Editorial Guidelines

About

Online publications of the Healthy Green Spaces Coalition: We share stories, ideas, and insights that help communities, professionals, and policymakers understand the impact of green spaces on health, equity, and the environment.

Our goal is simple: make complex issues about parks, water, trees, and people easy to understand and act on.

What We Publish

We welcome:

• Articles, op-eds, and essays about urban nature, water, and community design
• Case studies and project spotlights
• Interviews with experts and local leaders
• Data visualizations, maps, and practical guides

We focus on real-world impact — what’s working, what’s not, and what others can learn from it.

Editorial Principles

Accuracy:
We fact-check every story and link to credible sources such as academic research, city data, or nonprofit reports.

Transparency:
Authors are identified by name and affiliation. If a piece is sponsored or supported by a partner, it’s clearly labeled.

Independence:
Our editorial decisions are made by The Valve’s team. Partners and sponsors don’t influence what we publish.

Clarity:
We write for a broad audience — from planners and water managers to curious residents. We avoid jargon and explain technical terms.

Respect:
We cover communities and individuals with care. Stories about neighborhoods, culture, and access are handled with empathy and fairness.

Style

• Use plain, direct language.
• Prefer active voice and short sentences.
• Provide context for numbers and data.
• Include images, graphics, or maps when they help tell the story.
• Follow AP Style as a general guide.

Editing & Review

All submissions are reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and tone. Some technical stories may be reviewed by subject experts. We correct errors quickly and note when updates are made.

Conflicts & Disclosures

If you have a personal or financial connection to your topic, please tell us — we’ll decide together how to handle it. Sponsored or partner content will always be labeled clearly.

Diversity & Inclusion

We seek a range of voices — professionals, residents, and advocates from different backgrounds and regions. Healthy green spaces are for everyone, and our coverage reflects that.