Urban Ecosystems
What are Urban Ecosystems?
Urban ecosystems are cities, towns, or hybrid regional landscapes with urban and rural characteristics. These areas are immediately recognized by a high human population density and a vast array of features constructed to support human activity. While urban areas have traditionally been seen as distinct from nature or the environment, all urban areas have grown on and around natural ecosystems that have become fragmented and degraded over time. Our vision is to design, create, protect, and manage the human built landscape to co-exist and benefit from its natural environment and the ecosystem services that it provides which are essential for human survival. Sustainable urban ecosystems not only augment recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic values, but also provide tangible benefits such as food, cleaner air and water, conservation of natural resources and habitat, increased biodiversity, and other services that improve urban livability.
In this section
Student Profile
Individuals interested in improving the quality of our urban environment are encouraged to apply. This program will appeal to students who are interested in an applied science program where they will analyze problems and implement solutions to enhance and protect the urban environments in which over 80% of the Canadian population lives. Students interested in the implementation of sustainable practices in urban environments will find this program of value.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates develop skills necessary for employment in the following areas:- Technical positions in the Environmental Sector of the Economy
- Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors
- Urban Horticulturists
- Technical Representatives for Horticulture or Agriculture Supply Companies
- Parks Managers
- Specialized Horticulture Enterprises (i.e. Green Roof Installation and Maintenance)
- Landscape Architecture (B. Sc. Hort. as a potential qualifying program)
- Graduate studies in Horticulture or related fields such as Landscape Architecture, Urban Forestry, and Community & Regional Planning (subject to specific graduate school admission requirements)Urban horticulture in the private and public sectors
- Environmental consulting
- Parks and natural area management (municipal and NGO lands)
- Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors
- Specialized Horticulture Enterprises such as design, installation, and maintenance of rain gardens, living roof and wall ecosystems and other types of green infrastructure
- Managing urban agriculture programs