Nature

A new book argues in favor of spontaneous, informal natural spaces.

March 14, 2022 - Bloomberg CityLab

Not everyone feels comfortable going for a hike. Various groups are working to break down barriers so that more people can experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.

April 1, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

If the combined effects of winter's cold and the pandemic has you bummed, check out this community-building exercise in the frozen North.

January 20, 2021 - PlaceShakers

New research shows that increasing park acreage in areas that face park deficits and low levels of tree canopy could lead to significant population-level increases in life expectancy.

November 22, 2020 - Parks & Recreation Magazine

Reflections on a long career, a great interview, and six sssentials for greener, healthier communities via Kaid Benfield, one of the founders of Smart Growth America

September 11, 2020 - PlaceShakers

The decade that began with the first Earth Day became a pivotal moment in U.S. environmental awareness and action. The core principles of the environmental decade are now questioned in the highest offices of our land.

April 22, 2020 - Bruce Stiftel

One of the dominant themes to emerge from the spread of COVID-19 is the conflict between the need to be in nature for health and well-being while avoiding public space as much as possible to prevent the spread.

April 6, 2020 - James Brasuell

A compendium of benefits of walkable urban places, put together by Hazel Borys and Kaid Benfield.

October 2, 2019 - PlaceShakers

Los Angeled has plenty of urban wildlife, but people don’t usually associate the city with the term biodiversity. L.A. County park planner Clement Lau offers a book review on the a book on that subject, "Wild LA."

June 17, 2019 - UrbDeZine

An effort is underway to reintroduce a natural habitats along a stretch of postindustrial Chicago River canal-scape. Floating garden modules are being used to attract species back to the area.

July 11, 2018 - The Chicago Tribune

The healthiest neighborhoods are both walkable and green, according to a growing body of evidence.

April 3, 2018 - PlaceMakers

Everyone has a different answer on what makes a great place, depending on how wonky you'd like to get. Kaid Benfield lists his top 10 ingredients for a healthy community.

September 18, 2017 - PlaceMakers

Living near vegetation appears to be linked to a longer life and better mental health—for women, at least.

May 5, 2017 - CNN

After six years of successful Smart City Expo World Congresses in Barcelona, the island of Majorca will host one that focuses exclusively on islands. It will focus on technology and innovation, and address unique challenges islands face.

March 25, 2017 - Cities of the Future

All that pollen in the air giving you the sneezes is probably because of all the male trees your city has been planting.

March 17, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Designing trails means serving many masters. Those who do it professionally must balance aesthetics with practical concerns like drainage.

March 4, 2017 - 99% Invisible

Susan Henderson shares some thoughts about the alignment of issues contributing to well-being in cities.

February 1, 2017 - PlaceShakers

When nature is integrated into urbanism, wellness surges. Hazel Borys looks at the benefits.

January 17, 2017 - PlaceShakers

Researchers have made a positive link between increased greenery in a child's neighborhoods and a reduction in aggressive behavior.

July 5, 2016 - Pacific Standard

In the traditional view, nature and digital technology clash. But for many people, tech can offer ways to better engage with parks.

March 29, 2016 - KCET