Tracy Corado, UC Davis
The project brings awareness to the interconnectedness of urban environments with their respective natural counterparts. It aims to highlight how nature adapts and is visibly influenced by urban places.
As people spend most of their time in cities, they continue to become disconnected to nature. Some cities have recognized the benefits of nature and have incorporated it into the city, however, this is frequently correlated with high income. Lower income communities, and people of color frequently do not have as much access to nature in urban environments. This is true for Sacramento, Los Angeles, and other arid environments. “Considering the potential link between direct environmental experience and conservation action, inequitable distribution of urban nature may contribute to the incredibly low numbers of minorities in environmental leadership positions. (The Pigeon Paradox, Dunn et al.)” Interest in environmental protection is correlated to experiences as a child, however children growing up in very urban environments are missing the personal connection to nature that is necessary before developing an interest to protect it. Everyday Nature will allow for the creative exploration of urban nature that is accessible. Place based learning will transform nature from something that is “over there” to something that is part of daily life. Additionally, partnerships will allow community members to explore nature focused programs that are available to them while challenging their own community and relationship with nature. This project will be test piloted in Davis, and after successful iterations will be used in Sacramento communities that have less noticeable urban nature.