Assessing the Contribution of Nature to Urban Communities in Los Angeles
Cities around the world are focusing on improving the environment in neighborhoods byinvesting in urban parks. Parks serve a great need for people, but are often developedwith a lack of…
Cities around the world are focusing on improving the environment in neighborhoods by
investing in urban parks. Parks serve a great need for people, but are often developed
with a lack of understanding of the surrounding community and their preferences for
nature. We created a survey and distributed it in diverse areas in the County of Los
Angeles. This study demonstrates how factors such as ethnic background, knowledge
of nature, and childhood environment have a significant influence on a person’s
preferences for nature. We also found evidence that socioeconomic status affects
perceived barriers to accessing nature. In conclusion, urban parks are not “one-size-fitsall” but instead should be designed for the communities they serve.
Students: Yancey Yewell Ii Cashell, Chloe Maddison-Rose Hood, Kaylyn Avery Levine, Cathilynn Luong, Jacqueline Ka Wen Mak, Kai Lin Kathleen Yap
Client: Natural Capital Project and the Nature Conservancy
Advisor: Dr. Peter Kareiva (IoES)