Not far from our farm, in Littleton, Colorado, is a new residential development called "Fox Haven." And it probably was before the houses were built, with their decks and privacy fences. Home builders know that many Americans like the feeling of living in the country and suburban developments are thus named accordingly. They also know that affluent Americans, while often very supportive of conservation organizations and recycling programs, don't want a recycled house; rather, they prefer the new models with all the latest features.
As a result, suburban sprawl continues, inner cities decay, long, congested commutes are the rule and wildlife habitat is destroyed. Of course, all towns, cities and farms were once wild areas and humans have some impact on natural ecosystems no matter where they live. Population control, development restrictions, open space protection and improved mass transit must all be part of the solution.
Long a poster child for suburban sprawl, Metro Denver has taken some important steps to reverse that image. Downtown residential development, a new light rail system and an excellent network of greenbelts, open spaces and parks have made the region more eco-friendly. Nevertheless, housing developments and their associated retail centers keep pushing onto the plains and into the foothills, natural habitat is lost and new home owners demand action when their cat or poodle is dinner for a coyote.
