Though the idea of golf courses as habitat conservation continues to spread, the reality isn't so green.
"With all their open spaces, green grass, and generally pleasant- looking roughs, golf courses would seem to epitomize the principles of conservation and ecological design. Unfortunately, that perception is deceiving. Golf course developers tend to over-landscape. They remove too much natural habitat, introduce nonnative vegetation, draw too much water from aqueducts, and maintain properties with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The idea that golf courses could be what they appear to be, conservation habitats, has been percolating through the development community for the past decade. In fact, in some areas of the country, polluted, discarded, and stripped lands have turned to golf course development to repair the damage done by mines, landfills, quarries, or industrial waste. However, they represent only a small part of the golfing industry. Most courses are private developments associated with clubs, resorts, and, increasingly, master-planned communities." -The full text is only availble to ULI members
Thanks to Christian Peralta
FULL STORY: Seeking Sanctuary

Rethinking Redlining
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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When Sears Pioneered Modular Housing
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions