Assessment of Green Spaces in Metro Nashville Public High Schools

Authors

Webster G. Andrews, Belmont UniversityFollow
Anna Lennon, Belmont UniversityFollow
Darlene Panvini, Belmont UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Fall 11-30-2023

College

Sciences and Mathematics, College of

Department

Biology, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Darlene Panvini

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Green spaces on and near school property have been correlated to student mental health and academic achievement. However, there is a gap in the literature investigating how quality and quantity of green space is related to socioeconomic status and school economic metrics in public high schools and the surrounding neighborhoods. Nashville public high schools located in higher socioeconomic areas and having greater financial resources were predicted to provide larger, higher quality green spaces. This study combined a quantitative analysis of neighborhood socioeconomic metrics, school socioeconomic metrics, and quantity of green space (assessed using iTree Canopy) with a qualitative field assessment using the Neighborhood Green Space Tool. Analysis reveals no correlation between green space quality and quantity with higher socioeconomic factors. However, there is evidence of disparities by schools in quality and quantity of green space raising questions of equality and equity.

Recommended Citation

Andrews, Webster G.; Lennon, Anna; and Panvini, Darlene, "Assessment of Green Spaces in Metro Nashville Public High Schools" (2023). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 73.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/73