Urban Forest Resilience and the Development of Sustainable Landscapes

Dear Colleagues,

As urbanization continues to accelerate globally and climates become more extreme, the integration of climate-ready vegetation into development plans has never been more critical. Although most development plans now include explicit funds to support the mitigation of damage to native and planted landscapes, site designs that anticipate the impact of future climates on tree growth, associated maintenance costs, ecosystem services, and potential risks to public health and safety are rarely employed. Due to a focus on the short-term aesthetics and function of the landscape, short-sighted site designs also contribute to premature and sometimes unnecessary infrastructure conflicts that result in reactionary tree removals and/or increased maintenance costs. Moreover, the recent increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters is introducing further, less predictable conflicts. Therefore, the editors of this Special Issue seek projects that contribute to more climate-ready landscapes using novel and creative approaches that are cost effective, can be implemented in practice, and lead to more resilient urban green space. The overarching goal is to move towards more sustainable, forward-thinking urban development that maximizes the long-term benefits of urban green spaces.

Papers Solicited: We are seeking research papers that integrate various aspects of designing or redesigning green spaces in the urban environment. This includes projects across a wide range of green spaces, from those that are highly manicured to remnant and constructed natural areas surrounded by dense development. Furthermore, studies that address the various stages of development, from the drafting of policy, planning and design phases to implementation and maintenance, as well as those addressing the influence of various stakeholders, economic considerations, and the ecological and environmental impacts of urban sprawl are encouraged. Regardless of the specific facet of the development of urban green spaces under discussion, consideration should be paid to projects promoting more sustainable outcomes and future resilience in the face of natural disasters and human-caused adversity.

Dr. Ryan W. Klein
Dr. Grace John
Dr. Teagan Holly Young
Guest Editors

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