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Building a Greenway: Using EnviroAtlas in the Classroom. CASE STUDY
Citation:
Daniel, J., P. Barclay, AND K. Bush. Building a Greenway: Using EnviroAtlas in the Classroom. CASE STUDY. U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-16/006, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
To support classroom educational curricula on ecosystem services, their societal benefits, and the use of geographic information science.
Description:
In this hypothetical case study, funding to complete a pilot section of a greenway has been granted to a city Parks and Recreation Department. The proposed pilot section is being presented to the city council for review and approval. The proposal was drafted by the Parks and Recreation Department and selected to meet the goals of the Department. Numerous data and maps were used in determining this selection and are included in the proposal. The reader is asked to generate an opinion and justification for supporting or not supporting the proposed route. The Parks and Recreation Department goals include the following:Improve access to and use of parks and green spaces,Enhance habitat for biota,Encourage physical activity and recreational opportunities, particularly for aging populations. This case study is intended to showcase ways in which EnviroAtlas, an interactive web-based tool that combines maps, analysis tools, fact sheets, and downloadable data, can support decision-making. Available data can inform alternatives and help prioritize action at the local, regional, and national level. Such planning efforts also present a unique educational opportunity for students to be introduced to complex problems and learn to analyze and interpret relevant data while being asked to generate recommendations.