Improved soil quality

Launched in 2022, the Murphy High School Farm-to-Table Program in Mobile is an initiative aimed at addressing urban food deserts and promoting community health through education and sustainable farming practices [Ref 1; Ref 4]. Funded by Spire as part of its “Connected Through Cooking” initiative, the program transforms 28 acres of school grounds into a teaching farm where students learn to grow and cook nutritious food [Ref 1; Ref 6].
The project integrates science, math, and culinary arts into hands-on learning, engaging students in planning, planting, and harvesting crops, as well as developing healthy recipes [Ref 1; Ref 4]. Activities include constructing greenhouses, building raised beds, and installing irrigation systems—33 raised beds and an 800 sq. ft. greenhouse were completed in the first year [Ref 1; Ref 2]. The program also supports nearby food-insecure neighbourhoods by distributing produce and recipe tips, helping address poor access to fresh food in Mobile [Ref 3; Ref 4]. Younger students from local schools are included through farm-based learning, broadening the program’s educational reach [Ref 1; Ref 5].
Key actors include Murphy educators, Spire staff, and community partners such as Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Auburn University [Ref 4]. Outcomes include improved STEM education, increased food literacy, and stronger community ties through urban agriculture [Ref 1; Ref 4].

The Ecological & Citizen Restoration Project in Carbet, led by ASSOMER, supports the city in sustainably developing its coastline. This coastal area serves multiple purposes—recreational, economic, and subsistence—making it essential to include the voices of its key user communities: fishermen, restaurateurs, residents, and tourists.
However, both these uses and critical spawning habitats are increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, which is worsened by urbanization. Beyond reducing nesting areas, urban expansion also creates light pollution, which disrupts nesting females and hatchlings that rely on moonlight reflections to navigate.
This project was selected during the inaugural Biodiversity Lottery, a French government initiative inspired by the Heritage Lotto (established in 2018). The funds will be dedicated to protecting Carbet’s turtle population. Key efforts include reforesting the beach to combat erosion and creating new nesting spaces for turtles.
By restoring vegetation in a way that addresses multiple environmental challenges, this initiative aims to raise public awareness and ensure long-term coastal preservation. (1,2)

The likely impacts of climate change in South Dublin County include an increased risk of flooding, more frequent summer droughts, deteriorating air and water quality, and biodiversity loss (1). To address these climate challenges, the county developed the County Development Plan 2016-2022 as part of the South Dublin Climate Action Plan, aiming to establish a comprehensive legislative and policy framework for green infrastructure (GI) planning (1).
The plan outlines various objectives, including creating a coherent, integrated, and adaptable GI network across South Dublin County. One key initiative is the establishment of native mini woodlands throughout the city, designed to form strategic links and integrate the GI Strategy’s objectives into all relevant land-use plans and development across the county (1).
The purpose of these mini woodlands is to connect green spaces across the city (minimum size of 100 sq m), sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity in suitable locations, such as built-up areas, low-grade parkland, and other zoned areas deemed appropriate (1). Given the long time required for tree growth, the project employs the Miyawaki method, planting a high density of diverse native species to create mature forests up to ten times faster than traditional plantations (2). These forests are estimated to host 20 to 100 times more biodiversity and absorb carbon up to 40 times more effectively, without the use of chemicals or fertilizers; key factors include ground preparation, planting density, and species diversity (2).
In 2022, the project held a planting day for the mini woodlands initiative on Mill Lane, where 1,200 native trees and shrubs were planted with the help of volunteers from local schools, the community, a corporate group, and the Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Emma Murphy (2).

Lisbon is facing an increasing threat linked to climate change due to its geographical location and climate (6), which has had a negative impact on health and quality of life in the city (5). Its average annual precipitation is decreasing, although the city experiences more winter precipitation. This results in longer droughts and more seasonal flooding, which reduces water retention and soil conservation (6). Average temperatures are increasing by 14°C per year, with maximum temperatures up to 5°C higher (6).
As an adaptation measure to these challenges, the LIFE LUNGS project aims to increase Lisbon's resilience by implementing green infrastructure and promoting related ecosystem services (1, 3, 5, 6). Thus, it focuses on measures aimed at coping with temperature increase, mitigating the effects of heat waves and water scarcity, which are expected to become more frequent, being in line with the climate policies adopted by the municipality. The project runs from 2019/2020 to 2024/2025 (1, 5, 6). It aims to address cross-cutting issues such as climate, water and biodiversity (3). The project expects to work hand in hand with the City of Malaga, which has been developing projects aimed at adapting the city to climate change. It is expected to replicate the work in Malaga and post-project to 2 national territories, and 1 in the EU (4). It is also intended to transfer the project work to be implemented in private areas that are part of Lisbon's green infrastructure, and to disseminate and technically train municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and other municipalities committed to climate change adaptation (4).

The environmental impact of golf has led to growing calls to make the sport more sustainable (1). Golf course maintenance often involves carbon-intensive fertilizers, frequent mowing, and, in some cases, the clearing of forests or trees that naturally absorb carbon dioxide to make room for expansive fairways (1). However, the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Michigan is working to create courses that benefit both golfers and the environment (2).
Fifteen years ago, the site was a neglected floodplain along the Rouge River, initially purchased by Henry Ford in 1915 and once littered with community waste and old motor parts from the Ford Motor Company (2-3). Today, it has been transformed into an 85.8-hectare course that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, fish, foxes, and coyotes (2). Led by Jack Nicklaus, the restoration aimed to turn this former waste site into an eco-friendly course (2). With guidance from Audubon International, the course was converted into a wildlife sanctuary, becoming the world’s first golf course to receive the prestigious John James Audubon Environmental Steward Award for ecological restoration (2).
TPC Michigan features native Michigan plants, such as viburnums, which produce berries for wildlife, along with various native grasses (2). To prioritize environmental stewardship, the course managers have created buffer zones to protect natural habitats and conserve water by using coring methods to monitor soil moisture (2). Pesticide use is minimized; instead, staff monitor for signs of disease or pests and test the soil to determine the specific nutrients needed for the turf (2). The course’s links-style layout includes rolling fairways, tiered greens, and natural wetlands, with tee options ranging from 5.5 to 6.4 meters (4). By establishing a wildlife sanctuary, TPC Michigan offers golfers a unique experience that fosters a connection with nature (3).

The urban garden in Miraflores park (Huertas las Moreras) was established already in 1991 on an old waste dump and contains 10500 m2 of plots for locals to grow fruits and vegetables [Ref. 1]. The creation of the gardens was initiated by citizens who formed an association and implemented it in cooperation with the City of Seville. The citizens were discontent with the lack of green space in the area, and the urban gardens came to be alongside Miraflores Park, which was also pushed by the locals. The initial goals of the gardens were to allow locals to produce their own food and to host educational activities [Ref. 2]. More recent developments exemplify the focus on education and knowledge. In 2022, the citizen science project "Planta Bienstar" was carried out in the gardens, where high school students measured the lead levels in the soil and crops. The project aimed to investigate if lead levels posed a health risk and if the gardens could reduce levels over time. The project was organised by the non-profit Descubre Foundation and funded by the foundation and the regional Government of Andalusia. The project relied on the knowledge and efforts of the citizens, the students and gardeners in an intergenerational collaboration where the young could learn methods from their elders [Ref. 3, 4].

Arizona is experiencing an unprecedented drought, now nearing 15 years and surpassing the most severe drought in over 110 years of recorded history (1). For Phoenix residents, accustomed to extreme heat and minimal rainfall, rising temperatures are bringing new health risks (3). Diminished rainfall not only leads to water scarcity but also raises temperatures, as the sun’s energy, instead of being absorbed to evaporate moisture, intensifies the heat on the ground (2). In 2023 alone, extreme heat claimed at least 147 lives, with Arizona seeing the majority of these fatalities. By early August, over 100 heat-related deaths had been reported in the state (2).
In response to these challenges, the Watershed Management Group (WMG) has collaborated with Arizona State University’s Sustainability Teachers’ Academies to develop a program that maximizes the desert’s limited rainfall to build community resilience (3). Their Schoolyard Water Education Program brings educational services to Phoenix schools, focusing on designing and installing rain gardens as part of outdoor learning initiatives (3). This hands-on approach transforms schoolyards into interactive laboratories where students learn the principles of sustainability through direct engagement with their surroundings (3).
A project at Clarendon Elementary School in Phoenix involved constructing a rain garden with native plants and wood chip mulch to help retain moisture (3). These gardens offer students a living classroom, where they can observe seasonal changes in native plant life, distinguish beneficial species from invasive weeds, and track rainfall to measure the garden’s water intake from rooftops and direct rain (3). Beyond the academic learning, rain gardens provide cooler, safer spaces for students to gather, fostering a lasting connection with nature and a deeper understanding of sustainable water practices (3).

