Fifth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Raises Awareness of Biodiversity in Local Parks
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 25, 2023
This September, NRPA hosted its fifth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, a national campaign to raise awareness and community involvement in the pollinator crisis through local parks and recreation and like-minded organizations.
How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on October 10, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Kenny Barnes, the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.
Launching the American Climate Corps
By Elyse Gentile and Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 27, 2023
Last week, President Joe Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps, which will allow approximately 20,000 young people to participate in workforce training and service initiatives in the clean energy, conservation and climate resiliency fields.
A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 12, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we take a listen back at the wisdom and experience of some of our favorite guests from this year so far.
Building Resilient Park Access in Detroit
By Justin Taylor and Rachel Felder | Posted on September 8, 2023
Through NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant, Detroit Parks and Recreation was given the opportunity to create seven nature pockets that are centered in equity and social and climate resiliency.
Celebrating and Protecting Biodiversity
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 5, 2023
Learn a few ways that park and recreation agencies celebrate and protect biodiversity, with specific examples of how the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation carries them out.
Becoming “Green Stewards”: How the BioBlitz Is Getting Residents Across the South Invested in Their Parks
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on August 23, 2023
In two very different Southern cities, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz has encouraged community members to share their knowledge and learn more about their local plants and wildlife.
Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 8, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how Lynnwood (Washington) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access.
Advancing Equity Through the RCN Program
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on July 25, 2023
The Department of Transportation is offering grant funding for projects that increase multimodal access to recreation and park spaces, making park and recreation agencies the perfect applicants.
Local Partnerships Build Resilient Park Access
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on July 21, 2023
NRPA is partnering with Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, to advance our shared goals of building vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.
Where Community Grows in Columbus, Ohio — Episode 139
By Cort Jones | Posted on July 11, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss how Columbus (Ohio) Recreation and Parks is creating high-quality, safe and inclusive spaces for the community so everyone can benefit from the power of parks and recreation.
Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 18, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Regina Hill, the CSR marketing manager for Merrell, and Mike Cimprich, the city arborist for the Marion Parks and Recreation Department in Iowa.
Funding Available: Urban and Community Forestry Program
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on April 17, 2023
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Urban and Community Forestry Program received a historic $1.5 billion to support urban tree-planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities
A Look Back: Environmental Attitudes 50 Years in the Making
By Lindsay Collins | Posted on April 17, 2023
In the April 1973 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine — 50 Earth Months ago — contributor Lloyd Barnhart authored an article titled, “Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Attitudes.” As the landscapes — literal and figurative — continue to change 50 years later, how are environmental attitudes and solutions changing with them?
The Power of Partnerships for Pittsburgh’s Greenways
By Audrey Wells | Posted on April 14, 2023
Thanks to an NRPA Resilient Park Access Grant, the Pittsburgh Greenways Platform Partnership program is creating a more visible difference for the community and the Pittsburgh ecosystem at large.
City Planning With Parks in Mind
By Chandler Nobles, MS, CPRP | Posted on April 11, 2023
Parks are an essential component of a city’s green infrastructure and serve as a tool for achieving sustainable development. Here are a few ways that parks and recreation plays a role in green city planning.
Reflecting on Earth Month: A Look Back at Sustainability and Climate-Focused Episodes — Episode 133
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 4, 2023
In celebration of Earth Month, we take a look back at a few Open Space Radio episodes from the past year focused on climate solutions, sustainability and more,
Five Ways Parks and Recreation Is a Climate Hero
By Ayanna Williams, MSW | Posted on March 31, 2023
Break out the capes, this Earth Month NRPA is celebrating all the ways parks and recreation is a climate hero. Here are some ways you can be part of the celebration.