Kathrin Day Lassila

Kathrin Day Lassila is editor of the Amicus Journal, a publication of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). In the following viewpoint, she argues that poorly planned real estate development has resulted in urban and suburban sprawl that endangers wildlife by destroying habitat. Complex ecosystems are being lost to suburban houses, yards, and strip malls, she asserts. In addition, sprawl creates problems of air and water pollution. She calls for greater foresight in planning urban growth to protect endangered species.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What environmental problems does suburban sprawl create for native plants and animals, according to Lassila"
2. What are “weedy species” according to the author"
3. What steps does Lassila recommend to control sprawl"

It was in the early 1980s, as Michael Klemens tells it...