).
Today, Ayllu 21 spans 1400 square meters and features 40 plots where agroecological practices are employed (1, 3). The garden aims to become a space for comprehensive development, through promoting environmental awareness, political advocacy, and the fight against gender-based violence in a district that ranks third in the number of violence cases (1).
The vegetables produced are primarily for self-consumption, with any surplus distributed among neighbouring families. If there are any sales, the profits are shared among the members, who work an average of two days per week in the garden (3).
This space seeks to strengthen socialization among women and seniors and foster learning and community-building among neighbours through agriculture. It was initiated with the support of IPES Promotion of Sustainable Development as part of the Sowing in the Desert program (3, 6), and it has received support from a diversity of programmes, such as the framework of the Women United for Food and Environmental Security (MUSA) (1).
Warrendale Bio-retention Flower-gardens
"The Neighborhood, Environment & Water Research Collaborations for Green Infrastructure (NEW-GI)" project in Warrendale, Detroit, aims to advance green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) knowledge and practice in legacy cities by integrating research on water quality, community well-being, governance, and ecological design. This collaborative effort, involving community members, government entities, and academic researchers, seeks to develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable stormwater management while enhancing urban landscapes and improving residents' quality of life.
In its first phase (2014-2015), the project created bioretention four bioretention gardens, each on two vacant residential properties in the Warrendale neighborhood. in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood. These sites, constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) on vacant lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), were monitored for water quality, and resident surveys were conducted to gauge the gardens' impact on neighborhood satisfaction and stormwater management.
The second phase (2016-2019) expanded the scope to refine GSI designs to reduce maintenance needs and further assess their effects on water management and community well-being. It also explored governance structures that impact GSI success, both in Detroit and other legacy cities, contributing to the development of guidance documents for GSI planning and decision-making.
Funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the NEW-GI project represents a transdisciplinary approach to urban ecological challenges, offering valuable insights into how GSI can deliver both environmental and social benefits in cities like Detroit.
(Ref.1,2)
In its first phase (2014-2015), the project created bioretention four bioretention gardens, each on two vacant residential properties in the Warrendale neighborhood. in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood. These sites, constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) on vacant lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), were monitored for water quality, and resident surveys were conducted to gauge the gardens' impact on neighborhood satisfaction and stormwater management.
The second phase (2016-2019) expanded the scope to refine GSI designs to reduce maintenance needs and further assess their effects on water management and community well-being. It also explored governance structures that impact GSI success, both in Detroit and other legacy cities, contributing to the development of guidance documents for GSI planning and decision-making.
Funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the NEW-GI project represents a transdisciplinary approach to urban ecological challenges, offering valuable insights into how GSI can deliver both environmental and social benefits in cities like Detroit.
(Ref.1,2)
D'Olive Watershed Restoration
The D'Olive Creek Restoration project is designed to address the significant environmental challenges facing the D’Olive Creek Watershed and its tributaries (Tiawasee and Joe’s Branch), primarily caused by increased urbanization. Over the last several decades, the area has experienced severe erosion, sedimentation, and habitat degradation due to stormwater runoff from new residential and commercial developments. This runoff has led to stream channel instability, loss of wetlands, and impaired water quality in both D'Olive Creek and Mobile Bay, threatening aquatic and wildlife habitats (Ref 2).
The project involves restoring degraded streams and implementing management measures to reduce the downstream impacts within the watershed. Key activities include stormwater retrofits, stream restorations, and continuous monitoring. These efforts aim to stabilize stream segments and significantly reduce sediment loading into the northeast quadrant of Mobile Bay. This is crucial for improving water quality and clarity, which is necessary for re-establishing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds that serve as critical nursery areas for shellfish and finfish (Ref 1). By using natural materials like rock and living plants, the project also seeks to create a sustainable and ecologically balanced watershed system (Ref 3).
The anticipated outcomes include enhanced water quality in D'Olive Creek and Mobile Bay, reduced erosion and sedimentation, and the restoration of vital habitats, which will contribute to the region's overall ecological health (Ref 1, 3). This restoration project is part of a broader strategy outlined in the 2002 Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Mobile Bay Estuary (Ref 1).
The project involves restoring degraded streams and implementing management measures to reduce the downstream impacts within the watershed. Key activities include stormwater retrofits, stream restorations, and continuous monitoring. These efforts aim to stabilize stream segments and significantly reduce sediment loading into the northeast quadrant of Mobile Bay. This is crucial for improving water quality and clarity, which is necessary for re-establishing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds that serve as critical nursery areas for shellfish and finfish (Ref 1). By using natural materials like rock and living plants, the project also seeks to create a sustainable and ecologically balanced watershed system (Ref 3).
