In this Section
Issues > Smart Growth Main Page > All Smart Growth Documents
How Smart Growth Solves Sprawl
Smart Conservation: Protecting Green Space before It's Too Late
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Austin, Texas is one of those vibrant cities that have recently drawn thousands of new residents with its great quality of life. Like many of these livable places, however, Austin almost fell victim to its own success when the values that had lured people to the city were undermined by rapid growth and unsound development. Luckily, Austinites got a wake-up call when their downtown Barton Springs -- an important source for the city's drinking water and a popular green space -- became threatened by subdivisions. By rallying to protect Barton Springs, residents preserved one of the natural resources that make the city so livable. Barton Springs is part of the Edwards Aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for more than 1.5 million people. Each year, a quarter of a million people swim in the Barton Springs Pool, while the surrounding cliffs and forest attract wildlife. But after Austin's growth spurt, polluted runoff from nearby subdivisions endangered the springs. In 1992, the parks department recommended adding 1,050 acres of public land to Barton Springs as a buffer against development. Voters showed their support by passing a $20 million bond for land purchases, and in less than two years, nearly 1,000 acres had been added to the park. Austinites had recognized that Barton Springs was part of what made their city so appealing and successful and, fortunately, they recognized it before it was too late. Back to introduction | Previous page | Next page Photo: Save Barton Creek Association |
Sign up for NRDC's online newsletter
Kaid Benfield's Blog
Kaid Benfield writes about development, community and the environment on Switchboard.
Kaid's Recent Posts
- Walk Score incorporates transit, real estate industry takes note
- posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/6/09
- Federal officials, other leaders stress “sustainable communities” at national planning forum
- posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/5/09
- All aboard: Cincinnati voters emphatically reject anti-streetcar measure
- posted by Kaid Benfield, 11/4/09
Related NRDC Press Releases
Related Links
Find Your Favorite NRDC website
- Global Warming & Energy:
- Beat the Heat
- Move America Beyond Oil
- Activism:
- Save BioGems
- NRDC Action Fund
- Ocean Protection:
- Your Oceans
- Green, Healthy Living:
- Simple Steps
- Smarter Cities
- This Green Life
- Green Paws
- NRDC Cool Sites:
- It's Your Nature
- GreenDay+NRDC
- For Kids:
- Green Squad




