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This project examines the public perception of ecosystem services and green infrastructure within Syracuse, part of the NSF ULTRA initiative. It explores the socio-ecological consequences of economic changes in 'rust belt' cities, focusing on community engagement and environmental psychology. Through surveys and focus groups conducted in 2010, key findings reveal misperceptions of terms like "green infrastructure," financial concerns regarding its implementation, and the challenges faced by renters. The study highlights the need for better environmental education and community involvement to enhance urban ecologies and quality of life.
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Public Perception & Green Infrastructure Katie Barnhill SUNY ESF PI: Richard C. Smardon
Project Overview • Part of the NSF ULTRA project – SUNY ESF & USFS • Ecological consequences of population & economic changes of ‘rust belt’ cities • Assessing these urban spaces for source of ecologically & socially sustainable future • Socio-ecological metabolism
Human Dimensions • What is the public perception of ecosystem services & green infrastructure across time and space in the city of Syracuse? • Historical perspective: (Palmer & Smardon 1988) ‘some people don’t like trees!’ • Concern with spatial & longitudinal shifts
Literature Base • Environmental Psychology – relationship between neighborhood landscape & quality of life • Environmentally significant behavior – what will drive people’s decisions, changing behaviors • Prospect Theory – in decision making, people will be risk averse
Methodology • Focus groups July 2010 • Surveys • Statistical & geospatial analysis: differences & similarities across neighborhoods
Results • Misperceptions of terms • Financial concerns • Renters v. homeownership • Citizen motivation (lack thereof) • Perceived disconnects
Misperception of Terms • Ecological/ecosystem services • Participants had simply never heard the term(s) • Green Infrastructure • Most participants thought it was government-delivered service (infrastructure) • Vs. ecosystem services www.serconline.org
Financial Concerns • Costs of green infrastructure installations • Maintenance costs • Mostly concern for individual homeowners
Home Ownership • High renter rates in the city – residents do not have the capacity to implement many of these features • Should we then look at neighborhood initiatives on public lands in areas with high renter rates?
Community Pride • Community involvement – same people taking initiative repeatedly. • Getting broader participation • Appreciation for existent greenspaces preventing vandalism www.elec-intro.com
Perceived Disconnects • What is needed in the city & surrounding communities vs. what gets delivered/done by local governments
Conclusions • Identified some potential environmental education needs – ecosystem services & green infrastructure • Possible low hanging fruit identified • High rates of rental properties shift focus • Greenspaces • Problem of citizenship engagement & Perceived disconnects • Opportunities for community visioning
Acknowledgements • NSF ULTRA • Syracuse Center of Excellence • Primary Investigator: Richard C. Smardon