The Gnomes Project was launched to breathe new life into the abandoned Dublin City University (DCU) Community Garden, transforming it into a thriving urban micro-farm. Led by three friends—Martin, Jason, and Shane, collectively known as "The Gnomes"—the initiative grows pesticide-free, organic produce for the local community while championing regenerative farming practices.
The Gnomes employ bio-intensive agriculture, a sustainable approach designed to maximize yield from small spaces while maintaining biodiversity and enriching soil health. This method supports long-term productivity by promoting crop diversity, improving soil quality, and reducing dependence on external inputs through a closed-loop system.
The project’s journey began in 2015 when Jason and Martin enrolled in DCU's horticulture program and saw potential in the overgrown community garden. Shane joined as a volunteer in 2016, and by 2017, the trio had formalized their efforts to revitalize the garden. In 2019, they registered their business and began growing over 30 types of crops, eventually selling their produce through local farmers’ markets and small businesses.
Working tirelessly to restore the garden, The Gnomes cleared debris and removed invasive weeds using organic methods, transforming the area into a productive micro-farm. After negotiating with the university, they secured a lease for a 10,900 sq.-ft. plot (approximately 1/4 acre), with access to water. This space became the foundation for their bio-intensive, small-scale farming model, enabling them to grow quick-yield, high-value crops that thrive in limited spaces.
Some of their 20+ crops include a variety of leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, green beans, onions, carrots, beetroots, baby turnips, apples, and recently added microgreens.
The Gnomes Project demonstrates the potential of urban farming, combining sustainable agriculture with community engagement. (2-5, 7-10)

In Berlin, at the palace park and garden Charlottenburg, approx. 40 to 70 horned Gotland sheep are used to maintain the grass fields and meadows. The project is part of a garden and landscape conservation programme that is to be seen as a contribution to practical nature conservation by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg, which manages the park. From May to November, the sheep are grazing on the palace property, whereby the exact length of time the sheep are kept and the duration of the project depend largely on the developing weather conditions. This is because prolonged drought significantly reduces the growth of the grasses. (Ref. 1)
The garden had already been grazed earlier in its history, but no longer in the post-war period. The garden was created by Electress Sophie Charlotte in 1695. (Ref. 3) Since 2018, sheep can be found again in the park space where they graze on extensive meadows with groups of chestnut, lime, maple, oak, beech and solitary trees. At the beginning of May, they move into their first station there, usually the meadow in front of the late baroque-classical Belvedere tea house. Once this has been grazed, they move on to the next meadow; with an area of 55 hectares, there is plenty of pasture. (Ref. 4)
Sheep from his flock also graze on the green flat roof of the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Pankow, the palace garden of Sanssouci and other public and private patches of land around Berlin. Reasons to use sheep over machinery for the maintenance of the park space are monetary and a reduce loss of biodiversity. Sheep are cheaper compared to machinery, the needed labour and wear, and also don't kill insects living in the fields as machinery does. Furthermore, the sheep dung fertilises the grass area, sheep limit the spread of invasive plants and are more gentle to the soil. At the same time, palace visitors enjoy observing the sheep and can learn about them in guided tours. (Ref. 4; Ref. 6)

Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, sunbirds, and bats, all found in the Sonoran Desert—play a vital role in plant reproduction, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. However, these essential species face growing challenges, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
In 2023, the Rio Reimagined project, a two-year regional river revitalization initiative, received a grant from the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Standards-based Restoration in Action program, in collaboration with Microsoft. This grant is funding the creation of a riparian pollinator garden designed by ASU students at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, situated on the banks of the Salt River in Phoenix. With strong support from the City of Phoenix, Microsoft’s Community Environmental Sustainability (CES) program, and planting expertise from the Tiger Mountain Foundation, a one-acre garden was restored in 2024 to establish a thriving pollinator habitat.
This restored garden includes interpretive signage and programming designed to educate visitors on the importance of riparian ecosystems. More than one hundred volunteers planted native species along the Rio Salado to attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. The garden is specifically designed to be climate-resilient and drought-tolerant, enhancing the biodiversity of the Salt River.
This initiative not only revitalizes the Rio Salado Audubon Center but also cultivates native plants, supports pollinator populations, and benefits the broader community through increased environmental awareness and sustainability. (1-3)