Arlington’s Biophilic Goals

Arlington Joins Biophilic City Network

In March 2020, Arlington joined a list of cities from across the globe as a partner of the Biophilic City Network, a network of cities from around the globe dedicated to improving the connection between residents and urban nature.

Arlington Benefits with Biophilia

Research indicates that people are happiest, emotionally and physically healthiest, and most productive when working and living in close proximity to nature. Exposure to nature (and natural elements) can reduce stress, aid recovery from illness, enhance cognitive skills, improve academic performance, and aid in combating childhood and adult illnesses.

Arlington Initiatives Consistent with Biophilic City Principles

Arlington County’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community health and wellness stretches back to the 1940s, when the County undertook significant efforts to secure land for parks, natural areas and recreation purposes. The County’s efforts have continued through the decades through the adoption of innovative policies and practices, including a Community Energy Plan and a Public Spaces Master Plan that foster a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable county.

Next steps for Arlington

As a Biophilic City Network Partner, Arlington will apply Biophilic principles to its current and future policies and practices.  The principles will not only influence public space projects in our parkland and the right-of-way but also private development. Arlington will track its progress over the next year using the following indicators. 

• Expanded biophilic planning and design principles throughout existing policies and processes, such as comprehensive plan elements, sector plans, site plans, park master plans, and multimodal transportation plans and projects;
• Educational opportunities for the community, including residents and development stakeholders, about the benefits of biophilic principles to further the presence of nature in our buildings, facilities, homes and public spaces;
• Expanded natural elements within Arlington’s built environments, as well as conservation of our natural resources; 
• Creation of publicly accessible urban nature projects;
• Equitable access to green spaces, parks and other natural elements.