This website could be the first product in a three phase effort, as outlined below.

1. Research Assessment and Summary
Assessing and compiling scientific studies on urban nature experience and human well being, as we’ve done here, is the first step. The information contained on this page could be distilled and published as a series of public education brochures or flyers.

2. Social Mapping Using Geospatial Modeling
Once the full range and scope of human well-being benefits are understood, the next step is a map-based analysis. Canopy cover mapping, with estimations of environmental benefits, has already been done in many cities. Mapping social benefits in relationship to  canopy cover and other urban greening indicators would demonstrate the importance of urban forest planning and management for human functioning and health. Positive correlations and relationships are highly likely between the presence of trees (now readily mapped) and psychosocial outcomes. Examples include physical activity, respiratory disease, and crime rates.

3. Economic Valuation of Human Health and Well Being Benefits
Once the full range and scope of human well being benefits are understood and mapped, it is then possible to express those benefits in economic terms. Well being benefits are intangible, non-market “products” that urban forests provide. Economists have developed numerous strategies for non-market valuation of urban natural resources. For instance, non-market valuation approaches have been used to calculate the value of city trees’ contribution to urban air and water quality effects. Similar approaches could be applied to psychological and social outcomes across human populations, and across different built environments in cities and towns. For example, the public health benefits and costs of neighborhoods made more walkable by the presence of trees could be economically valued. The availability of such valuations would be a powerful tool in creating and shaping urban greening policies.