Examining Urban Wildlife Conservation and Green Space Development Opportunities for Triangle Land Conservancy

Abstract

Rapid urban development has led to the displacement of wildlife and the disturbance of natural landscapes. As a result, biodiversity conservation and human access to natural resources are threatened. Through a city plan analysis, in which I quantitatively score and rank 30 U.S. cities on urban conservation approaches, and a case study on an urban land trust, I evaluate existing urban conservation tools to determine best practices and areas of improvement. With a focus on urban wildlife protection and green space development, results from the methodology are used to form guidelines for Triangle Land Conservancy, a land trust in Durham, North Carolina. Key points and recommendations include: 1. Secure vacant lots to transform into green spaces for community use and wildlife protection; 2. Implement conservation-focused community projects in urban areas in order to improve urban habitats and engage city residents in environmental activities; and, 3. Raise public awareness of urban environmental issues in order to garner collective action and public support. The final product is an Urban Habitat Improvement Plan for Triangle Land Conservancy that incorporates specific conservation strategies and tactics for the organization to implement in urban environments.