Green Infrastructure

Green InfrastructureThe Fundamentals

Created by the Mid South Greenways

Steering Committee

An interconnected network of…

Working lands

Conservation lands

Open Spaces

Natural areas

that sustains “our natural life-support system”

Source—Green Infrastructure. 2006. Mark A. Benedict and Edward T. McMahon

Why Green Infrastructure?Term coined in relation to grey infrastructure (or,

the built environment such as roads, utility lines, sewer systems, bridges etc.)

Elevate concern and attention for natural assetsEmphasize importance as essential part of

successful community

The Network DesignA true green infrastructure network consists of a

system of hubs, links, and sites

Site

HUB Site

HUB

HUB

SiteRegional Link

Source—Green Infrastructure. 2006. Mark A. Benedict and Edward T. McMahon

The Network Design: Hubs

HUB

HUB

HUB

Hubs are large tracts of land. They serve as anchors to the green infrastructure network providing for crucial habitat and ecological processes

The Network Design: HubsMeeman-Shelby Forest

State Park and Natural Area consists of 13,467 acres of upland and bottomland forest.

There is a paved road network, biking and hiking trails, and a boat launch into the Mississippi River.

The Network Design: HubsOverton Park, 184 acres

in the center of Memphis with 126 acres of old growth forest contained in the Old Forest State Natural Area

Overton Park Conservancy formed in 2011 to oversee maintenance and enhancement of park

The Network Design: LinksLinks are the connections between Hubs that

facilitate movement of people and wildlife. They can be paths, bike lanes, or natural corridors such as rivers.

The Network Design: LinksShelby Farms Greenline

6.7m paved multiuse trail connecting many Memphis neighborhoods to Shelby Farms Park

The Network Design: LinksJohnson Creek Greenway

8 miles of paved trail intended for hiking and biking along utility easements connecting Highway 61 and Baldwin Road near Horn Lake.

The Network Design: Sites

Site

Site

Site

Sites are smaller in area, but have ecological and/or social value to the system. They might include neighborhood parks or specific habitats for native fauna.

Desoto County Visitor Center Trail1/4m paved interpretive trail that introduces

visitors to the Desoto County Greenways mission and goals

The Network Design: Sites

Riverwoods State Natural Area, 21 acresManaged by the City of Germantown and integrated

into their greenways system, yet owned by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

The Network Design: Sites

The network is only fully functioning when all components are in place.

Think regionally and link assets on a larger scale.

Site

HUB Site

HUB

HUB

Site

Regional Link

The Network Design

An integrated network provides both direct and indirect economic benefits: Direct

Increase Property ValuesDevelop High-Dollar EcotourismConserve Working LandsOffset Resource Maintenance CostsEnhance Multimode Transportation

Indirect Improve Quality of LifeAdvance Public HealthRetain Ecological StabilityCreate Social CapitalEstablish a Sense of Place

Economic Benefits of the Network

Economic Benefits from the Network: Direct

Sources—TPL, Measuring the Value of a City Park System; American Forestry Association; MS Forestry Commission; Ed McMahon and Mark Benedict, Green Infrastructure; Adetokunbo “Toks”

Omishakin, Smart Streets Conference

Increase Property Values Average 5% increase if within 500 feet of park or greenway

Develop High-Dollar Ecotourism 87% of cycling tourists earn more than $50,000 annually

Conserve Working Lands Timber Industry in MS in 2006 accounted for more than 123,000

jobs or 8.5% of the state’s workforce Offset Resource Maintenance Costs

A 50 year old urban tree saves $75/year in air conditioning, $75/year in storm water control, and $50/year in pollution control

Enhance Multimode Transportation Family income spend on transportation in an auto-dependent

neighborhood= 25% Family income spent on transportation in a transit-rich

neighborhood=9%

Improve Quality of Life Residents more likely to walk or bike if trail connects community Recreation a leading factor in attracting new residents

Advance Public Health Public health statistics a factor for companies looking to relocate when

evaluating potential healthcare costs to insure workers 1/5 of all healthcare spending in the US is on obesity-related illness

Retain Ecological Stability Hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching industries depend upon it These industries accounted for $2.6B in economic impact for MS in 2006

Create Social Capital Fostering community interaction thereby creating new social networks

Establish a Sense of Place Emotional bonds to community formed through perceived physical beauty

and opportunities for socializing. Communities with highest emotional bonds had highest rate of GDP growth

Sources—Moudon et al: Cycling and the Built Environment; All Things Considered: NPR; MS State University Natural Resources Enterprises; Anglin: Community Perceptions; Gallup: 2010 Soul of the

Community Survey

Economic Benefits from the Network: Indirect

How are we doing?

Sources—TPL: Parkscore

Memphis was chosen as one of the six nationwide selections for the Bikes Belong Green Lane Project

National Recognition

How are we doing?

12%

12%

27%22%

11%

16%

How often do you walk for recreation?

Daily5-6 times a week3-4 times a week1-2 times a weekLess than 4 times a monthI do not walk for recreation

Sources—Anglin 2010: Community Perceptions of the Shelby Farms Greenline; Memphis MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 2011 updated.

Public Polling from 2010-2011

Major funding opportunity: Shelby County awarded a $2.6M HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant to draft the Mid South Regional Greenprint, a regional planning document for green infrastructure to guide development.

How are we doing?

Voluntary ad hoc group of stakeholders for sustainable, integrated green infrastructure development.

Mission: To unite the voices and strengthen the efforts of stakeholders in sustainable greenways development in the Mid South.

Vision: An interconnected and sustainable system of greenways, blueways, parks, trails, bike lanes, working lands, wilderness areas, and open spaces to enhance quality of life in the Mid South.

Mid South GreenwaysAn Effort to Organize