Re-Naturalizing Urban Waterways: Social and Biophysical Implications

Led by GMS Co-Director Matt Kondolf, with collaborators in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geography, Energy and Resources, and City Planning, this project examines the complex interactions that result from “re-naturalizing” urban water systems to understand feedbacks among hydrologic restoration, water quality, ecosystems, reconnecting people with urban waterways, and public health.  Drawing on case studies in the San Francisco Bay region, the team is examining social implications of urban greening projects (such as gentrification) and unanticipated public health implications, such as potentially increased exposure to mosquito vectors.