Urban Ecology

Urban ecosystems are not well understood, but they are absolutely critical to the health, economy, and quality of life of people who live in urban areas

-Charlie Lord, former Director of the Urban Ecology Institute and a pioneer in the field of urban ecology

The Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge is where the city meets the marsh and the river. This environment is a union of wildlife and human habitats. The science of urban ecology is a relatively new branch of biology and ecology. Historically, ecology has been defined as the study of the interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment. As a science, ecology traditionally studied pristine wild habitats and ecosystems. However, with hardly any ecosystems left that have been not been affected by humans, many scientists are redefining the principles that guide their work in ecology. Presently, 58% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas and by 2020, it is estimated that 60% of the global population will live in a metropolitan setting.

Urban ecology seeks to understand the natural systems of urban areas and the threats that face them. The gathering and transfer of knowledge of how urban ecosystems function through research and environmental education is imperative to improving the health and quality of life for the people and all the living plants and animals that dwell in these communities.

Action and advocacy are tools that are being used to make meaningful environmental improvements in urban areas. Examples include improved water quality as the result of volunteer water monitoring and innovative stormwater management practices; better air quality as a result of the planting and caring of street trees and use of public transportation; and the cleaning up of vacant lands to create parks and gardens that feature native plants to provide valuable habitat for birds, and other animals.

To learn how you can get involved in projects that are making a difference in Wilmington, explore the following websites:

www.delawarenaturesociety.org
www.dehort.org
www.DelawareEstuary.org
www.dnrec.delaware.gov