Introduction

A formal research proposal is in the works. Here is what I know:

• I am interested in the history of urban areas in the 20th century after WWII, how transportation growth and change during this time changed access to social and cultural resources for people living in these urban areas, especially their access to natural spaces and the environment.
• I grew up a five minute bike ride from the Chicago Botanic Garden, but it was in Northbrook, a suburb at least 30 minutes from the Chicago city limits. I have a special place in my heart for the CBG's English garden and their free access to walkers and bikers year-round, but know this type of easy access is not typical for all Chicago residents.
• I want to know how transportation and socio-economic status facilitates or restricts people's access to public and private natural spaces. I am focusing on botanic gardens and arboretums in urban areas because of their specific mission to reach and educate the public about environmental issues like conservation and sustainability. I want to know how these cultural institutions have transformed or overcome geographic and socio-economic hurdles to reach their intended audience. I also want to know their intended audiences, because they may be different!
• Finally, I need to narrow down the cities where I will locate my study. Right now the list is pretty long and includes New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis and Memphis. Each city differs either by tradition of environmental institutions, size, level of public transportation/major modes of transportation, and how they were affected by urban growth and decline in the post-war period.

I'm super excited about working on answering these questions and conducting research, but it's daunting sometimes, especially because my project needs to be narrowed down. One step at a time!