TCLF’s latest conference, Leading with Landscape IV: Transforming North Carolina’s Research Triangle, was held on April 13, 2018, at the James B. Hunt, Jr., Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Topics explored include the regionally unique coupling of human and natural systems, how the area’s campus landscapes are serving as “incubators” for innovative planning and design solutions, new projects that are re-evaluating the region’s monuments and memorials, two revered public landscapes—Moore Square and Dix Park—and much more. To learn more about the conference: https://tclf.org/conference-proceedings-video-leading-landscape-iv
Setting the Stage: A History of Coupled Human & Natural Systems
Chuck Flink, FASLA, PLA, President, Greenways Incorporated
The Ecology of Place: The Triangle Region’s Natural Heritage
The Triangle Region of North Carolina is in the Piedmont Plateau of North America, anchored by the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and characterized by gently rolling hills, broad river valleys and productive forests. During the past 500 years, this region of North Carolina has been transformed from an untamed wilderness to a renowned hub of research, technology, pharma and world-class universities. This presentation will explore the role that ecology and environment has played in shaping settlement, culture and the economy of the region.
Specifically, this presentation aims to examine how geology, topography, silviculture and agriculture provided the framework for community development, industrialization, enterprise, government and education. The growth of the Triangle region has been fueled by its green infrastructure: forests, streams, rivers and ecological systems. Deliberate efforts have been made to preserve and protect elements of this green infrastructure. The Triangle is known for its extensive, world-class network of greenways, parks and open spaces. However, explosive population growth throughout the Triangle region threatens this magnificent natural heritage with impacts on watersheds, wildlife and green infrastructure.
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