Camp Catalpa (5)
Part of the value of preserving a natural area within the park system of In 1987, the Nature Conservancy Council (1987), a British government agency, outlined ten benefits of natural area preservation in an urban environment. The following table is an adaptation of their work and the research of David Drescher. Benefits of Preserving a Natural Area Benefit Explanation Pleasure City residents enjoy retreating from the stress of city lifestyle. “Individual benefits, such as viewing plants and animals, are largely unquantifiable yet personally very valuable.” Well-being “Psychological and emotional well-being are improved by contact with nature. Natural areas allow people to relax and reduce the feeling of being trapped in a city.” Recreation “Recreational activities tend to be enjoyed more when in a natural setting.” Social “Parks and natural areas can be meeting places.” Education “Wildlife areas serve as field laboratories for biologists, geographers, and environmental scientists. Children particularly benefit from learning about nature while experiencing it.” Historical Value Natural areas have the potential to add historical context and enhance the meaning of life. Image “An urban area with an emphasis on parks and natural areas can attract employers and investors.” Environmental Health ”…natural areas in an urban environment can mitigate flood hazards, reduce erosion, filter pollutants, reduce noise, and mask obtrusive views.” Economic Value “The economic value of an area can increase if the public perception of it is held in high regard. When the social, recreational, and other benefits are accounted for, the economic value of an area increases.” Scientific Value “Natural areas can support rare species by serving as the last refuges for formerly prolific plants and animals. Plants and animals living in urban areas can act as indicators of water, air, and soil pollution.”
… it is more than just a bunch of bushes. J