An example of "sustainable development"?

As you can see above, Audubon International's slogan is "helping people help the environment where they live, work and play." Amid its menu of programs are the Audubon Signature programs: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The Audubon Signature Programs offer comprehensive planning and educational services to help new developments protect natural resources, both on and off site. By working closely with planners, architects, managers, and key stakeholders, Audubon International ensures that biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and sustainable management are built into the project and continue after construction is completed.

Why should birders care about this? Because efforts to "design, build and manage with nature in mind" are worthy of our attention, as are the results of these programs.

For example, a resort community in Northern California recently became the first Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary in the Golden State. Located near Lake Tahoe, Old Greenwood in Truckee received recognition for
- creating a golf course onto the existing land with minimal disturbance
- preserving natural vegetation, restoring wildlife habitats and protecting streams
- locating homes within existing trees and using native vegetation
- clustering homes to leave large, undisturbed areas
- designating four tracts, ranging in size from 90 acres to 252 acres, for wildlife habitat

Developments like this, while currently limited to upscale areas, are encouraging, yes?