As part of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) Proseminar, taught by Jack Murphy of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, MES students Betty Lin, Kellie Christensen, Lili Randolph, Noah Johnson, Shandon Black, and Jiawei (Tom) Feng, mentored by Katie Unger Baillie of Penn Climate, explored the intersection of biophilia (the human connection and love of nature) and Penn’s urban campus. Their central question asked what spaces on campus already support biophilia and where access to nature could be strengthened or expanded.
This interactive ArcGIS Story Map highlights how nature is already woven into everyday life at the University of Pennsylvania. It identifies trees, gardens, courtyards, green roofs, and other natural features that help students, faculty, staff, and visitors connect with their surroundings in simple, meaningful ways. The map focuses on existing nature-rich areas across campus, while the broader research project also examined opportunities to improve connectivity, visibility, and access to these spaces as Penn continues to grow as a biophilic campus.
By bringing these features together in one place, the Story Map makes campus nature easier to notice, explore, and enjoy. Even brief exposure to biophilic elements can reduce stress, improve focus, and support mental health, while green spaces also provide environmental benefits such as stormwater management, heat reduction, and habitat for plants and wildlife. Their research found that Penn already has a strong foundation as a nature-rich campus, though many features are not always obvious or well connected. Rather than starting from scratch, the project emphasizes building on what already exists and identifying practical, lower-cost ways to strengthen Penn’s relationship with nature. This Story Map serves as a starting point for future research, planning, and conversation, with additional global examples and recommendations available in the full project report.