Greenspace in Small Cities

Small cities often have unique limitations and opportunities related to sustainability. One avenue of addressing these challenges is through fostering greater community engagement and connection. This chapter investigates sustainability in Camrose, Alberta, a small Canadian city, by presenting two case studies that showcase the role of a postsecondary institution in delivering sustainability education through community-engaged research to promote local greenspace and wildlife stewardship goals. The first project investigates the role of urban forests in contributing toward sustainable and resilient urban centers by working with community members to measure and report ecosystem benefits from both public and private trees. The second project seeks to conserve the Purple Martin, a colonial and aerial insectivorous bird that relies on human-provided nest boxes. The project involves annual monitoring, landlord recruitment, environmental education, student-led research, partnerships across North America, and an annual Purple Martin festival. Students and community members engage in landlord mentoring, citizen science, and a variety of stewardship practices. Both projects highlight the importance of local partnerships, telling engaging and experiential stories, and the value of interdisciplinary perspectives when working toward long-term urban sustainability that envisions cities as places for nature.