By Veerle Langezaal
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, a grassroots movement emerged where botanists in France, the UK, and the Netherlands began chalking plant species names on sidewalks. This initiative aimed to educate communities about the ecological importance of these plants, challenging the perception of them as mere weeds. This movement has since evolved into a citizen science project, supported by institutions like the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden, Leiden University, and Naturalis1,2. By utilizing identification apps and a dedicated website for data registration, this project allows citizens to contribute to the study of urban plant diversity. Let’s explore why this initiative is so exciting.
Urban Plants
As urban areas continue to grow, studying urban ecosystems becomes increasingly important, considering that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in cities3. Cities pose harsh conditions for many plant species, making it crucial to understand which plants thrive and the adaptations that enable their survival. Additionally, the diversity of urban plants influences the overall ecological balance, as many other taxa depend on them for food and habitat. Moreover, plants play a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services that enhance living conditions in cities.
One significant service is their ability to cool urban environments and combat the well-known urban heat island effect. Through the process of transpiration and shade provision, plants help lower ambient temperatures and create a more comfortable microclimate. In addition, the roots of plants in urban areas facilitate improved water management. They act as natural drainage systems, allowing water to penetrate the soil more effectively and reducing the risk of flooding. Lastly, plants have the capacity to store water within their tissues, acting as reservoirs during periods of water scarcity. Perhaps one of the most remarkable benefits of plants in urban settings is their capacity for air filtration. With the abundance of air pollution in cities, plants act as natural air purifiers, filtering out significant amounts of particulate matter. Through a process known as phytoremediation, plants absorb and metabolize pollutants, helping to improve air quality and mitigate the detrimental effects of pollution on human health4.
Importance of Citizen Science
Unfortunately, many people fail to appreciate the nature around them and often dismiss plants as weeds. City management and the public often remove these “weeds” from public spaces and gardens, simply for a clean and neat aesthetic. Through education, we can reduce this “plant-blindness” and foster a stronger connection between people and the species in their surroundings. By learning the names of species and understanding their medicinal properties or roles in the food chain, individuals become more inclined to protect their local green spaces5. This can lead to collaborations with government bodies to enhance and conserve biodiversity, ultimately empowering communities and contributing to social-ecological resilience. Moreover, citizen science projects promote stronger social ties among neighbors and foster a sense of community, while green spaces positively impact mental health. Engaging the next generation in these initiatives also strengthens their connection to nature, instilling values of conservation and stewardship for the future6.
Lastly, citizen science projects have the power to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public. Often, scientists are perceived as being disconnected, residing in their ivory towers of knowledge. Engaging the public in citizen science initiatives allows people to actively participate in scientific endeavors and contribute to research projects. This hands-on involvement not only empowers individuals but also provides a deeper understanding of the scientific process. Through direct interactions, the public can witness the passion, dedication, and human side of scientists, dispelling the notion that they are distant or unapproachable. By involving everyday people in scientific research, citizen science projects emphasize that anyone can contribute valuable insights and data, regardless of their background or formal scientific training. This inclusion helps to demystify the scientific community and promotes a more favorable view of scientists as individuals who are passionate about their work and eager to collaborate with the public7.
The Leiden Stoepplantjes Initiative
The social media buzz and coverage in local newspapers5,8 played a significant role in kick-starting the Stoepplantjes (sidewalk plants) initiative. The engagement and interest from the public, combined with the need for mental health walks during lockdowns, created a perfect opportunity for involvement. The initiative makes plant identification accessible to all by providing the needed information through multiple resources such as pamphlets, websites, posters, and an identification app.
The information is categorized by different growth and flowering seasons, ensuring participation throughout the year. A dedicated website allows people to register their findings9, while social media pages share examples and facilitate interactions with the public10,11,12. The main researchers organize sidewalk plant tours, highlighting beautiful and rare species that often go unnoticed. Resources like newsletters, coloring books, and even a quartet game further enhance engagement with all age groups. For more information and inspiration please visit the Leiden University and Hortus Botanicus website or their social media listed below.
Research and Impact
A few botany enthusiasts in covid lockdown isolation inspired a full community collaborating on researching and improving urban plant diversity. Firstly, studying the distribution of plant species and their preferences within and between cities yields valuable insights. This knowledge provides a foundation for improving urban green spaces, promoting sustainability, and fostering harmonious coexistence with nature. Furthermore, the success of this initiative lies in its ability to educate and engage the general public. By sharing knowledge and involving people of all ages, we nurture a greater appreciation and valuation of plants and nature. This collective effort results in a community of eco-conscious citizens, actively working alongside the scientific community to achieve a shared goal: a world where humans and nature thrive in balanced harmony.
The impact of this project extends far beyond local boundaries. By expanding its reach globally, we gain invaluable insights into urban plant communities worldwide. Understanding how different cities and regions foster unique ecosystems enables us to develop strategies for preserving biodiversity, tackling environmental challenges, and promoting sustainable practices on a global scale. Through collaboration, research, and education, we are paving the way toward a future where urban environments are transformed into green havens, where the needs of both humans and the natural world are met. By valuing the wonders of nature and striving for sustainability, we can create a more resilient and harmonious world for generations to come.
Key Takeaways Messages
- Cities can embrace and support urban plants, recognizing their ecological significance.
- Citizen science connects people with nature, fostering appreciation and value for the environment, leading to better conservation and management efforts.
- Citizen science benefits mental health while aiding researchers in data collection, resulting in improved understanding and management of urban ecosystems.
- Citizen science breaks down the barriers between the scientific community and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of the scientific process and a greater appreciation of research and its impact on society.
- Expanding citizen science projects promotes sustainable cities, enhances social connectivity, and provides a common goal for communities.
- In a rapidly urbanizing world, initiatives like sidewalk plants and citizen science bridge the gap between scientific research and the public, paving the way for sustainable cities and improved quality of life for all.
References
- https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/research/research-projects/science/ibl-stoepplantjes-pavement-plants (Dutch)
- https://hortusleiden.nl/onderwijs/stoepplantjes-1 (Dutch)
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Urbanization Prospects 2018: Highlights (ST/ESA/SER.A/421).Plants and urban environment ecosystem services
- Alberti, M. (2010). Maintaining ecological integrity and sustaining ecosystem function in urban areas. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 2(3), 178-184.
- https://www.mareonline.nl/wetenschap/onkruid-bestaat-niet-de-botanische-berenjacht-van-de-leidse-hortus/ (Dutch)
- Newman, G., Chandler, M., Clyde, M., McGreavy, B., Haklay, M., Ballard, H., Gray, S., Scarpino, R., Hauptfeld, R., Mellor, D., & Gallo, J. (2017). Leveraging the power of place in citizen science for effective conservation decision making. Biological Conservation, 208, 55–64.
- Bickford, D., Posa, M. R. C., Qie, L., Campos-Arceiz, A., & Kudavidanage, E. P. (2012). Science communication for biodiversity conservation. Biological Conservation, 151(1), 74-76.
- https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/06/24/onkruid-dat-bestaat-niet-a4003868?t=1688651949 (Dutch)
- stoepplantjesonderzoek.nl (Dutch)
- https://www.facebook.com/stoepplantjes
- https://www.instagram.com/stoepplantjes/
- http://www.twitter.com/stoepplantjes
Featured image: Stoepplantjes Facebook page
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