Establish artificial reserves for at-risk and displaced species

At-risk species are often incorporated into urban reserves (botanical gardens, arboretums, and municipal parks) and urban plantings (e.g., street trees, backyard gardens), and could in some cases be included in restoration or reclamation projects (e.g., urban river ways). Some uncommon to rare tree species, such as Kentucky coffeetree, blue ash, and American yellowwood, are already included in some urban plantings. Additional at-risk species (or species that provide habitat for at-risk species) could be added to urban planting lists to increase their representation in the landscape. Providing new artificial habitat for at-risk species could help sustain them under climate change.

Refugia are areas that have resisted ecological and climatic changes occurring elsewhere; these areas often provide suitable habitat for relict populations of species that were previously more widespread. Despite their rarity in urban areas, refugia can still be important for species of conservation concern. For many taxa, they may offer the best chances for survival under climate change. Identification of refugia is an important first step toward their conservation under climate change in urban areas.