Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Americana
Planning Practice at a Crossroads—Tradition, Technology, and the Natural World Rural communities are at a pivotal moment. Faced with shifting demographics, economic restructuring, and intensifying climate pressures, the planning profession is evolving rapidly. And with that evolution comes a wealth of opportunity—for rural areas to not only adapt but to lead with creativity, resilience, and […]
This is Part Four in our series on Conservation and the Great Outdoors: Exploring how rural open lands regeneration, nature-based solutions, and local leadership are transforming conservation into a catalyst for community renewal and long-term rural resilience. Restoration, rehabilitation, and remediation of open lands is gaining momentum across North America, sparking a quiet revolution in […]
Wetlands are invaluable ecosystems that offer services such as flood control, water purification, and biodiversity support. Wetlands function as natural sponges which trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater, and flood waters. However, they often face threats from development and regulatory changes. Recent policy shifts, including the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision, […]
Soil degradation is a growing environmental sustainability challenge for rural communities. Erosion, declining fertility, and nutrient loss threaten long-term agricultural productivity, impacting not just farmers but also water quality, infrastructure, and land-use planning. One of the simplest and most effective solutions? Cover cropping. Cover crops—plants grown between cash crop cycles to improve soil health—help prevent […]
