November 14, 2022 8:27 pm
Published by Steve Dana
With every new season comes a fresh opportunity to renew your green space. By keeping the time of year in mind, you can ensure that it continues to be a place people enjoy spending time in. This is perhaps never more relevant than in winter. That is especially true if you live in a climate with extreme cold temperatures. But even if you only get a few chilly days or a single frost, it is worthwhile to consider how you can make your green space better for those circumstances. Here are four tips to prepare your green space for winter! #1 Clear Away Weeds, Leaves, Etc. Although many people associate weeds with the impressive burst of life that comes from the springtime, fall has its own varieties. Depending on where your green space is located, this could be more or less of a problem. But it doesn’t hurt to allocate a little time to ensuring your environment is spruced up to look its best during the bare winter months. If you work with a landscape architect to plan and manage maintenance, you won’t have to do this part yourself. Either way, try to make sure it gets done. While you’re […]
August 15, 2022 2:06 pm
Published by Steve Dana
For much of human history, time was spent predominantly outdoors. In the beginning, we mostly lived outside—in the woods, the fields, the open expanses. And even in decades as recent as the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, we spent ample time exploring in the open air. But with the advent of so much incredible technology within the home, we have experienced a shift in how we spend our time, both in childhood and beyond. Now, there are literally endless options for things to do in the palms of our hands. We find avenues of play on iPads in toddlerhood. Schoolwork is made possible by Google. Our work life demands that we stay very much glued to our screens. The conversations that connect us with friends and family are so often centered on the shows we’re all watching. We live, undeniably, in quite a novel age. But all this technology keeps us indoors, away from nature. And we should still prioritize nature where we can. Because our mind and body crave it. Without it, a sense of disconnectedness and loss sets in. It’s called Nature-Deficit Disorder. What Is Nature-Deficit Disorder? In 2005, Richard Louv introduced the concept and coined the term in […]
September 13, 2021 5:05 am
Published by Steve Dana
Most of us know that spending time in nature can provide a sense of peace and groundedness. But when you delve into the research, it’s easy to see that access to it can in fact be a major boon to physical, emotional, and mental well-being alike. This is especially true in urban and suburban settings. Because there, the environment can sometimes be overwhelmingly developed. A study conducted by Denmark’s University of Aarhus that ran from 1985 to 2013 found that in the context of childhood, “Exposure to green space is comparable to family history and parental age when predicting mental health outcomes. Only socioeconomic status was a slightly stronger indicator.” And of course, that ties together with physical and emotional health outcomes. It’s clear, when opportunities to commune with nature are intentionally provided, the people who live and work in those areas thrive. Let’s talk about why! Here are a few of the health benefits of green spaces … #1 Green Spaces Benefit Moods and Attitudes According to an article published by the National Recreation and Park Association, “investigators have found evidence of lower frustration and increased brain activity, resembling meditation, when moving in green space versus being in retail […]
August 10, 2021 1:40 pm
Published by Steve Dana
Last month we talked about the social benefits of green spaces. This month, we’re back for another installment in the series: The Environmental Benefits of Green Spaces! It might seem obvious that Mother Nature likes green spaces, but just how do they make a tangible difference in supporting our natural environment? Let’s explore that! #1 Green Spaces Reduce Flooding While it might seem like rainwater should hit the ground and be worked back into the ecosystem, this isn’t always a good thing in our modern world. When rainwater flows off of streets, it takes nitrates, petroleum products, and debris with it. This can then end up in bays, estuaries, and other bodies of water where it shouldn’t be. But have no fear, green spaces are here! Because they encourage the planting of more trees, green spaces play a key role in reducing the volume of pollutants that make their way into our bodies of water. You see, trees capture that water before it hits the ground. And of course, this is a win-win for all! The trees are absorbing fresh water that hasn’t collected any pollutants yet, and they’re helping out their nearby watery areas, too. #2 Advantages Of Green […]
July 9, 2021 4:52 pm
Published by Steve Dana
Last month, we discussed the overall importance of incorporating green spaces into your landscape architecture. This month, we’re diving even deeper into the topic, to talk about the social benefits of green spaces! Keep reading to learn about three major ways green spaces contribute to healthy community connection. #1 Green Spaces Invite Us to Gather Our technological world increasingly encourages us to disconnect from nature and one another. Beautiful green spaces do the opposite! They welcome neighbors to share in a spring picnic, parents to engage in nature learning with their children, and fitness seekers to walk or jog amongst the trees with a friend. Humans are meant to connect face to face, and when we do so, we see the positive outcomes in our communities. According to an article by Build Healthy Places Network, “An increasing body of evidence shows that the time people spend in urban green spaces promotes human connection, thereby enriching how we perceive the value of these spaces and each other.” And when we value something, we take better care of it. So you see, having an easy and inviting place to meet up with friends, coworkers, and neighbors doesn’t just accommodate our own social […]