In this special session, come hear about partnerships and projects in the local Louisville area that connect ecologists, decision-makers, and community members to promote human and environmental health. Panelists, including both ecologists and community leaders involved with these projects, will discuss how ecological knowledge can inform decision-making around issues of local importance, including new development and the legacy effects of past urbanization. Panelists will also give their perspectives on how community relationships can refine and amplify the utility of science and ultimately make science more useful to impacted communities. Finally, panelists will speak to overcoming the challenges of informing local decisions through science and building relationships successfully. Among the projects discussed will be Green Heart Louisville, a first of its kind study to rigorously and scientifically assess the impact of green space on air quality and health in urban communities. Members of Green Heart Louisville will also facilitate an interactive exercise during the session in which the ecological knowledge of the audience will be applied to help achieve some of the urban ecosystem design goals of the project.