Why do we study natural areas?
Through our research projects and partnerships, the Natural Areas Conservancy is gaining a better understanding of the value of urban natural areas and their role in combating climate change, both in New York City and nationwide. We’re developing resources and tools that help advance the planning, restoration, and conservation of natural areas now and into the future.
From the cooling effects of trees to funding trends for natural areas, our environmental research digs deep into the economic, public health, and climate benefits of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Our goal is to fill gaps in scientific knowledge about these critical areas, improve their care, and make the case for preserving them.
See Our ResearchWhat we study
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Climate -
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Urban Ecology -
Public Policy
Recent publications
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November 04, 2024 Wetlands Mitigation Banking in New York City: Challenges and Opportunities
In New York City, tidal wetlands are a critical part of coastal resiliency and provide numerous ecological and social benefits. State and federal wetlands mitigation regulations require that development resulting in wetland impacts offset those losses through wetland creation, restoration, and enhancement – with a ...
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August 14, 2024 Funding the Care of Urban Forested Natural Areas
This report presents a comprehensive overview of the challenges, benefits, and potential funding sources for urban forested natural areas in the United States. It emphasizes the critical need to diversify funding sources for these underfunded areas, which are distinct from other urban green spaces due to their size, biodiversity, and ...
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Climate June 14, 2024 Forests in Cities Climate Tool
What is this tool? The tool below uses summarized data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration () to help users visualize changes in climate variables - including maximum temperature and precipitation - over time. This no code approach to figure creation allows for individuals to create custom figures for a broad ...
More about our recent work
How 3 Cities are Protecting Urban Forests in America
We’re pleased to announce that seven new case studies from our Forests in Cities network have been published in our special issue of the journal Cities and the Environment, entitled “The Science and Practi...
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Our partners in environmental research
Recent collaborative work
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The Environment and Planning division at NYC Parks manages 12,000 acres of natural areas and is a foundational partner on many projects.
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Yale School of the Environment is a key academic collaborator on environmental data analysis, climate research, and mapping projects.
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The City University of New York (CUNY) is the primary academic partner for our internship program, which recruits CUNY students to participate in our many research projects year-round.
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We work closely with local nonprofits like the Central Park Conservancy, Prospect Park Alliance, Riverside Park Conservancy, Forest Park Trust, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, and Seton Falls Preservation Coalition, among others.
From joint research projects to public programming, the NAC strives to work closely with these partners as well as other organizations focused on the preservation and management of natural areas.
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Explore our hub for national research
Our Forests in Cities Resource Library assembles research from our 21-city network of practitioners, researchers, and policy makers.
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Start your environmental research career here
The NAC has seasonal and year-round internship opportunities that support both our independent and collaborative research and data analysis efforts.
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Support our research by giving today
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