Parks
Could Adapting for Climate Change Make Inequality in Cities Worse?
In Boston, a new plan to make parks and infrastructure suited to the effects of climate change is raising concerns about so-called "green gentrification."
Why Washington, D.C.'s Famous Cherry Blossoms Could Be Under Threat
Increased flooding in the Tidal Basin due to a sinking sea wall is creating unfriendly conditions for the iconic tree.
Can a Hashtag Inspire People to Keep Their Communities Clean?
The #trashtag challenge inspired people to clean up beaches, parks, rivers, or just random trash strewn on the street.
Can Government Spending Really Increase Happiness?
Research suggests it can—but the real answer is more complicated.
A New York City Park Built to Weather a Storm
The storm-resilient design of Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens, is built to withstand floods and storm surges.
Finding a Wildlife Refuge in the Heart of New York City
A look at the animals that live among us—known as synanthropes—that are often cast aside as pests.
How One Los Angeles Community Is Combating Oil Pollution With Green Spaces
For generations, oil refineries brought jobs—and pollution—to the residents of Wilmington. Can a new generation of youthful activists make it a healthier place to grow up?
The Lost Idealism of New York's High Line Park
Public art works in the elevated park provide insights into the ills of urban displacement in the neighborhood that surrounds it.
Why Ryan Zinke's Plan to Raise Entrance Fees to National Parks Will Do Little to Actually Benefit National Parks
The secretary of the interior wants to raise user fees at the national parks. His proposal will hurt all but the wealthiest Americans, and it won't work.
Building a Park Underground
New York's LowLine park has the power to transform the Lower East Side neighborhood. Is that a good thing?
Why Denser Cities Are Better for People and the Environment
Dense cities that set aside large tracts of natural land help those spaces better provide services people want, such as air cleaning and water cleaning, a new study finds.
Be a Better Person. Take a Walk in the Park
New research from France finds strangers are more helpful if they’ve just strolled through a natural environment.
Why Don’t We Have a National Park to Protect Native Grasslands?
It might be the only way for our National Park Service to nurture the kind of ecological awareness required for a genuine environmental ethic.
Consider the Squirrel
Over 150 years ago, squirrels were imported from the countryside as a way to beautify our urban parks. They taught us important lessons about charity and compassion. And then we turned on them.
Could Freeway Capping Make the Roads and Traffic Less Awful?
Freeway capping could solve a bunch of problems for Los Angeles.
Street Makeovers Put New Spin on the Block
How community activists are taking city planning into their own hands and creating pedestrian-friendly blocks via pop-up urbanism.
Turning Foreclosed Commercial Properties Into Parks
Turning foreclosed commercial properties into park networks could put people to work, raise real estate values and promote wise redevelopment.
Wonking Class Hero — Exterior Designer
A Wonking Class Hero profile of a global environmental innovator.
Honorable Ambassador From Nature-Land
Park professionals are searching for ways to reintroduce Americans to the great outdoors.