Wildlife in Urban and Suburban Settings

We usually think of wildlife in parks, national forests, and undeveloped areas like the mountains. But how often do you notice examples right around you?

Behind Mall of GA, the forested wetlands are home to animals you might not imagine: birds and squirrels, but also deer, snakes, ducks, salamanders, beaver, and even coyote. Similar great examples can be spotted along the Suwanee Creek Greenway. The diversity of wildlife can be one type of indicator of the overall ecosystem health and community sustainability.

Wherever you live, what unusual examples have you seen? For anyone near or in the study area, where in particular have you seen wildlife around northern Suwanee, Buford, the mall, and along Suwanee Creek and Ivy Creek Greenways?

Do you think keeping wildlife in this urban setting is a good thing? Or is it a danger or nuisance? Deer get hit by vehicles. Canadian geese take over water features. Why should we encourage wildlife near a major activity center?
Share your thoughts!

– Green In Gwinnett Area – Keeping Gwinnett Green and Sustainable

Green In Gwinnett with Sustainable Mill Creek

Sustainable Mill Creek is a case study underway since fall 2008 and continuing through much of 2010.  The study area touches parts of Suwanee, Buford, and Gwinnett County with a focus on the Mall of Georgia / Mill Creek area.  Many challenges and successes can be found throughout this area: growth demands and recent economic downturns, effects of clearcutting vs. valuing urban agroforestry applications in development, water quality and stream buffers, transportation initiatives, recreational access, and a preserved but little-known wetlands/nature center adjacent to the mall.

The research looks at social, economic, and ecological sustainability within this suburban/urban setting and also features community input and outreach.  Online surveys have started and will continue, giving insight about community values regarding the environment and quality of life — both within and outside the study area so that participants from other regions can share as well.  School surveys are being launched to coincide with volunteer class presentations in April 2010 for Earth Day week.  Please follow this new blog as we share details and touch on specific topics related to community sustainability.

Follow on twitter (@sustainmillcrk), become a fan on fb (Sustainable Mill Creek), and keep up with our website (sustainmillcreek.com). Surveys, local volunteer events, photo contests, guestbooks, and other interactive tools are active or ramping up for 2010.