The Pacific Connections Garden at Washington Park Arboretum: An Urban Ecology Field Guide

Authors:

• Loren Stephens, Master of Arts in Museology
• Chair: Meena Selvakumar
• Cynthia (Cindy) Thomashow
• Olivia Price

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Abstract:

Cities are ecologically important and complex places, with intricate networks of species and relationships that adapt to and thrive in urban conditions. Their residents, however, often perceive nature as something that only exists in pristine, faraway locations. This brings us to environmental education, which tells us that when people feel connected to the nature around them, they are better equipped to approach issues of conservation and sustainability. To cultivate this, environmental education emphasizes curiosity and active engagement with local nature. Sites of nature and science learning in cities, therefore, have an opportunity and even a necessity to connect city residents with urban nature. With this guide, I use environmental education best practices to encourage visitors to the Pacific Connections Garden at Washington Park Arboretum to connect with and see the value of urban ecology. The guide is aimed at adult visitors to the Arboretum with a wide range of ecological and horticultural knowledge and experience, and with the goal of fostering curiosity about and connection with the Pacific Connections Garden and with urban ecology in general. It provides a needed addition to the Arboretum's interpretive offerings and is part of a larger effort to connect the Arboretum with Seattle residents and local ecology.

Poster:

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Project Deliverable:

The Pacific Connections Garden at Washington Park Arboretum: An Urban Ecology Field Guide

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