Establish Sustainable Land Use Programs

Local governments typically own, manage, and maintain many acres of public land, including parks, gardens, forests, sports fields, and other resources. Maintaining clean and open green space improves communities in numerous ways and offers social, economic, and health benefits. A healthy canopy of trees and native plantings cool the neighborhood, retain stormwater, and provide beauty and habitat for beneficial creatures that support complex ecosystems. Trees and other plantings also save energy by shading buildings, and capture tons of carbon pollution as they grow, helping to clean the air. Parks are great places to bring the community together for recreation, gardening, and ecological education, which promotes stewardship and strengthens community cohesion. Check out the resources below for ideas.