Management of public greenspace to improve urban environmental and social services

The current aesthetic of urban greenspaces as uniform lawns creates a variety of environmental and social-medical issues. Highly managed lawns not only reduce urban biodiversity and contribute to greenhouse gas emission but are also susceptible to invasions from nuisance pests and highly allergenic weeds. This project builds on existing research in the City of Trois-Rivières to investigate the ecological, social, and economic benefits of low-impact greenspace management. Partnerships with the Innovation et Developpement Economique Trois-Rivières will permit large scale field trials of different management methods and integration of this approach into public greenspace management. The project will provide practical methods to reduce public and private costs associated with lawn maintenance to promote healthy, resilient urban greenspaces that enhance biodiversity, reduce pest and allergen abundance, and improve both public health and the usability of greenspaces.

Faculty Supervisor:

Raphael Proulx

Student:

Partner:

Innovation et Développement Économique Trois-Rivières

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Program: