Urban wilderness

rdf:langString Urban wilderness

rdf:langString An urban wilderness refers to the inclusion of biodiversity in urban neighborhoods as part of the New Urbanism movement. Key traits of urban wilderness that differentiate it from lawns and other forms of plantings are: 1. * Biodiversity - a wide range of species, both of plants and animals 2. * Minimal maintenance required for viability - plants that can survive without frequent watering, can withstand local pollution levels, and do not depend on infusions of fertilizers or other periodic soil amendments (see xeriscaping) 3. * Deep beds - deep soil allowing the creation of mature root growth, protection from drought and destructive temperature changes, and the development of a healthy colony of microorganisms, worms, and other beneficial small lifeforms 4. * Native species - use of local plant varieties rather than exotic species 5. * Unstructured aesthetic - plants are allowed to grow as they wish, where they wish, with minimal space devoted to paved walkways, trimmed grass, or other artificial environments 6. * Tolerance of ground cover and thick undergrowth - healthy ecosystems depend on "messy" micro-environments like decaying logs, thick brush, and muddy ground. Urban wilderness has been created by programs as varied as the New York City Parks Department's Green Streets program (which converts median strips and other micro-environments into planted areas) and small programs in such places as Davis, California and Portland, Oregon to reintroduce native species.