People directly benefit from the natural processes performed by healthy ecosystems. These processes are known as ecosystem services and include but are not limited to providing habitat for wildlife, cleaning air, cleaning water, and regulating the climate.
- Improve Habitat for Wildlife
Land development often removes the natural vegetation required to support wildlife diversity and healthy ecosystems. Native plants are especially beneficial to local wildlife. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife provides information and works with residents to improve wildlife habitat on private land.
- Reduce the Urban Heat Island
Buildings, pavement, and roadways absorb heat and reflect it back into the atmosphere. The term "heat island" describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas. The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can be as high as 22°F (12°C). Heat islands can affect communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water quality. Trees and vegetation absorb sunlight and heat, mitigating the impacts of urban heat islands.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The term “carbon footprint” describes the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions created by an individual, organization, or other entity over a given time period. There is widespread consensus among the scientific community that greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, are responsible for climate change. Plants absorb CO2 and store it in their tissues as part of the carbon cycle. Individuals can estimate their carbon footprints with emissions calculators and can offset CO2 emissions through gardening and landscaping.
- Reduce Stormwater Runoff and Improve Water Quality
Impervious surfaces such as rooftops and roadways are not able to absorb stormwater easily. Even during small rain events, stormwater can quickly fill stormwater management systems and urban streams. Often stormwater carries pollutants with it causing damage to aquatic ecosystems. Riparian zones and rain gardens can effectively absorb and filter stormwater contamination while reducing the total amount of stormwater runoff. Using rain barrels is also an effective way to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution.