Urban Habitat Restoration: Regeneration of Kennedy and Maddox Courtyard, Promoting Avian Diversity and Providing Ecosystem Services
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2026
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
Urban spaces are often poorly designed to encourage wildlife such as bird communities, native plant growth, and fail to encourage positive use and interactions with wildlife for local students and residents. The Kennedy and Maddox courtyard on Belmont University’s campus, is an underutilized, poorly designed area of space that has the opportunity to be revitalized into a meaningful space for local students, habitat for wildlife whilst also providing ecosystem services. Our plan is to provide suggestions for achieving this regeneration by incorporating native plant species to promote habitat, attract local pollinators and support local bird communities with a place to forage and shelter through 3D renderings. Additionally, we want to promote this space for the utilisation of students and other local residents to connect with nature, promote mental health & well being while providing ecosystem services, such as improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effects in hot summer months.
Recommended Citation
Little, Jeremy T. and Mackay, Matty, "Urban Habitat Restoration: Regeneration of Kennedy and Maddox Courtyard, Promoting Avian Diversity and Providing Ecosystem Services" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1017.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1017
