Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat

An overview of what scientific findings about relationships between nature and human health. – Ming Kuo with the National Recreation and Parks Association

The Role of Recreation, Parks and Open Space in Regional Planning: Working Guidelines Report

A report that focuses on regional planning and the relevance of parks and greenspace. – Alberta Recreation and Parks Association

Parkland Acquisition: Best Practices Guide

Provides government best practices for acquiring parkland; aims to support a consistent approach in BC. – Province of BC

The Effects of the Physical Environment on Children’s Development

Features research focusing on impact of the physical environment, specifically focuse on children’s development – Kimberly Kopko, Cornell University

How Natural and Built Environments Impact Human Health

An environmental psychologist describes how natural and built environment affects health. – Nancy Wells, Cornell University

Public Value of Nature: Economics of Trees, Parks and Open Space

Explains the process for valuation of greenspace. – Kathleen Wolf

Smart Bylaws Guide

This guide features smart growth practices backed up with case studies, technical standards and bylaws. – Deborah Curran, West Coast Environmental Law

Stewardship Bylaws

A practical guide for local government bylaws with a stewardship component. – Lanarc Consultants et al.

Green Bylaws Toolkit

Provides sample bylaws, tools for stewardship and protection of natural green infrastructure for different sized communities and rural areas. – The Wetland Stewardship Partnership et al.

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

Provides case studies from communities all over the word that are working toward a multi-sectoral definition of sustainability. ­– ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives)