Many cities have addressed urban population shrinkage by adopting strategies to re-purpose vacant lots in ways that leave them beautified and groomed. This study investigates leisure behavior resulting in beautified and groomed vacant lots that resist dominant discourses – referred to as green leisure. We applied a mixed-methods research design with property owners who purchased vacant lots through the Chicago Large Lot Program. Our focus group findings (n = 25) indicated that participants framed their activities as resistance tied to (a) vacant lot beautification, (b) providing places to socialize, (c) efficacy, and (d) neighborhood transformation. Using survey data (n = 197), results from a path model show that behavioral investment in greening – as measured by a Cues to Care Action Scale – is influenced by social normative beliefs, collective-efficacy, self-efficacy, and perception of gardening as leisure. Our findings lend support to policies that encourage resident-based private ownership of vacant land to revitalize urban neighborhoods.

Greenspace ballot initiatives (GBIs) are an essential mechanism for conservation finance, and effective voter outreach is crucial for their approval. This study investigates the impact of communication strategies on voter attitudes and responses, revealing that both celebrity endorsement and temporal framing are effective, but operate differently based on voter involvement levels. Our survey experiment showed that celebrity endorsement is particularly persuasive among low‐involvement voters who may be less engaged with conservation issues, while temporal framing resonates more with highly involved voters. By illuminating these nuanced effects, our findings offer actionable insights for park and conservation managers, enabling them to tailor voter outreach campaigns that effectively engage diverse segments of the electorate and enhance support for GBIs.