I and the Bird #63

A green belt as a fashion accessory tends to clash with most outfits. As a product of land use policy, however, a greenbelt is pretty awesome. Greenbelts are undeveloped swathes of land, usually within urban areas, designated to stay wild, partially wild, or agricultural. Zones like these add a great deal to the cities enlightened enough to protect them. Greenbelts help to regulate air quality, reduce soil erosion, protect waterways from polluted runoff, recharge groundwater supplies, and lower energy consumption and summer air temperatures by mitigating the urban heat island effect. Not only do greenspaces deliver the passive economic benefits of improved property value, worker productivity, and consumer interest in local businesses, but they also provide venues for active forms of recreation including hiking, biking, and, of course, birding. Long, continuous stretches of woods and water also offer a cornucopia of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. They protect critical habitat from destruction, animals from accidents, and cities from sprawl.

Clearly, greenbelts are good things. The Greenbelt, home of The Ridger, certainly is. The Ridger is no stranger to I and the Bird; not only is she a frequent contributor but she also hosted I and the Bird #44. Now she’s back with a tasty and terrific Thanksgiving edition of I and the Bird #63.

While we’re on the subject of good things, birds are mighty good. So are blogs. Put the two together and good gives way to freaking great. If you’re purveying some freaking great bird blogging, share it with the readers of I and the Bird. Our next fine host is Moe of Iowa Voice so send a link and summary to your finest recent bird-themed post to me or Moe (moe AT iowavoice DOT com) by Tuesday, December 11.