Kirt Manecke, LandChoices's Blog (59)

Protect your land with a conservation easement

LandChoices interviews Tom Bailey, ex… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on November 19, 2009 at 7:06am — No Comments

Conservation Planning: "You'd never drain a lake..."

We asked LandChoices' advisory group member and conservation developer… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on November 5, 2009 at 11:17am — No Comments

Can landscape architecture preserve our environment?

Can landscape architecture preserve our environment? Landscape planner and La… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on October 29, 2009 at 6:45am — No Comments

Video: Land conservation and developers

LandChoices interviews noted planner… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on October 22, 2009 at 6:53am — No Comments

Green video: Why do most subdivisions look so bad?

This is LandChoices first video from our official… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on October 15, 2009 at 4:36am — No Comments

Greener road design, part 2, with Randall Arendt

Infiltration or conservation meadows are a less expensive and environmentally superior alternative to deep “bombcrater” basin designs. In this example from Doylestown Township in Bucks County, the side slopes are so gentle that the entire meadow can be mowed with large equipment o… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on October 1, 2009 at 7:35am — 1 Comment

Greener road design, part 1

Noted planner Randall Arendt has written the terrific article (PDF), "Enhancing Neighborhood Safety and Livability Through Greener Road Design". It's part 1 of a two-part series and I found it very informative. In the article Arendt writes "Road design in neighborhoods also provides an opportunity to incorporate environmentally friendly practice… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on September 24, 2009 at 9:00am — No Comments

Conservation subdivisions: "Do it backward"

The original site plan for River Valley called for a conventional subdivision of 34 house lots of 80,000 square feet (just under two acres) each on the 85 acre site, taking up all but the unbuildable land.

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Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on September 4, 2009 at 7:55am — 2 Comments

"Going Green" exhibit this weekend

If you are interested in “going green” head to the Michigan Magazine Museum for their“Going Green” exhibit. The exhibit runs from Friday, Aug. 28 through Sund… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on August 27, 2009 at 10:54pm — No Comments

Conservation subdivisions get boost near Chicago

According to the article "Subdivisions designed for conservation get a boost" in the Chicago Tribune, conservation subdivisions are starting to bloom. The article includes the terms "cluster" and "clustering" which drives my crazy (learn the difference between c… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on August 19, 2009 at 9:23pm — No Comments

Small borough acheives big conservation goals with estate

Arboretum quality trees, such as this dawn redwood, will be preserved as a result of development. Under the prior development regulations, these trees would most likely have been destroyed. At LandChoices we created a website for planners,… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on August 13, 2009 at 8:11pm — No Comments

Learn: Conservation Subdivision vs. Clustering

The articles CONSERVATION DESIGN VERSUS TYPICAL CLUSTER REGULATIONS (PDF) is by the staff of the Natural Lands Trust and Randall Arendt. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive at LandChoices is “How is conservation subdivision design different from "… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on August 7, 2009 at 9:33am — No Comments

More on Wal-Mart vs. a battlefield

Below is the nice e-mail I received from Caroline Baker, Communications Coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She was commenting on my blog posting at… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on July 31, 2009 at 7:09am — 2 Comments

Wal-Mart vs. a battlefield

Photo courtesy Wal-Mart I'm off the topic of conservation subdivisions as this item is important and we need to spread the word. It seems Wal-Mart is proposing to build a super store near Orange, Virginia near land th… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on July 23, 2009 at 7:41pm — 3 Comments

Local green development receives national recognition

Photo courtesy Cedar Valley Ridge Cedar Valley Ridge, a conservation development in Long Lake Township of Grand Traverse County, is certified as a Four Stars Green Subdivision by the National Association of Home Builders… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on July 16, 2009 at 11:00pm — No Comments

Food Inc., the movie

Food Inc - Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms and his grass fed herd. Photo courtesy Food Inc I'm writing off topic. Instead of talking about conservation development, I want to let you know about our food. From the Food… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on July 9, 2009 at 7:05am — 2 Comments

Organic farms and conservation developments

Developers are creating subdivisions around organic farms to attract buyers according to the article Organic Farms as Subdivision Amenities in the New York Times. According to the article, these subdivisions have been treating farms as an amenity. LandChoices' member Ed McMahon is quoted in the article: “Open space improves the return for a developer,” Mr. McMahon said. “We… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on July 2, 2009 at 8:14am — 2 Comments

First Green Bank: good deal for conservation subdivisions

I’m very impressed with First Green Bank. They promote positive environmental and social responsibility. Their progressive approach sets them apart. First Green Bank promotes environmental responsibility and green building by offering lower interest rates for commercial projects that meet LEED standards. Special incentives are offered to employees who meet green lifestyle housing and living standards. Loan officers will be required to be… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on June 25, 2009 at 8:06am — No Comments

Bundoran Farm conservation development responds

I received this nice letter below from Joe Barnes at Bundaron Farm after posting about his wonderful conservation development. I want to share it with you. I love his comment about the TV reporter. This is how all development should be: "Kirt, Thanks for writing this post about Bundoran Farm. I would encourage anyone who hasn't visited our website www.bundoranfarm.com to do so. Or better yet, visit Bundoran Farm in person. One bit of caution, don't ex… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on June 18, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments

Visit Tryon Farm, a conservation community

Tryon Farm, in Indiana just over the Michigan border (southwest Michigan) is offering guided tours of the land and houses on the 1st Sunday of every month. I'd recommend you take a day trip and visi… Continue

Posted by Kirt Manecke, LandChoices on June 11, 2009 at 9:00am — No Comments