Are we, as a Community, contributing to the eco-health or demise of community green?

As the fifth generation caretaker for a property once called the Bolton Estate, I have a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the ongoing effect of urban/suburban runoff and pollution. Once a pristine spring-fed natural pool, the property’s central lake presently serves as a storm water reservoir. On the other hand, it also serves as one of the few remaining green corridors – a habitat. So, I’ve made a commitment to develop personal eco-awareness.

Through participating in the state of Virginia master gardener program and attending landscape design courses and workshops, I’ve acquired stewardship and environmental land use strategies, solicited a national habitat designation for the property and acquired an open space preservation easement. Continually, I strive to identify and implement strategies that enable the area’s eco-health, but my effort is that of only one resident. To insure the eco-health of a Community green space corridor, it requires the committed effort of all.

In my book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, I encourage the use of green-scaping concepts: build and maintain healthy soil, install the right plant for site requirements; and during seasonal appropriate cycles, be water wise, adopt earth-friendly pest and weed management, and implement natural lawn care. I also encourage a phased approach toward the implementation of ‘R’ philosophy: reduce, renew, reuse and recycle; specifically, advocating ‘put green’ back into the urban/suburban community. For, as urban/suburban Communities, we need to rethink how land is developed; and perhaps, more importantly, become aware of the eco-consequences of individual choices.

We have the opportunity to accept personal accountability, educate ourselves and implement strategies that create eco-healthy spaces. The question is, “Related to your eco-status, are you contributing to the demise or eco-health of Community green?” To share comments, ideas or strategies on this or similar topics, contact me at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Each month, I'll help you build an awareness of Community green, create a legacy of eco-healthy spaces.