We Love Trees

The Villebois community was recently recognized for its environmental preservation efforts during the homebuilding process in an article in the Fall 2008 issue of Forests for Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s magazine. The article honored the City of Wilsonville, Oregon’s commitment to its “urban forest” and protection of its natural resources. Wilsonville has been recognized as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1997.

Villebois is a shining example of the application and realization of Wilsonville’s tree preservation codes and natural resources plan. As we build new homes throughout the Villebois community, we retain the existing large, old-growth trees and incorporate native plants into the landscaping throughout the community. In doing so, we give the area an “old neighborhood” feel. This not only protects the natural habitat and aligns with the city’s tree preservation program, but also provides Villebois residents with a neighborhood in which to live that evokes a sense of pride and community.

We incorporate sustainable development practices through other aspects of the Villebois community as well.

Villebois is host to additional erosion-control features, including a complex rainwater management system that is pioneering new techniques to get more rainwater back into the ground and decreasing runoff into storm sewers. With funding from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for rainwater management, eco-friendly porous paving stones and permeable asphalt extend throughout Villebois. Not only are these great techniques for master planning our community, but they are also implemented by individual homeowners in their own backyards.

Our use of water gardens and rain gardens allows rainwater to soak into the soil, which creates a slower delivery of cleaner water into nearby rivers and waterways. Additionally, there are several play areas throughout the community, including Sofia Park, that are actually dry stream beds that collect runoff and yet provide an attractive play feature for children within the community.

All of the homes constructed at Villebois are Earth Advantage-certified as well, and more than 90 percent of the materials from the previous buildings on-site have been recycled.

Read the article from Forests for Oregon here: “The little city that could: Wilsonville demonstrates tree care planning, leadership”

For more information about sustainable practices used throughout the Villebois community, please contact me today at Blog@CostaPacific.com or 866.580.2836; or visit Villebois.com.

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