As our world becomes increasingly urbanized; an understanding of the context; mechanisms; and consequences of city and suburban environments becomes more critical. Without a sense of what open spaces such as parks and gardens contribute; itrsquo;s difficult to argue for their creation and maintenance: in the face of schools needing resources; roads and sewers needing maintenance; and people suffering at the hands of others; why should cities and counties spend scarce dollars planting trees and preserving parks? In Constructed Climates; ecologist William G. Wilson demonstrates the value of urban green. Focusing specifically on the role of vegetation and trees; Wilson shows the costs and benefits reaped from urban open spaces; from cooler temperatures to better quality ground watermdash;and why it all matters. While Constructed Climates is a work of science; it does not ignore the social component. Wilson looks at low-income areas that have poor vegetation; and shows how enhancing these areas through the planting of community gardens and trees can alleviate social ills. This book will be essential reading for environmentalists and anyone making decisions for the nature and well-being of our cities and citizens.
#2470157 in eBooks 2011-04-26 2011-04-26File Name: B004VNUX9K
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. PushyBy Reilly O.This book read more like a sermon on green living than it did a handbook on urban farming. The author was pretty pushy with his viewpoints. I would have enjoyed some more practical tips on implementing urban farming techniques instead of a lecture on the ills of modern society.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The commentary was personable and the anecdotes give the book better context. It is refreshing to not only read ...By Brendan SisombathUrban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution by David Tracey is a hand held guide through urban agriculture. offering tips and ideas for those of every level of experience. Tracey starts with some indoor basics such growing sprouts. window side herb gardens. and planting seeds. He then details several beginner gardening practices. such as how to dig a hole. how to water a plant. soil composition. and building raised beds in your backyard. The book then takes a leap from the personal garden and provides ideas and tips on how to start larger scale ventures within your community and within your city. Tracey discusses the logistical. economical. and social facets to growing for profit and starting larger community gardens. Urban Agriculture takes this food movement and presents the next steps for its undertaking. Several examples and individual interviews are detailed to provide personal insight and context. Tracey takes urban agriculture beyond just an idea and presents a lifestyle.Traceyrsquo;s excitement and passion for urban agriculture is evident in this book. The commentary was personable and the anecdotes give the book better context. It is refreshing to not only read about the importance of urban agriculture but also realistic opportunities to participate in this ldquo;food revolutionrdquo;. Tracey emphasizes that the potential for urban agriculture is only limited by creativity and ingenuity and at the same time presents designs to back his statements. Too often similar titles will overwhelm the reader with ideology. However. this book does well in providing something novel and practical. It is useful to gain insight from not only his viewpoints but the viewpoints of the individuals he interview or whose undertakings he highlights. You often get a sense that urban agriculture may not just be a fad for a few but has the potential to grow into something larger.Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution by David Tracey gave me a taste of the ldquo;farm of the futurerdquo;. Idealists will absolutely love this book. while skeptics will most likely remain skeptical. Tracey had a lot of big ideas and viewpoints but ultimately wasnrsquo;t able to provide strong conviction on any one topic. As a generally inexperienced gardener. I was more interested in some of the initial ideas. However. before I could grasp these ideas the section ended and I was introduced to another even more overwhelming idea. The purpose of the book is for readers to be able to pick it up. review the table of contents. and navigate an appropriate section based on their level of experience. However. I felt that there just wasnrsquo;t enough specific content to really satisfy anyone at any particular level. If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to grow food. pick a different book. If you are an established or avid gardener and want to learn how to expand your endeavors pick a different book.Those hoping to change the minds of skeptics should not recommend this book. It is a great overview of urban agriculture but only begins to touch the surface. The book starts off applicable but quickly becomes overwhelming. However. those with an interest in urban agriculture either because you care about local food and food security or because you would like to return to agricultural roots will find many parts of this book inspiring. The real life experiences and innovative ideas will stimulate those who believe that there may be a niche in urban cities for farmers.8 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Environmental Activism instead of Garden-FocusedBy Char StantonPage 10 includes a "The usual disclaimers" but then states: "I feel bound to explain that although Ive been lucky enough to earn my keep for the last five years in urban argiculture. I dont farm for a living. The fields I cultivate are in polictics and the environment. I work through design. advocacy. community organizing and education. I dont grow crops for the market."While I didnt expect the author to be a professional farmer I did expect more than a flag waving save the planet book by a community organizer. There are many books Ive enjoyed which described how to develop a garden to help to sustain myself and my family and share with others but this book is really geared toward developing community gardens. This isnt a problem for me either. but it came across to me as over the top environmentalism with such phrases as "trashing the planet". If you are interested in that perspective. then you might like this book but I found it so judgemental I couldnt get to the information about growing an urgan garden. which Im sure is in the back of the book somewhere. The term "activist" is not an understatement for this author. One of the "fourteen reasons to start a community garden" included "8. Enhance food democracy." This sounds way too socialist for me. Im growing food in my garden to share with others but dont plan on forcing others to participate. It describes the fundamental principles of Seikatsu club as "Create a new lifestyle in order to protect environment and health. Stop passive and resource-wasteful lifestyles based on commercialism." I dont deny the negative impact of Monsanto. but I found this book really annoying. The subtitle "Ideas and designs for the new food revolution" also sounds like an accurate description and frankly. disconcerting. Perhaps Ill read the rest of it but Ill have to hold my nose. metaphorically speaking.
