Green space and habitat

The Fenkell Stormwater Project in the Brightmoor neighborhood of Detroit is an initiative led by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to mitigate the impact of heavy rain events on the local sewer system. By transforming 92 Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) parcels into 24 bioretention gardens, the project aims to significantly reduce street flooding and basement backups in the area. These gardens, spread across approximately 50 acres of mostly vacant land, utilize permeable soils and landscaping techniques to absorb excess rainfall, which helps prevent the overloading of the city’s combined sewer system. This is particularly important in reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs), which occur when the system's capacity is exceeded during heavy rains, leading to untreated stormwater and sewage being discharged into the Rouge River.
The project is expected to manage and treat about nine million gallons of stormwater annually, making a significant impact on both the neighborhood’s infrastructure and the environment. In addition to the bioretention gardens, the project includes the partial removal of Blackstone Street between Keeler and Midland streets to further enhance stormwater management.
Community engagement has been a critical component of the project, with residents of Brightmoor and Minock Park participating in meetings to share their preferences for the types of trees, plantings, and other features. The DWSD will maintain the gardens under its Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program, which already includes 19 other similar projects across the city. The project is currently in the construction phase and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, modernizing Brightmoor’s stormwater infrastructure and providing long-term environmental and community benefits.
(Ref.1-3)

The Kikås dump is a landfill in Mölndal, south of Gothenburg, where an area has been permanently covered with a sealing layer and inert material. This project aimed to utilise the area to increase biodiversity by establishing flowering meadows and an insect hotel, creating a habitat for wild bees, butterflies and birds [Ref. 1-3]. The City of Mölndal initated the project and sowed meadow flowers, established sand beds for burrowing insects, an uneven, rocky terrain and a large insect hotel [Ref. 1, 3]. The area is also meant to be a destination for recreation and learning about biodiversity. The Insect Hotel is marketed as the largest in Sweden, and it includes information signs and an outdoor classroom. The project is meant to raise awareness about biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination [Ref. 1, 4-6]. The area borders natural areas such as forests and wetlands and is meant to have positive ecological effects in the border zones. The project will contribute to the environmental goals of the city, in particular, "a rich plant and animal life" [Ref. 3]

The beach of Vétiver, located in the municipality of Case-Pilote, is one of the most important nesting sites for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Martinique. It is also a nesting ground for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), another endangered species. As one of the last minimally urbanized beaches in the North Caribbean of Martinique, the site plays a vital role in the conservation of these species. In addition, fishing restrictions in the area significantly reduce the risk of turtle mortality caused by accidental capture in fishing gear, which is the leading cause of human-related sea turtle deaths in the Antilles.
However, the site faces several stressors that hinder successful nesting. The surrounding vegetation is severely degraded due to invasive alien species, and much of the shrub and tree cover has disappeared from the backshore, where turtles prefer to nest. Without adequate vegetation, hatchlings are left exposed to the heat. Additionally, the beach is frequently disturbed by local residents and visitors for recreational activities. With no designated parking area, cars often park directly on the beach, compacting the soil and further limiting the chances for vegetation to recover or turtles to dig nests. This compaction forces turtles to lay their eggs closer to the shoreline, increasing the risk of nests being washed away by heavy swells.
In 2022, the non-profit organization "Asso-mer" and its partners launched the Véti’Vert project on a previously neglected public green space. Through environmental restoration efforts, they created a nesting enclosure on the backshore to mitigate these stressors and improve the conditions for sea turtle nesting. The project also engaged with local residents to increase the chances of success (Refs 1-3).

Medal of Honour Park, located in West Mobile, is the city's second-largest park (Ref 3, video). A City-County partnership is planning to implement significant changes to the park and its amenities (Ref 3). These changes include crowning and sodding the field, surrounded by large oaks, making it an oasis in the middle of the city (Ref 1, Ref 5). The project will focus on upgrading recreational and sports facilities, such as improvements to the golf area (Ref 1), tennis courts, and softball fields (Ref 1, 4). Additionally, the playground will be entirely rebuilt, featuring RSA Tower slides, new drinking fountains, new fencing, and rubber play surfaces for added safety (Ref 3). Cultural and social enhancements are also part of the plan, including upgrades to the amphitheatre (Ref 1). Visitors will enjoy a walking trail that allows them to experience nature while exploring the park. Other amenities receiving upgrades include lighting, wayfinding signage (Ref 1), as well as improvements to the concession stands and restrooms (Ref 4). Traffic circulation within the park will also see enhancements, particularly at the street intersection and surrounding landscaping (Ref 1).
This park is a popular destination, attracting kids and families from all over the region (Ref 3, video). Importantly, it meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for everyone (Ref 5).

