Author(s): Jhen Allison Seguiwan
Mentor(s): Jamie Spinney
Institution SUU
An Urban Wildlife Habitat Plan aims to create suitable habitats for wildlife within urban areas, fostering biodiversity by supporting pollinators, birds, mammals, and other species. Urban Wildlife Habitat Plans are important to help ensure the continued survival of wildlife in urban areas (i.e., cities and towns), which are often dominated by human activity and infrastructure. Moreover, these habitats can enhance human well-being by providing green spaces that not only support wildlife but also contribute to improved mental health, such as reducing stress and offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Urban wildlife habitat planning also plays an important educational role, especially for communities facing challenges in developing adequate green spaces, particularly in cities grappling with environmental issues like pollution. The creation of wildlife habitats, such as parks, gardens, and wetlands, can also contribute to a city's resilience to climate change by mitigating CO2 emissions and improving air quality. This research aims to summarize existing literature on urban wildlife planning, exploring the techniques used, as well as the potential benefits and challenges. The findings will inform the development of an urban wildlife plan for Cedar City, Utah, and include a survey of local residents regarding the number and diversity of wildlife in the area. The results will help identify key species of concern and guide the creation of a habitat plan tailored to those species. Ultimately, the research seeks to provide environmental, health, social, and economic benefits that contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and livable urban environments, thereby enhancing both human quality of life and wildlife diversity.