I'm sort of a "common sense" kind of person.. I like waterfalls, 
(photo taken at eco-community near Asheville) the first snow fall, sitting around the fire with my friends, and delicious organically-grown tomatoes...IOW... balance in my life.
Possibly, as a young schoolteacher in Michigan, way back when, I acquired common sense from my fourth-graders.
Today, at our eco-savvy real estate brokerage in the "City of Bliss", Asheville, NC , "common sense" is about making a positive difference in our neighborhood and in the world in terms of land use and planning , healthy living environments, and camaraderie....
summed up as eco-community on many levels- the seemingly small efforts you and I make toward sustainable practices and eco-innovation-whether that be installing an energy efficient lighting system at home or in the office, walking more, eating from a garden we planted in the spring- those small efforts that open up possibilities for all of us.
What is an Eco-Community? Lately I've been wondering about defining "common sense" in terms of "eco-community." In a conversation with our Asheville neighbors John Myers and Jane Lawson who are eco-innovators spear-heading creating such an eco-community , I asked, " What exactly is an eco-community...could you tell me more about all the aspects of land conservation, renewable energy, green homes, healthy living, etc that are involved?"
" Well," they responded, " It is a sustainable community where we choose to consciously live in harmony and balance with the natural world. It is a community designed to respect the environment by:
- protecting the land
- using renewable energies for heat and light
- building green homes
- supporting healthy lifestyles...
and our eco-community just half an hour from Asheville offers convenient access to healthcare, education, entertainment and transportation." I asked how they went about this creating this. "Well, janeAnne, that's quite a story. It has been a family affair from the beginning, " Jane answered.
"You know, John has been a long time activist in land conservation for the past 18 years, working with various land trusts and non-profits. He's worked to protect over 20,000 acres of parks, trails and public forestlands, " she smiled.
John chimed in, "The intention in my work has always been to preserve special lands for future generations to enjoy. In designing an eco-community, our primary goal has been to preserve as much land as possible in its beautiful, natural condition."
Now I began thinking - if a group of nature-lovers who also appreciate the cultural perks of living within half and hour of Asheville got together-that would make Big Common Sense. So I asked the couple...
How many home sites would they offer?
"Only a small number , and they'll be surrounded by many acres of abundant forests, rushing mountain streams and rugged cliffs," they replied.
Stay tuned...this is Part 3 of a story to be told over the next few months . . .Part 1 Part 2 and let me know what you think.
Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG and keep those creative wheels a turnin'
__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*)
Hi JaneAnne - You asked what I think?
I think you have brought together people with vision who are truly committed to sustaining the resources our earth provides.
I think you have brought together a group of professionals with the experience to develop their vision!
I think you have some great things going on in your "City of Bliss!"
I think I can't wait to read about the developments!!!
and...I love the link you provided to MiKids! You're a Michigan girl after my heart!
Diane~
Glad to be helpful. How about planning a visit to Asheville. I will be happy personally to take you on a tour and share the "feeling" of an eco-community with you...capturing that "feeling" is something many say needs to be experienced...in person =)
Mary~
I am SO pleased that I asked what you think! This morning in sunny Asheville, I am grinning...ear to ear! You have commented on the core of eco-community... bringing " people with vision who are truly committed to sustaining the resources our earth provides..." together...in a positive way.
You said...."I can't wait to read about the developments!!! and I am encouraged...Look for Part 4 later this week.
Sharon~
You brought up an very important point...You commented on one of the essential elements of this eco-community in particular..."a relationship with the land, and a spirit that can be sensed."
Susan~
Good Eye!!!! Here's the scoop on your comment ( as I recall)
Bent Creek Experimental Forest
Bent Creek Experimental Forest-the first to be established in the South, is one of the oldest research areas maintained by the Forest Service. Its purpose was to provide opportunities for the systematic development of experiments in silvicultural practices. Since 1925, before its establishment as an experimental forest, scientists have been developing and demonstrating sound forestry practices at Bent Creek. Their research-both early and current-on fire, insects, diseases, timber, wildlife, and water is being applied over much of the Southern Appalachians. With an increasing intensity of land use throughout the region and around the country, research conducted at Bent Creek is important to the sustainability of the South's forested lands.
Current research is focused on:
###