Green Living: Cielo Falls Captures Rising Trend of Green Development

Originally Posted: February 06, 2007 by Trout Headwaters, Inc.

BOONE, N.C. — Restored trout streams, cascading waterfalls, low-impact trails, secluded swimming holes, and rainwater cisterns. High-speed internet and cable, networked fire and security alarm systems, and gourmet kitchens. By linking natural capital with comfortable living, Cielo Falls is a luxury, gated log home community along the Blue Ridge Parkway that is on the leading edge of the rising trend of "green development."

The concept of green development means communities are planned for sustainability for future generations, while retaining an environmentally-sensitive focus.

Trout Headwaters, Inc. (THI), The River Restoration Company, based in Paradise Valley, Mont., was chosen to fully restore Cielo Falls' wetlands and more than three miles of stream. THI is recognized as an industry leader for its innovative, natural approaches to restoration and enhancement of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands.

"The benefits of green development are clearly being recognized by developers, investors and homeowners," says THI President Michael Sprague. "It's a win-win approach for everyone and benefits the environment we all share. It gives me great personal satisfaction to see this trend becoming the new standard."

Cielo Falls, located near rural Boone, N.C., is focused on the appeal of "natural capital," a term coined in the 1970s by an economist to describe vital life-supporting services that flow from living ecosystems. Natural capital is priceless because it cannot be replicated; things like clean air and water, productive soil and sunlight.

While natural capital may be hard to quantify, green development yields measurable results. Improved water quality, higher trout populations, decreased groundwater use, and cleaner stormwater runoff can be measured. In addition to restoring the streams and ponds of Cielo Falls, the impact of water used within the homes will be optimized through the use of rainwater harvesting systems designed by Rainwater Management Solutions of Salem, Va. The ever increasing demand for water and green development makes rainwater harvesting an advantageous solution for sustainable development in the U.S.

"We're very proud of the work we are doing to make Cielo Falls both a beautiful, enjoyable community and a model development that will benefit future generations," says Cielo Falls Development Manager Mark Yates.

For more information visit the following websites: Cielo Falls, Trout Headwaters, and Rainwater Management Solutions.

Contact Info:
Mike Sprague, President
Tel: 406-222-3554
E-mail: mike@troutheadwaters.com