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StAND

What is StAND?

The Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND) is a collaborative research project between Michigan State University, Detroit Audubon and the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. The study is led by Dr. Amber Pearson, Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University. We aim to better understand the link between nature and active and healthy neighborhoods in Detroit.

Why does this matter?

This research aims to better understand the health of Detroit residents and how we can improve neighborhood conditions while also improving the natural environment. Through this research, we hope to better understand how to support and create active and healthy neighborhoods for everyone.

In an increasingly urbanized world, many people have become disconnected from nature. Yet, contact with nature is fundamental for human health and quality of life. Across the globe, it is estimated that 55% of the population currently resides in cities. Many cities lack easy access to natural spaces or 'greenspaces', particularly in low-income areas. Contemporary lifestyles and neighborhood conditions have led to increased public health concerns, including lack of physical activity, little time spent outdoors, and the rising prevalence of mental health and chronic disease issues.

This research aims to better understand the health of Detroit residents and how we can improve neighborhood conditions while also improving the natural environment. Through this research, we hope to better understand how to support and create active and healthy neighborhoods for everyone

Why Detroit?

We hope to learn about what makes neighborhoods active and healthy. By conducting this study in Detroit, we hope to promote Detroit as a beacon of healthy, active neighborhoods for other cities across the USA and beyond.

Our Research Partners

Detroit Audubon and City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Department

Our Funding

We are funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute and the Detroit Medical Center. Additionally, we are funded by:

Detroit Audubon

Michigan State University

News

Rebuilding Reefs with Oyster Shells

by Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community Liaison

In the continuing fight to mitigate severe climate change there are hopeful signs that oceans, estuaries and other bodies of water are demonstrating success in reef recovery. Particularly, experimentation with oyster shells is strengthening reefs in some areas, which enable baby oysters to thrive. The young oysters prefer to attach to existing oyster beds as their ideal habitat. Thus, in a closed loop system, discarded oyster shells from restaurants are being recycled and returned to shorelines rather than going to landfills. These restoration efforts are crucial to Gulf Coast areas like Louisiana, Alabama and Florida to maintain economic growth that support tourism, jobs and much more. Moreover, “…oyster reefs provide habitat and nursery grounds for crabs, shrimp and fish such as flounder and striped bass” (https://rb.gy/4mdghd) So, the next time you eat an oyster, consider how pivotal they are to shoring up waterlines and helping to save the environment. .

Community Supporters

The following organizations and businesses have supported our research in Detroit neighborhoods.