Civic Ecology: The intersection of urban ecology, restoration, and public health

James Farmer

Dr. James Farmer, Assistant Professor from the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies recently joined colleagues from the Indiana University Department on Biology for a presentation at the New Dimensions in Urban Health and Action conference. The conference, hosted by the Center for Urban Health at IUPUI, featured presentations and posters highlighting cutting-edge research and action on urban issues spanning the health sciences, social sciences, environmental health, and community wellness. 

The conference was held during Public Health Week to highlight the necessity for researchers, practitioners, and the community to work together to meet current and future challenges to human health in cities.

Entitled "Civic Ecology: The Intersection of Urban Ecology, Restoration, and Public Health," the group’s presentation highlighted the importance of urban ecosystems and the services they provide for public health. Topics discussed included local and national examples of how urban citizens are working to rebuild their ecological systems through civic ecology, as well as provide a framework for engaging in community-based-participatory-research that positions scientists and community members together to restore native woodlands. An excellent example of restoring native woodlands includes removal of invasive species and enhancing the natural ecosystem of Dunn's Woods on the IU Bloomington campus: