Eagle Reef Project
The Eagle Reef Project was launched to restore the health of Mobile Bay in response to habitat loss and declining fish populations due to the degradation of oyster and seagrass beds [REF 1, REF 6]. Originally planned in 2022 as an Eagle Scout service project by John Shell of Boy Scout Troop 147, the project has grown into a regional environmental initiative supported by Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP), the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and municipalities such as the City of Fairhope [REF 3, REF 4, REF 7].
The project deploys preassembled mini reefs—constructed from plastic and PVC—beneath docks and piers across Mobile and Baldwin counties. These reefs, once colonised by filter feeders like oysters and barnacles, can filter up to 20,000 gallons of water daily and serve as habitats for fish, shrimp, and crabs [REF 1, REF 4]. The initiative aims to improve water quality, sequester nutrients, reduce algae, and restore marine biodiversity [REF 1, REF 6].
The Eagle Reef Project addresses critical coastal hazards, including water pollution, fish habitat loss, and the legacy of environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill [REF 4]. It combines scientific monitoring, civic engagement, and scalable design to enhance the region’s climate resilience and ecological health [REF 1, REF 6, REF 7].
The project deploys preassembled mini reefs—constructed from plastic and PVC—beneath docks and piers across Mobile and Baldwin counties. These reefs, once colonised by filter feeders like oysters and barnacles, can filter up to 20,000 gallons of water daily and serve as habitats for fish, shrimp, and crabs [REF 1, REF 4]. The initiative aims to improve water quality, sequester nutrients, reduce algae, and restore marine biodiversity [REF 1, REF 6].
The Eagle Reef Project addresses critical coastal hazards, including water pollution, fish habitat loss, and the legacy of environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill [REF 4]. It combines scientific monitoring, civic engagement, and scalable design to enhance the region’s climate resilience and ecological health [REF 1, REF 6, REF 7].
Mobile Tree Trial
The Mobile Tree Trail is a nature-based solutions (NBS) initiative aimed at preserving Mobile, Alabama’s urban forest while celebrating its cultural and ecological heritage (Ref 1, Ref 2). First established in the early 1990s by volunteers, the original trail featured 24 iconic trees, selected for their historical significance, environmental value, and beauty (Ref 1, Ref 2). Over the years, some trees were lost to development and storms, and the trail faded into obscurity (Ref 1, Ref 4).
From 2021, the Mobile Tree Commission, with support from The Nature Conservancy, is leading efforts to revive the trail (Ref 3, Ref 6). Activities include reviewing past entries, opening public nominations, and selecting new trees that best represent Mobile’s identity (Ref 3, Ref 4). The project emphasises inclusivity and public participation, welcoming volunteers and local input to shape a trail that evolves with the city (Ref 4, Ref 6).
Mobile faces environmental threats such as hurricanes, urban expansion, and loss of native tree cover (Ref 1, Ref 6). The revitalised trail helps address these challenges by promoting awareness, conserving old-growth specimens like the 300-year-old Duffie Oak, and maintaining vital green spaces (Ref 4, Ref 6).
The Mobile Tree Trail blends education, tourism, and conservation, enhancing urban resilience while telling the city’s story through its trees (Ref 3, Ref 6).
From 2021, the Mobile Tree Commission, with support from The Nature Conservancy, is leading efforts to revive the trail (Ref 3, Ref 6). Activities include reviewing past entries, opening public nominations, and selecting new trees that best represent Mobile’s identity (Ref 3, Ref 4). The project emphasises inclusivity and public participation, welcoming volunteers and local input to shape a trail that evolves with the city (Ref 4, Ref 6).
Mobile faces environmental threats such as hurricanes, urban expansion, and loss of native tree cover (Ref 1, Ref 6). The revitalised trail helps address these challenges by promoting awareness, conserving old-growth specimens like the 300-year-old Duffie Oak, and maintaining vital green spaces (Ref 4, Ref 6).
The Mobile Tree Trail blends education, tourism, and conservation, enhancing urban resilience while telling the city’s story through its trees (Ref 3, Ref 6).