The anticipated outcomes include enhanced water quality in D'Olive Creek and Mobile Bay, reduced erosion and sedimentation, and the restoration of vital habitats, which will contribute to the region's overall ecological health (Ref 1, 3). This restoration project is part of a broader strategy outlined in the 2002 Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Mobile Bay Estuary (Ref 1).
Eastside Lake Baisha Park
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Kunming’s urban planning faced major challenges, including fragmented development, environmental degradation, and limited green spaces (Ref 1). In response, the municipal government launched a series of strategic plans aimed at promoting high-quality urban development and environmental restoration.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
St. Anne’s City Farm and Ecology Centre
St. Anne's Urban Farm and Ecology Center, nestled within Dublin’s historic St. Anne’s Park and surrounded by the suburban neighborhoods of Dublin 3 and 5, is a unique not-for-profit initiative dedicated to community engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban agriculture. Established in 2019, this farm is the first urban farm within Dublin City Council’s boundaries and aims to reach even more people, believing that every child and adult should have access to a garden space and that everyone in the garden is equal.
Run by a team of over 20 dedicated community volunteers, the farm provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages and a safe, open space for sharing knowledge and learning from others. Featuring traditional Irish farm animals, such as heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside native plants grown from heirloom seeds, the farm preserves Ireland’s agricultural heritage while promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
With a goal of becoming 75% self-sustaining, the farm is working toward off-grid solutions through solar power and eco-friendly techniques. St. Anne’s Urban Farm empowers local residents with its community allotments and self-management model, which foster greater control and pride in maintaining the shared space. Aligned with Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan, the farm aspires to improve the quality of life within the city by promoting healthy neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Through this green space, St. Anne’s Urban Farm encourages social and environmental engagement, aiming to ensure that gardens and green spaces remain accessible, welcoming, and educational for generations to come. The initiative is supported by a €50,000 donation from Google and is designed to serve as a community resource rather than a traditional petting farm.
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Run by a team of over 20 dedicated community volunteers, the farm provides hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages and a safe, open space for sharing knowledge and learning from others. Featuring traditional Irish farm animals, such as heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside native plants grown from heirloom seeds, the farm preserves Ireland’s agricultural heritage while promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
With a goal of becoming 75% self-sustaining, the farm is working toward off-grid solutions through solar power and eco-friendly techniques. St. Anne’s Urban Farm empowers local residents with its community allotments and self-management model, which foster greater control and pride in maintaining the shared space. Aligned with Dublin’s Climate Change Action Plan, the farm aspires to improve the quality of life within the city by promoting healthy neighborhoods and sustainable communities. Through this green space, St. Anne’s Urban Farm encourages social and environmental engagement, aiming to ensure that gardens and green spaces remain accessible, welcoming, and educational for generations to come. The initiative is supported by a €50,000 donation from Google and is designed to serve as a community resource rather than a traditional petting farm.
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Miraflores Bicentennial Park
The Miraflores Bicentennial Park has been built on the Malecón de la Reserva and the Quebrada de Armendáriz. It was inaugurated in June 2022 as one of the created projects within the framework of the commemorations of the 200 years of Independence celebrations (1). It is considered a new green lung of Lima (2), as it has a green area of 30,400 square metres and stands on one of the cliffs of the Costa Verde (1). It has a system of terraces that replicates the construction model of the Incas, which has made it possible to additionally reinforce the soil and the slopes with the use of retaining walls up to 10 metres high, with horizontal geogrids and vertical geocells (1, 2). It was structured on a stabilised slope in order to mitigate the risk of landslides (4), and an irrigation system was implemented to stabilise the soil (4).
This space was built as a biodiversity garden with more than 160,000 xerophilic coastal species with low water consumption, 300 trees and 80 palm trees. It also offers places for tourism, such as viewpoints and squares, where cultural events, open-air activities and rest areas are held (1). It also aims to connect aspects of landscape conservation, preservation of biodiversity in the city, and the construction of a cultural landscape in which human action is complementary and friendly to the natural environment (9). Finally, it seeks to contribute to the reduction of the municipality's carbon footprint by reducing the harmful effects of urban expansion on the Lima cliff ecosystem, such as deforestation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity (9).
This space was built as a biodiversity garden with more than 160,000 xerophilic coastal species with low water consumption, 300 trees and 80 palm trees. It also offers places for tourism, such as viewpoints and squares, where cultural events, open-air activities and rest areas are held (1). It also aims to connect aspects of landscape conservation, preservation of biodiversity in the city, and the construction of a cultural landscape in which human action is complementary and friendly to the natural environment (9). Finally, it seeks to contribute to the reduction of the municipality's carbon footprint by reducing the harmful effects of urban expansion on the Lima cliff ecosystem, such as deforestation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity (9).
