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Data are needed to assess the relationships between urbanization and biodiversity to establish conservation priorities. However, many of these relationships are difficult to fully assess using traditional research methods. To address this gap and evaluate new acoustic sensors and associated data, we conducted a multimethod analysis of biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing county: Greenville, South Carolina, USA. We conducted audio recordings at 25 points along a development gradient. At the same locations, we used refugia tubes, visual assessments, and an online database. Analysis focused on species identification of both audio and visual data at each point along the trail to determine relationships between both herpetofauna and acoustic indices (as proxies for biodiversity) and environmental gradient of land use and land cover. Our analysis suggests the use of a multitude of different sampling methods to be conducive to the completion of a more comprehensive occupancy measure. Moving forward, this research protocol can potentially be useful in the establishment of more effective wildlife occupancy indices using acoustic sensors to move toward future conservation policies and efforts concerning urbanization, forest fragmentation, and biodiversity in natural, particularly forested, ecosystems.

Frequent exposure to green space has been linked to positive health and well-being in varying populations. Yet, there is still limited research exploring the restorative benefits associated with differing types of green space use among students living in the university setting. To address this gap, we explored green space use amongst a population of undergraduate students (n = 207) attending a university with abundant opportunities to access the restorative properties of nature. The purpose of this study was to examine the type and frequency of green space interactions that are most strongly associated with indicators of health and well-being, and investigate student characteristics associated with frequent use of green space. Results revealed that students who frequently engage with green spaces in active ways report higher quality of life, better overall mood, and lower perceived stress. Passive green space interactions were not strongly associated with indicators of health and well-being. Having had daily interactions with green space in childhood was associated with frequent green space use as a university student, and identified barriers to green space use included "not enough time," and "not aware of opportunities" These results could assist in the tailoring of "green exercise" interventions conducted in the university setting.