Did you know that NYC has more forests, marshes and meadows than any other city in the US? We have real, bona fide nature, but we are losing it to development and habitat degradation.

Local government can lead the way. Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s vision for a sustainable New York City is outlined in a document called PlaNYC. The ambitious agenda discusses climate change, transportation alternatives and drinking water but does not mention nature. The document is currently being amended, with revisions to be published in April 2011.

PlaNYC must address these issues directly, starting with the creation of Biodiversity Reserves that limit development and curtail incompatible recreational activities. It must cultivate children’s innate love of nature by providing opportunities for every child in grades K-12 to connect to local woodlands, grasslands and ponds. It has to overcome the hurdle of limited access to nature for low-income communities. It must outline how city agencies will work collaboratively to combat species loss and ecosystem degradation.

Sign up to send a message – NYC <3 Nature!