MINI Ireland, in collaboration with conservation charity Earthwatch Europe, has launched Ireland's first "Tiny Forest" at the Tolka River Project, a community-driven rehabilitation program in Co. Dublin. In a space the size of a tennis court (195m²), nearly 600 native trees have been planted, creating a densely packed, environmentally efficient green area.
This partnership with Earthwatch aims to raise awareness for local environmental projects and foster community bonds. Green spaces like this offer valuable areas for people to connect with nature, exercise, unwind, and reduce stress—one reason the Tolka River Project center was chosen as an ideal location. "Tiny Forests" are remarkable for their impressive efficiency within a small footprint: by planting 600 native trees closely together, the forest grows naturally with increased density, achieving up to 30% more plant density, ten times faster growth, and up to thirty times better carbon dioxide absorption. Over the next three years, this forest is expected to attract more than 500 animal and plant species, transforming into an accessible mini-ecosystem.
The project uses a variety of locally sourced native trees, including silver birch, alder, hazel, hawthorn, and gorse, which together will form the natural layers of a forest. Ireland's first Tiny Forest was planted on March 22, 2023, at the Tolka River Project site in Dublin's Buzzardstown area. The Tiny Forest, located near the center, will serve as a space for reflection and recovery, supporting clients on their journey to rehabilitation. The planting event was a day of celebration, with Tolka River Project clients and MINI Ireland staff working side-by-side to create this thriving green space.. The space is utilized to create recovery-focused programs, including mindfulness and yoga, while functioning as a social gathering area (7).

Mapinguari National Park, located in the Amazon region of Brazil, is a protected area distinguished by its rich biodiversity and vast expanse of untouched tropical rainforest (2). It was officially created on June 5, 2008, by decree, covering an area of 1,776,914.18 hectares (2). The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) manages the park. It is linked to a management plan encompassing several nearby conservation units and their areas of influence (2, 3). Its main goal is to preserve the valuable natural ecosystems and scenic landscapes of the Purus-Madeira interfluvial region, which includes savanna enclaves (2, 3). The ecoregion where it is located has a high priority for botanical conservation due to parameters such as species richness and endemism (3). Additionally, the area presents great environmental heterogeneity, with several isolated and unique ecosystems, aspects that have been considered for fostering scientific research and public visitation, with programs for environmental education, recreation in contact with nature, and ecotourism (3). On March 8, 2013, an advisory council for the park was established to involve various stakeholders in decision-making and the effective conservation of the park (2), and in 2018 a Management Master Plan was established, seeking to develop an integrated approach for the protection and proper management of the region, especially considering the socio-environmental impacts of the construction of the BR-319 highway and the deforestation caused by fires, the expansion of soybean cultivation, land appropriation (7) and cattle ranching from the neighbouring state (3, 10). It was established as a Natural Park in 2008, but over the years it has undergone changes in land regulations, adding or decreasing its size as certain mining activities have been allowed in the buffer zone (2)

The schoolyard at Reginhard Primary School in Reinickendorf faced persistent challenges, often becoming unusable due to poor drainage. After rainfall, water would pool, leaving the yard submerged and inaccessible to the 400 primary school pupils. Even in dry weather, the schoolyard was far from ideal: a lack of play equipment made it uninviting, and in summer, the area became excessively hot, offering little comfort or shade. Both children and the school community, including teaching staff and parents, voiced a strong desire for improvement.
Adding to the urgency for redesign, Berliner Wasserbetriebe imposed a discharge restriction, requiring rainwater to be managed on-site. This led to a comprehensive transformation of the school grounds. Large areas were unsealed, allowing water to seep naturally into the ground. Underground seepage systems were installed to enhance drainage, and the redesign introduced green spaces, a school garden, and near-natural play and exercise areas. These changes not only resolved the flooding issue but also created a more inviting and sustainable environment for students.
The focus on ecological and sustainable design improved the microclimate, providing cooler surroundings and enabling outdoor breaks filled with activity and fresh air. The redesign transformed the schoolyard into a vibrant space that meets the needs of both children and the environment.
This project was funded by the Berlin Programme for Sustainable Development (BENE Umwelt) and financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). (Ref. 3; Ref. 4)

