Designing an Urban Living Laboratory for building Climate-Resilient Communities
Research Location:
Richmond, VA, USA
Conservation Partner:
Science Museum of Virginia
Student Researcher
Kat Johnson, Major: German Studies, Minor: Integrative ConservationStudent Researcher
Tara Kerr, Major: Marine Conservation (self-designed), Major BiologyFaculty Mentors
Dr. Sapana Lohani, Dr. John Swaddle, and Dr. Kathryn LanouetteAbout the Project
Climate resiliency requires that all local communities, especially those most vulnerable to its impacts, are aware of and involved in the design and implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies. The Science Museum of Virginia serves as an engaging educational resource for Virginia's communities to learn about and engage in climate resiliency in our backyard. Science Museum is completing the process of turning a former 2-acre surface parking lot on its campus into a high-quality civic park and green space, highlighting the intersection of science with urban planning, conservation, climate change, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing. The Green will serve as a learning laboratory as well as a climate-resilient community amenity for generations to come.
In collaboration with the Science Museum and faculty mentors, two William & Mary students explore how The Green has transformed this space through a variety of interdisciplinary questions, including how human mobility in and around the space changed, how the biodiversity and ecosystem service of the space changed, how effective is the educational interpretation within the space, and how successful are the hands-on demonstrations at communicating the need for more green spaces in cities? Answering these questions will set the stage for the next 5-10 years of The Green planning and evaluation Learn more about Science Museum of Virginia’s efforts here.