Ecological & Citizen Restoration Project in Carbet
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)
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)
Liberties Greening Strategy
The Liberties is one of the most recognizable urban areas in Dublin and Ireland, strongly associated with old Dublin, working-class communities, and the brewing and distilling industries. While rich in history, cultural significance, and local stories, The Liberties faces numerous placemaking and quality-of-life challenges. The area continues to experience significant dereliction, a fragmented urban fabric, and a shortage of high-quality green spaces. For instance, tree coverage in The Liberties is sparse, with good-quality street trees only found in a few small areas, such as Gray St. and Reginald St., along the South Quays, Cornmarket, and near the fountain on James St. The area has approximately 1,200 trees, amounting to less than 5% canopy coverage.
In response to these challenges, Dublin City Council enacted The Liberties Greening Strategy in 2015. Building on the Liberties' Local Area Plan, this strategy aims to develop a network of new urban parks, improve access to heritage green spaces, and refurbish existing parks and play areas. It addresses multiple goals, including ecological connectivity, water management, flood risk reduction, air quality improvement, social cohesion, environmental education, and public health. This strategy is an initiative of the Parks and Landscape Services Division of Dublin City Council, in collaboration with the South Central Area Office and with input from Áit Urbanism + Landscape and Mary Tubridy & Associates.
Since its implementation in 2015, the strategy has resulted in the development of two new community parks, enhancements to several green spaces, and the greening of public spaces. It has also introduced measures to support food production in community gardens and allotments, revitalize ecosystems, strengthen water management, improve air quality, boost carbon sequestration through tree planting, divert water from the local sewer network, prevent flooding, and regulate heat. (1, 2, 3)
In response to these challenges, Dublin City Council enacted The Liberties Greening Strategy in 2015. Building on the Liberties' Local Area Plan, this strategy aims to develop a network of new urban parks, improve access to heritage green spaces, and refurbish existing parks and play areas. It addresses multiple goals, including ecological connectivity, water management, flood risk reduction, air quality improvement, social cohesion, environmental education, and public health. This strategy is an initiative of the Parks and Landscape Services Division of Dublin City Council, in collaboration with the South Central Area Office and with input from Áit Urbanism + Landscape and Mary Tubridy & Associates.
Since its implementation in 2015, the strategy has resulted in the development of two new community parks, enhancements to several green spaces, and the greening of public spaces. It has also introduced measures to support food production in community gardens and allotments, revitalize ecosystems, strengthen water management, improve air quality, boost carbon sequestration through tree planting, divert water from the local sewer network, prevent flooding, and regulate heat. (1, 2, 3)
Treetroit
Over the past century, vast portions of the world’s oldest forests have been lost to clear-cutting and managed forestry (1). Arboretum Detroit is working to counter this trend by reforesting Detroit’s urban landscape, transforming abandoned city blocks into thriving groves of trees (1). Each parcel of land features trees that showcase the unique contours and characteristics of specific species, creating a diverse urban forest mosaic across the city (1). These "forest patches" are protected, designed to mature safely for generations, offering a space of tranquility and natural beauty for all Detroiters (1).
Arboretum Detroit’s main goal is to cultivate environmental consciousness, inspiring the community to consider our interconnectedness with nature and our impact on it (1). Through their reforestation mission, they demonstrate the ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic value of trees, both locally and globally (1). Trees alter our environment by using their leaves to filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves. Trees can serve as a windbreak. The more compact the foliage on the group of trees the more effective the windbreak. Their pilot project, launched on Earth Day 2019, brought these values to life. Volunteers and members planted 21 trees across the site, including species like Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Redpoint Red Maple, Paper Birch, Cedar, Yew, and understory trees like Kousa Dogwood and Forest Pansy Redbud, enhancing the habitat for local pollinators and birds (2). The trees were arranged in trios, interspersed with native seeds, soil, compost, and glacial boulders to create a healthy and engaging environment for all (2).
