Parks, open space, and urban forestry teams are increasingly expected to address complex community challenges, such as urban heat, flooding, biodiversity loss, and environmental equity, with limited resources. This Peer Conversation will explore how communities of all sizes, from small towns to large metropolitan areas, are applying nature-based planning strategies that support both ecological resilience and broader community goals. Discussion leaders will share how they’ve integrated vulnerability assessments, addressed service and access gaps, prioritized diverse objectives, and engaged a wide range of stakeholders in decision-making. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to structure planning across competing priorities and communicate trade-offs effectively.
Support is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
