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EXURBAN BACKYARDS: HOTSPOTS FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES?
Impact/Purpose:
This research will investigate whether the backyard, as a more private space than the front yard, is a potential place to incorporate innovative, environmentally beneficial management practices into large yards. Homeowner reported behaviors and preferences will be measured in exurban residential landscapes, allowing the development of recommendations for design, management and policy.
Description:
The broad goal of this research is to identify ecosystem services provided by exurban residential landscapes and make inferences about practices that may mitigate negative environmental impacts of sprawl. Because of the more private nature of backyards, it is hypothesized that homeowners are more willing to use innovative yard designs and management techniques in their backyards. This research will provide specific recommendations for developing these techniques. Combining these findings with previous landscape ecology and environmental planning research will lead to actionable results for design, management and policy.
Potential to Further Environmental/Human Health Protection
Finding methods of enhancing ecosystem services in backyards could have positive implications for human health and the environment. Ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, carbon storage, water quality improvements, pollutant reduction, wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling could all be incorporated into residential landscapes. This could reduce significantly the negative impacts of sprawl.