A recent piece by Daniel Herriges in Strong Towns, titled “There is Unrest in the Urban Forest,” takes a deep dive into how poorly planned urban growth puts unnecessary strain on natural spaces—both within cities and on their fringes. It’s a thought-provoking look at the complex relationship between urban development and the environment, and why we need to rethink how we balance growth with stewardship.
The article highlights key points that are especially relevant to Western North Carolina:
- Sprawl Threatens Forests and Natural Spaces: When cities prioritize low-density, car-centric development, forests and green spaces are often paved over. This type of sprawl doesn’t just harm the environment—it also increases costs for cities by spreading infrastructure too thin.
- The Myth of Urban “Green Guilt”: While cities sometimes focus on preserving tree cover and parks within city limits, poorly planned development often pushes destruction outward. True environmental stewardship means prioritizing infill development that allows cities to grow smarter without sacrificing surrounding forests.
- Urbanism Can Protect Nature: By embracing compact, walkable, and denser urban design, we can reduce sprawl, preserve our forests, and support healthier, more resilient communities.
The piece challenges us to think differently about growth. Protecting nature isn’t about stopping development—it’s about shaping it thoughtfully. If we allow cities to grow up rather than out, we can preserve the forests, rivers, and natural beauty that sustain us.
At MountainTrue and Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC, we see this tension firsthand in Western North Carolina. Poor land-use decisions threaten our landscapes with deforestation, stormwater runoff, and pollution. By promoting smart growth strategies like infill development and missing middle housing, we can meet housing needs, reduce sprawl, and ensure our region’s natural beauty is protected for future generations.
Read the full Strong Towns piece here: “There is Unrest in the Urban Forest”.
If you care about protecting nature while supporting thriving, resilient communities, this article is a must-read. Together, we can build better cities and preserve the places we love.