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MetroGreen
By Donna Erickson

MetroGreen examines how open-space networks have fared in real scenarios in ten studies of U.S. and Canadian cities paired for comparative analysis—Toronto and Chicago, Calgary and Denver, Vancouver and Portland, Milwaukee and Ottawa, Minneapolis and Cleveland. 

Donna Erickson researched and wrote MetroGreen during her tenure as Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan.  A Fulbright Fellowship in 2003-04 at the University of British Columbia was spent researching the Canadian case studies. 

“Not since Olmsted has there been such a profound vision for re-shaping our cities.  Erickson chronicles, with successful examples, the city-beautiful movement for our time: sustainable networks of interconnected greenways, green infrastructure and trails—places for people and for nature. This is more than an informative, thought-provoking read. It is a must-have reference to be kept in easy reach!” 
— Robert Searns, President, American Trails; co-author of Greenways: A Guide to Planning, Design and Development. 

Healthy Environments Partnership, School of Public Health, University of Michigan

Three neighborhoods in Detroit are being studied in a University of Michigan School of Public Health project, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The Healthy Environments Partnership (HEP) is a community-based participatory research project designed to examine and address aspects of the social and physical environment that contribute to racial and socioeconomic disparities in risk of cardiovascular disease.

Donna Erickson Consulting, Inc has contracted with HEP to focuses on connectivity in the built environment, particularly for non-motorized transportation and recreation.  We are suggesting ways that neighborhood streets and other public areas can be used by neighborhood residents, particularly for health-enhancing outcomes.

• Brightmoor's Lyndon Greenway: Catalyst for Community Revival (4.7 MB)
  
• Expanding the Corktown-Mexicantown Greenlink: Connecting Southwest Neighbors (5.7 MB)
  

Elk Creek Conservation Area Management Plan

The Elk Creek Conservation Area Management Plan was completed in September, 2007 for the Swan Ecosystem Center (SEC) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).  The 640-acre property is situated at the confluence of Elk Creek and the Swan River in the Upper Swan Valley near Condon, Montana.  Elk Creek is a vital corridor for many wildlife species and has consistently been ranked the highest and best in every category biologists catalog.  It contains core habitat for bull trout production.  Bull trout are native species listed as “threatened” on the federal Threatened and Endangered Species list.  The cottonwood and willow streamside areas and the many wetlands also offer important low-elevation habitat for grizzly bears, winter range for deer and elk, and important rare plant habitat.  The Elk Creek Conservation Area helps prevent development along the stream and uplands, conserving forestlands, habitat for fish and wildlife, and community access.  The plan was completed with a unique collaboration between Swan Valley residents, CSKT planners, foresters, biologists, and other professionals.

Download Plan (4.8 MB) >>