Arboretum Detroit’s main goal is to cultivate environmental consciousness, inspiring the community to consider our interconnectedness with nature and our impact on it (1). Through their reforestation mission, they demonstrate the ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic value of trees, both locally and globally (1). Trees alter our environment by using their leaves to filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves. Trees can serve as a windbreak. The more compact the foliage on the group of trees the more effective the windbreak. Their pilot project, launched on Earth Day 2019, brought these values to life. Volunteers and members planted 21 trees across the site, including species like Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Redpoint Red Maple, Paper Birch, Cedar, Yew, and understory trees like Kousa Dogwood and Forest Pansy Redbud, enhancing the habitat for local pollinators and birds (2). The trees were arranged in trios, interspersed with native seeds, soil, compost, and glacial boulders to create a healthy and engaging environment for all (2).
HortaFCUL: University Community Garden
HortaFCUL is a project created and managed by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon to raise awareness and promote the practice of permaculture as a solution to the ecological, social, and economic problems the world is facing (1). This initiative began in 2009 on the University campus through a garden, which allowed HortaFCUL to start conducting some activities that could answer some socio-environmental challenges, such as food security and sovereignty, ecosystem degradation and climate change (13), by raising awareness, teaching, and practising many aspects involved in permaculture and urban agriculture (2). Its focus has been on regenerating soil in an urban environment and creating productive landscapes for people and other beings (12). They grow different types of plants (vegetables, shrubs, trees) in different ways (swales, raised beds, greenhouses) to increase plant diversity and foster ecosystems (13).
The project is managed by students and researchers, who hold educational activities, such as courses, workshops, and dissemination activities (events, discussions, fairs, and conferences) (2). The project is organised according to a non-hierarchical sociocratic model, in which all decisions are made as a group, and where all ideas, critiques, and suggestions are seen as added value and an opportunity to improve techniques and knowledge (3). Additionally, it is open to the community, allowing anyone interested to participate and volunteer (1).
HortaFCUL is also one of the pioneering permaculture projects in operation in the Lisbon region and is now recognized as a national reference centre for permaculture (2). Since its inception, HortaFCUL has sought to be a hub that attracts people, organizations, and other initiatives, and it is currently a point of contact between different projects and associations, such as local businesses, educational institutions, and networks (5).
The project is managed by students and researchers, who hold educational activities, such as courses, workshops, and dissemination activities (events, discussions, fairs, and conferences) (2). The project is organised according to a non-hierarchical sociocratic model, in which all decisions are made as a group, and where all ideas, critiques, and suggestions are seen as added value and an opportunity to improve techniques and knowledge (3). Additionally, it is open to the community, allowing anyone interested to participate and volunteer (1).
HortaFCUL is also one of the pioneering permaculture projects in operation in the Lisbon region and is now recognized as a national reference centre for permaculture (2). Since its inception, HortaFCUL has sought to be a hub that attracts people, organizations, and other initiatives, and it is currently a point of contact between different projects and associations, such as local businesses, educational institutions, and networks (5).
Renatura pilot: Fast Forests for Lisbon
The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon, already characterised by low precipitation, has been further exacerbated by climate change. The city faces challenges related to biodiversity loss, urban loneliness, and climate anxiety (1). To address these issues, Lisbon's urban development plans have prioritised the re-naturalisation of urban spaces and the integration of ecological networks. Urban nature is now a central component of the city's Master Plan (2012) and other strategic agendas (1).
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)
Rescue MI Nature Now Pollinator Project
Across Detroit, neglected properties and vacant lots are a common sight (1). Nearly three-quarters of Detroit residents report that there is currently deterioration—defined in the survey as a building or property visibly declining due to long-term neglect—in their neighborhoods (1). One organization, Rescue MI Nature Now, a Michigan nonprofit, is dedicated to transforming these neglected areas into beautiful, functional spaces that benefit both people and wildlife (2).
In 2022, the organization purchased property from the Detroit Land Bank that was marked for demolition (3). Following extensive renovations, the building—now named the Innovative Youth Studio—has become a hub for multiple community initiatives. These include a community garden across the street, a culinary studio that teaches young people how to prepare nutritious meals, a pollinator studio that educates on the critical role pollinators play in the food chain, and a hydroponic studio where plants are grown using nutrient-rich water instead of soil (3).
The pollinator project, developed in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, supports small bee colonies by planting areas with trees, flowers, and native plants (2). To further enhance biodiversity and support butterflies, bees, and birds, Rescue MI Nature Now partnered with Bowling Green State University to gain insights into pollinator biodiversity and habitat potential (2). Through this initiative, the organization aims to raise awareness about pollinators, highlight their positive impact, offer guidance on creating pollinator-friendly spaces at home and enhance the quality of life for local residents and communities (2).
Additionally, the organization runs a Sustainable Youth Stewardship Program, where young people learn to garden, grow trees, identify various plants and invasive species, and practice conservation skills such as creating pollinator habitats and managing community gardens (3).
In 2022, the organization purchased property from the Detroit Land Bank that was marked for demolition (3). Following extensive renovations, the building—now named the Innovative Youth Studio—has become a hub for multiple community initiatives. These include a community garden across the street, a culinary studio that teaches young people how to prepare nutritious meals, a pollinator studio that educates on the critical role pollinators play in the food chain, and a hydroponic studio where plants are grown using nutrient-rich water instead of soil (3).
The pollinator project, developed in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, supports small bee colonies by planting areas with trees, flowers, and native plants (2). To further enhance biodiversity and support butterflies, bees, and birds, Rescue MI Nature Now partnered with Bowling Green State University to gain insights into pollinator biodiversity and habitat potential (2). Through this initiative, the organization aims to raise awareness about pollinators, highlight their positive impact, offer guidance on creating pollinator-friendly spaces at home and enhance the quality of life for local residents and communities (2).
Additionally, the organization runs a Sustainable Youth Stewardship Program, where young people learn to garden, grow trees, identify various plants and invasive species, and practice conservation skills such as creating pollinator habitats and managing community gardens (3).
Water your neighbourhood
In May 2020, CityLAB Berlin launched "Gieß den Kiez", an interactive platform designed to support Berlin's urban trees by fostering collaboration between citizens and the city. The platform enables voluntary civil society efforts to help water the city's endangered tree population. It features a map that visualizes nearly all of Berlin's street and park trees, complete with data such as water requirements, age, and species. Citizens can create profiles, adopt trees, and mark them as ‘watered’ within the app, making it easy to track contributions to the health of Berlin’s trees. (Ref. 2)
Berlin's trees face growing challenges due to increasing temperatures, reduced rainfall, and exposure to road salt in winter. The hot summers of 2018 and 2019 highlighted the urgency of supporting the city’s trees, which provide cooling shade, clean air, and habitats for numerous animal and plant species. To address this, "Gieß den Kiez" was developed as a platform where authorities, volunteers, and civic society could collaborate to prevent tree dehydration.
The platform maps over 625,000 trees across Berlin and offers additional tools, such as rainfall data from the last 30 days and the locations of public water fountains, which can be used for watering trees. By connecting data from city authorities, the German Weather Service, and OpenStreetMap, the fully open-source platform allows for transparency and accessibility in its operation. (Ref. 6)
The project has proven highly successful in Berlin, with over 10,000 participants actively watering trees, and its model has been adopted in other German cities like Leipzig. "Gieß den Kiez" not only exemplifies a practical response to urban climate challenges but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement in caring for urban green spaces. (Ref. 6)
Berlin's trees face growing challenges due to increasing temperatures, reduced rainfall, and exposure to road salt in winter. The hot summers of 2018 and 2019 highlighted the urgency of supporting the city’s trees, which provide cooling shade, clean air, and habitats for numerous animal and plant species. To address this, "Gieß den Kiez" was developed as a platform where authorities, volunteers, and civic society could collaborate to prevent tree dehydration.
The platform maps over 625,000 trees across Berlin and offers additional tools, such as rainfall data from the last 30 days and the locations of public water fountains, which can be used for watering trees. By connecting data from city authorities, the German Weather Service, and OpenStreetMap, the fully open-source platform allows for transparency and accessibility in its operation. (Ref. 6)
The project has proven highly successful in Berlin, with over 10,000 participants actively watering trees, and its model has been adopted in other German cities like Leipzig. "Gieß den Kiez" not only exemplifies a practical response to urban climate challenges but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement in caring for urban green spaces. (Ref. 6)
Urban gardens in Miraflores park
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].
