Article Published in Landscape and Urban Planning “Accessible, and culturally responsive: Why we need to examine diverse plant uses and values in green infrastructure”

New research highlights the importance of cultural values in green infrastructure (GI). Co-authored by Flor Sandoval, Program Director at SERI, this study explores how plant preferences differ across economic and cultural backgrounds in a semi-arid city of the U.S. Southwest. Findings show that low-income Hispanic residents often favor fruit-bearing plants for cultural benefits—yet these are excluded from official GI plant lists. To create truly equitable and effective GI programs, policymakers must consider diverse community needs and relationships with greenery. 🌱

#EnvironmentalJustice #UrbanGreening #GreenInfrastructure

Read more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2025.105317