Morgan Leykam has always been interested in sustainability. In 2008, her search for a “green” summer internship eventually led her to promote environmental awareness in Stamford.

“I studied geography in college [Syracuse University], and I focused mostly on social geography, urban studies, [and] the food system — basically how environment or context affects the way that communities shape and grow,” she said.

When looking for an internship, Leykam discovered Green Map System, a New York City-based non-profit that maps out sustainable resources in communities across the globe.

Instead of pointing out major roadways or attractions like a regular guide, a Green Map highlights everything environmentally friendly about a city, including its recycling centers, parks, organic restaurants, green businesses, and more. According to the Green Map System website, Green Maps are meant to “strengthen local-global sustainability networks, expand the demand for healthier, greener choices, [and] help successful initiatives spread to even more communities.” Founded in 1995, the online network of Green Maps now includes over 700 communities in 55 countries.

Former Land Use Bureau Chief Robin Stein had long envisioned a Green Map for Stamford. He was put in touch with Leykam, who, after her internship, had designed a Green Map for the city of Syracuse as her thesis project.

Last August, Leykam was contracted by the Land Use Bureau to create the map. She used city software and licensing to make both a PDF version and an online, Google Maps-style version. Erin McKenna, an associate planner for the City of Stamford, described the project as “a way of recording all the things in Stamford that support sustainability.”

The map was released on June 28, and Leykam, now 23-years-old and an associate at Copernicus Marketing Consulting in Norwalk, is pleased with the diversity of sites and resources the map shares. Stamford’s Green Map lists categories ranging from farmers’ markets and alternative health options to Energy Star-rated buildings and walking routes.

“One great thing [about the Green Map] is that it shows public spaces and green roofs in the city that have public access,” Leykam said.

Another unique feature is the Green Map’s identification of coastal access sites, which are “places where people can reach the coast really easily [and see] what sort of wildlife is there. We want people to be proud of the natural habitat in Stamford and be aware so they can take care of it,” she said.

Sustainable Stamford, a mayor-sponsored task force comprised of city staff and environmentally concerned citizens, has become the main platform for spreading the word about the Green Map. “By locating ‘green sites’ in Stamford, we can better understand our development and potential for future growth,” the group’s website said.

In addition to viewing the Green Map, which is available here, users can suggest new sites and add comments, photos or videos. One can also find the Green Map on the Sustainable Stamford website, where it can be downloaded as a PDF. In addition, a Green Map System iPhone app is available for purchase.

The project is currently seeking sponsors to print the map so it can be distributed at city venues such as Ferguson Library and the Government Center. However, Leykam hopes that the mobile app and online version will gain popularity so expensive print copies won’t be necessary. As of now, marketing is still largely through word of mouth.

“We want it to be a collaborative effort,” Leykam said.