O26 Michelle Byers NJ Environmental Foundation Presentation

Ecosystem Services: • Protect and cleanse drinking water supplies • Improve air quality • Protect wildlife habitat and biodiversity • Reduce flooding and storm water runoff • Protect soils • Sequester carbon • Provide locally-grown foods • Offer outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty • Reduce the "heat island" effect in urban areas • Support human health, healing, community connections, and quality of life • Provide access to nature and open space, which play a critical role in human health and well-being • Provide multiple economic benefits and cost savings • Provide buffers from impacts of adjacent development • Buffer and increase resilience from climate change impacts • Inspire awe, curiosity, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.