The Growing Practice of Road Ecology

Laura Tepper explains "road ecology", the intersection between transportation planning and habitat conservation.

1 minute read

October 3, 2011, 8:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Road ecologists study "...how roads act as barriers inhibiting the movement of plants, animals, water and soils; how traffic run-off contaminates surface and underground water; and how particulate emissions and noise pollution affect habitats."

But they also seek solutions for these problems. You may have never heard of road ecology, but it turns out many universities are on the cutting edge of this growing field:

"Major research centers now include the Road Ecology Center at UC Davis, the Center for Transportation and the Environment at North Carolina State University, and the Western Transportation Institute's Road Ecology Program at Montana State University."

Monday, October 3, 2011 in Places

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A rendering of the proposed green space, which has a white, triangular structure that provides shade, and small waterfalls.

LA to transform part of water treatment facility into new park

By rebuilding some of the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation Plant’s infrastructure, the city will free up 18,000 square feet to create a new green space for the public.

5 hours ago - LA Urbanize

A colorful Via transit bus next to a brick building.

San Antonio approves $1.1 billion transit agenda

The agency has also begun construction of its Via Rapid Green line, which will service passengers from the San Antonio International Airport.

6 hours ago - San Antonio Business Journal

A woman sits on a bus stop bench and looks at her phone.

Guerilla urbanists’ DIY benches joined by sanctioned seats in Chicago

The group behind the original homemade benches said they will continue installing them across bench-less bus stops in Chicago.

7 hours ago - Block Club Chicago