While at the science institute SFEI, Erica Spotswood and Robin Grossinger led the development of an innovative framework for the comprehensive incorporation of ecology in urban planning and design.

Based on hundreds of scientific studies of how nature works in cities around the world, we identified seven key elements that drive positive ecological responses in the urban setting. The Making Nature's City framework shows how these elements work together and enables us to identify the synergistic actions that can be taken at any site or scale to contribute tangible ecological outcomes. MNC was featured by Metropolis magazine as a top resource for designing biodiversity and biophilia into outdoor spaces.

At Second Nature, we use the framework to develop comprehensive neighborhood scale master plans and city biodiversity strategies. We've also honed an approach to identify site scale actions, maximizing the contributions of individual parcels to the larger neighborhood ecosystem. Building on Making Nature’s City, we've developed ecological design strategies such as habitat zones, habitat complexes, and spatial thresholds to bring tangible guidance to ecological planning.