Atlanta Looks To Prioritize Urban Nature

A couple enjoy a sunny afternoon against the backdrop of the Midtown skyline from Piedmont Park. The planning department kicked off a year-long project to study urban ecology in Atlanta at a meeting Monday evening.

David Goldman / Associated Press

Atlanta feels green. It’s got forests, parks and little pockets of open space. There are creeks here, and giant trees. Now, Atlanta officials are looking at how they can protect all that nature, even as the city grows.

Planning Commissioner Tim Keane said restoring and possibly even expanding natural places in Atlanta is a priority to him. “Foundational,” he said, as important as considering transportation, housing and zoning in the city.

The planning department kicked off a year-long project to study urban ecology in Atlanta at a meeting Monday evening. About 50 people showed up, to share their ideas about nature and where they get access to it in the city.