PROCEEDINGS • 1 Green Links and Urban Biodiversity—an Experiment in Connectivity

Many cities are located on estuaries, floodplains or other biologically productive and unique habitats. Natural ecosystems are fragmented in urban areas and are increasingly isolated as cities densify to accommodate population growth. Greenways are one approach to maintain natural connections, thereby preserving larger breeding populations of plants and animals and more robust food webs. The Green Links Project in Greater Vancouver improves connectivity by planting native vegetation to strengthen wildlife corridors. Plantings take place in utility rights-of-way, riparian zones of streams, backyards and hedgerows. Public participation is encouraged. Green Links works with municipalities to add ecological value to greenways, including them in a strategy to conserve biodiversity as well as providing public transportation, recreation opportunities and aesthetics to the community