Why do people preserve land as openspace? To some experts this may be a simple question that hinges on the protection of rare species, forest health or the ability of a watershed to naturally maintain its hydrologic cycles. From an expert standpoint, deciding which land to preserve may be an objective task with clearly defined parameters. However, engaging a community in this same question frames the issue of openspace preservation in a rich natural, historical and cultural context. This project seeks to gain a better understanding of what factors drive valuation and prioritization of openspace.
Read the project overview.