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Asset or Liability? Ecological and Sociological Tradeoffs of Urban Spontaneous Vegetation on Vacant Land in Shrinking Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher B. Riley

    (Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • Kayla I. Perry

    (Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • Kerry Ard

    (School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • Mary M. Gardiner

    (Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

Abstract

The increase of minimally managed vacant land resulting from population loss and the subsequent removal of infrastructure is a reoccurring feature in shrinking cities around the globe. Due to the low frequency and intensity of management, these spaces create a unique environment for plant colonization, establishment, and succession. Herein we refer to these plants and the habitats they form as urban spontaneous vegetation (USV). As a form of urban green space, USV has the potential to provide a number of ecological and sociological benefits to shrinking cities, such as supporting urban wildlife, enhancing the provision of regulating ecosystem functions and services, connecting residents with nature, and improving human health and well-being. Conversely, USV can also support undesirable animals such as vectors of disease, and due to its wild and disorderly appearance, can evoke negative emotions in residents while signaling community neglect. This review aims to explore the potential ecological and sociological tradeoffs of USV within the context of shrinking cities. Through this evaluation, we aim to inform future planning and management to exploit the benefits offered by this resource while minimizing negative outcomes, thereby leading to the enhanced sustainability of shrinking cities worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher B. Riley & Kayla I. Perry & Kerry Ard & Mary M. Gardiner, 2018. "Asset or Liability? Ecological and Sociological Tradeoffs of Urban Spontaneous Vegetation on Vacant Land in Shrinking Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2139-:d:153985
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    2. Ingo Kowarik & Anne Hiller & Greg Planchuelo & Birgit Seitz & Moritz von der Lippe & Sascha Buchholz, 2019. "Emerging Urban Forests: Opportunities for Promoting the Wild Side of the Urban Green Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-27, November.
    3. Alessio Russo & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2018. "Modern Compact Cities: How Much Greenery Do We Need?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-15, October.
    4. Trentanovi, Giovanni & Campagnaro, Thomas & Kowarik, Ingo & Munafò, Michele & Semenzato, Paolo & Sitzia, Tommaso, 2021. "Integrating spontaneous urban woodlands into the green infrastructure: Unexploited opportunities for urban regeneration," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    5. Dobbs, Cynnamon & Eleuterio, Ana Alice & Vásquez, Alexis & Cifuentes-Ibarra, Mauricio & da Silva, Demóstenes & Devisscher, Tahia & Baptista, Mariana Dias & Hernández-Moreno, Ángela & Meléndez-Ackerman, 2023. "Are we promoting green cities in Latin America and the Caribbean? Exploring the patterns and drivers of change for urban vegetation," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).

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