P6 / Enhancing biodiversity, growing stewardship: Learning from community-embedded micro-initiatives in Canadian cities, Park People _ Amis des Parc / Grant: $ 6,500
Large, naturalized parks are vital in making our cities livable for humans and non-humans alike. But pocket parks, pop-ups, vacant lots, and other interstitial spaces can also play a critical role in improving urban biodiversity, especially when community members get involved. Through exploring Canadian case studies where cities and communities have taken the lead to enhance urban nature, we will identify best practices for design, stewardship, and management. We will focus on city-supported grassroots initiatives that nurture a sense of place-based stewardship, building community connections to nature alongside supporting local ecosystems.