University of Arkansas Rome Program at Monte Ciocci Community Urban Garden in Rome
Yesterday, 18 May 2026, the RealUrbanGreen pilot area at the Monte Ciocci urban gardens hosted an inspiring and meaningful day together with students from the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas (UARK), accompanied by Prof. Curt Rom, within the framework of the RealUrbanGreen and GREENO2 projects.
The initiative was coordinated and supported by the President of the Monte Ciocci Association, Giorgio Scavino, Citizen Science expert, and Patricia Hernandez Lelli (Risorse per Roma). The international meeting highlighted nature as a living laboratory for learning, urban innovation and active participation.
During the visit, UARK students took part in citizen science activities focused on biodiversity monitoring, pollinator observation and urban ecosystem assessment, contributing data, observations and reflections on the future development of the site.
Special thanks go to Prof. Curt Rom and Prof. Sarah Paschal from the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas, to the students participating in the University of Arkansas Rome Program, and to the entire project network for their collaboration, energy and shared vision.
The next activities are scheduled for 29 May:
- from 10:00 to 11:00 in collaboration with the Domizia Lucilla Institute;
- from 15:00 to 18:00 at the Monte Ciocci Municipal Community Urban Garden.
Monte Ciocci continues to strengthen its role as a true living lab for urban regeneration, where research, community and nature come together to experiment with new models of urban sustainability.
On this occasion, particular attention was also given to the international contest promoted within the RealUrbanGreen pilot area, considered an important added value to the ongoing co-design process:
“The GREENO2 × RealUrbanGreen Contest for Nature-based Urban Innovation”
The initiative invites students, researchers and designers to imagine the future of the site through innovative Nature-Based Solutions, including:
✔️ green-roof pergolas and gazebos
✔️ rainwater harvesting and reuse systems
✔️ urban bio-lakes
✔️ biodiversity and pollinator-friendly spaces
✔️ outdoor education and citizen science environments
Students from the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas (UARK) also produced short documentary and reflection videos highlighting the transformative potential of Nature-Based Solutions for the cities of the future.
Contest deadline: 30 June 2026
The best proposals will be presented during a public event at the Monte Ciocci Urban Gardens pilot area in Rome.
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- Citizen Science activity in the pilot area of RealUrbanGreen in Rome
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- Citizen Science testing activities by the students of UARK Rome Program
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- Risorse per Roma expert introduce the Urban Community Garden of Monte Ciocci
