In "Urban Challenge", ESF President Neil Murphy wrote:

"Our cities have been left a legacy of ‘brownfields’ sites – environmentally impaired properties that are not being integrated into community development.

"Urban neighborhoods, frequently planned by those who do not have to live there, lack the green spaces and thoughtful design that create a sense of place and pride in one's community.

"Runoff in the form of contaminated storm water and overflow from sanitary sewers is impairing the quality and use of urban waterways.

"Who will solve these problems?”

The Center for the Urban Environment

The Center for the Urban Environment integrates and highlights ecological issues in urban settings. The same principles of systems ecology apply in urban environments as in natural ones, but renewed interest exists in the United States and globally to integrate our understanding of ecological processes as influenced by humans in populated areas.

The Center is dedicated to:

• Investigating and developing novel ways to mitigate urban environmental problems;
• Educating and training the next generation of urban environmental scientists, engineers, and planners;
• Engaging urban residents in the study and improvement of the urban environment; and
• Working with communities, business, industries, and governmental and non-governmental organizations throughout New York State to achieve a more sustainable future.