Urban Environmental Stewardship and Civic Engagement: How planting trees strengthens the roots of democracy
About this ebook
Drawing on data collected through a two-year study of volunteer stewards who planted trees as part of the MillionTreesNYC initiative in the United States, this book examines how projects like this can make a difference to the social fabric of a city. It analyses quantitative survey data along with qualitative interview data that enables the volunteers to share their personal stories and motivations for participating, revealing the strong link between environmental stewardship and civic engagement.
As city governments in developed countries are investing more and more in green infrastructure campaigns to change the urban landscape, this book sheds light on the social importance of these initiatives and shows how individuals’ efforts to reshape their cities serve to strengthen democracy. It draws out lessons that are highly applicable to global cities and policies on sustainability and civic engagement.
About the author
Dana R. Fisher is a professor of sociology and the Director of the Program for Society and the Environment at the University of Maryland, USA.
Erika S. Svendsen
is a social scientist with the U.S. Forest Service and co-Director of the New York City Urban Field Station, USA.James J.T. Connolly is an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the Department of Political Science at Northeastern University, USA.