This series of projects in the Trinity Garden aims to improve sports fields, enhance drainage, and replace HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems at the community center in the Trinity Garden community (Ref 1). The first project involves a complete renovation of the playground area at Trinity Gardens Park. The entire playground will be rebuilt with a new drainage system, along with the installation of a new play structure, benches, and trash receptacles (Ref 2). Another key component of the project includes the construction of a new natural baseball/football combo field, with a new infield, bases, outfield fencing, foul poles, and with improved drainage (drain piping, inlets, sodding, and irrigation) for the sports field (Ref 3). On the subject of recreation and public health, Councilman Fred Richardson emphasised the significance of Trinity Park, stating, “Good public parks are key to creating healthy children and, in turn, strong communities. I am so happy that we are able to bring these major improvements so local children will have a great place to come play, and their caregivers will have a place to watch them from” (Ref 2).
Additionally, another major project on the agenda focuses on street and drainage improvements within the community. This will address issues on Warsaw Avenue and Collins Avenue, from Main Street to Jessie Street, aiming to resolve several hazardous open ditches that currently run through the neighborhood (Ref 2).

The initiative focuses on the creation and implementation of a management plan for the Natura 2000 areas of Ciurbesti Lake and Fânațele Bârca to protect their biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism and land use. These areas were designated as part of the Natura 2000 network in 2016, but until recently, lacked a formal management plan. In 2019, the environmental group "Asociaţia Scutierii Naturii Bacău," in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency of Iași (APM Iași), secured EU funding to develop the plan. While the plan was being developed, minimal regulations were established in 2022 to ensure interim protection.
The finalized management plan was released in 2024. It assessed species and habitats of European, national, and community importance, identifying 18 bird species, 3 plant species, 1 mammal species, and 4 key habitats. The plan also identified environmental pressures and set objectives and actions to ensure the conservation of this biodiversity. Before the plan's completion, two rounds of public consultations were held, involving a broad range of stakeholders, including surrounding municipalities, private landowners, public administrators, and local community representatives, to define optimal management practices.
The plan mandates continuous monitoring and reporting on the state of species and habitats. It also includes specific conservation measures, such as the partial reconstruction of endangered habitats, meetings with local land users to restrict harmful activities, public awareness campaigns, and regular monitoring. Additionally, it emphasizes the sustainable use of the area, including tourism. The creation of the plan was financed with EU funds totaling €1,036,014.27, and the projected cost for its implementation is €259,627.99. (1-5)

The Digital Hub, a campus in Dublin 8 offering 49,000 sq. ft. of office, studio, and workspaces for small businesses in technology, creative industries, social enterprises, and artisans, has partnered with Pocket Forests to establish Ireland’s first urban native tree nursery. Located on The Digital Hub campus, the Pocket Forests Tree Hub will grow native Irish trees, including birch, rowan, and alder, to support the planting of over 600 trees throughout Dublin 8 and beyond.
As Dublin 8 district faces a noted lack of green spaces and low tree density, as highlighted by the Mapping Green Dublin project from University College Dublin and local groups, the Tree Hub is set to address this gap. This innovative initiative aims to improve the local natural environment and bolster biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing area.
Pocket Forests, co-founded in 2020 by Ashe Conrad-Jones and Catherine Cleary, is inspired by the Tiny Forest concept, which brings diverse native plants to small urban plots. Using permaculture methods, Pocket Forests regenerates depleted soil and creates diverse micro-forests on plots as compact as six square meters. This approach, which enriches soil and encourages biodiversity, has a unique capacity to transform urban areas into lush, green spaces, contributing to improved air quality and local ecosystems.
The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of access to nature for well-being, and The Digital Hub offers an ideal location for this first-of-its-kind urban initiative. The Tree Hub will serve as a valuable resource for greening Dublin 8, promoting community engagement, and fostering a greater connection to nature.
Beyond the nursery, Pocket Forests will run a series of six half-day workshops at The Digital Hub to educate the community on biodiversity, pollination, compost, soil health, and the importance of urban forest ecosystems. The Digital Hub’s Tree Hub boosts well-being, biodiversity, and green space for future generations. (1-5