Partnering with Spontaneous Nature in the City and the Suburbs

Scott Quitel

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-95292-0_5

Spontaneous nature refers to natural ecosystems and habitats that arise on their own - seemingly from out of nowhere. In cities, spontaneous nature sprouts up on abandoned lots, buildings, and infrastructure. In suburbs, it springs up along roadsides, in abandoned fields, and in lawns that go unmowed. Urban and suburban dwellers often view unplanned vegetation and uninvited wildlife negatively, labeling them with terms such as ‘weed,’ ‘pest,’ ‘non-native,’ ‘invasive,’ or even ‘noxious.’ On a planet maligned by massive habitat destruction and impacted by rapidly rising temperatures, especially in urban environments, spontaneous nature ought to be viewed not negatively, but, rather as perhaps the most valuable free benefit to ever be bestowed upon a city or suburb. Spontaneous nature provides wildlife habitat, increases local biodiversity, spurs pollination and seed dispersal, and sequesters carbon. In cities, where extreme conditions often impair quality of life and health, spontaneous nature filters soil, replenishes groundwater, purifies air, manages stormwater, reduces runoff and erosion, and moderates ambient temperature…. Near downtown Philadelphia, hidden in plain view from most pedestrians, just 20 feet overhead, spans a century-plus-old railroad structure: the Reading Viaduct, which carried trains into the city. In 1984, the Viaduct was replaced by a tunnel, but the structure was left standing. In the 40 years since, a diverse habitat of forest and meadow has colonized the entire structure. In 2011, a plant survey revealed over 50 plant species growing atop the Viaduct. In 2016, another survey tallied 78 species. In 2019, the city of Philadelphia closed a 150-acre golf course in FDR park, in South Philadelphia, after 80 years of operation. In just a few years, the fairways and greens have been reclaimed by robust meadow and emergent wetland and upland forests—all in an area that was once a vital part of Philadelphia’s estuary. Alarmingly, despite the nearly incalculable value of these two new urban natural areas, which have cost Philadelphia citizens zero, both of these novel ecosystems are currently threatened by planning visions that look to severely tame the wildness of the viaduct and install soccer fields and tennis courts in the estuary…. Our conceptions and views of nature need to change—fast. And then, informed action—or purposeful inaction—must follow. We must directly acknowledge: The original invasive species is Homo sapiens. We are the ‘weeds’ that scattered all over the land and supplanted so much of the native habitat. The most direct, impactful way to improve the ecological health of Earth is to partner with nature. In the city and the suburbs, this means embracing spontaneous nature, protecting it, nurturing it, educating others about its wonders and values, and enabling it to flourish.

Partnering with Spontaneous Nature in the City and the Suburbs

Additional Links

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Partnering with Spontaneous Nature in the City and the Suburbs

Additional Links

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Drexel University Social media