The Town of Williamston, North Carolina, has earned the Audubon Sustainable Community Certification from Audubon International, a non-profit environmental organization. Members of Audubon International’s Sustainable Communities Program are eligible for the designation, which recognizes dedication to the process of becoming a sustainable community by completing a Vision 2020 plan. The plan covers 15 focus areas and members, like Williamston, must choose timelines and measurable goals. Once progress is documented, members can earn certification. As Mayor Tommy Roberson states, “Audubon International and the Sustainable Communities Program has provided invaluable guidance, a useful framework for action, measurable goals, and third-party verification of our efforts to truly embrace sustainability as a core principle for our policies, plans, and practices.”
“As the first municipality to receive the Audubon International Sustainable Community Certification in the state of North Carolina, the Town of Williamston has demonstrated a strong commitment to the ideals of sustainability – economic vitality, environmental protection, and social responsibility,” says Suzi Zakowski, Manager of the Sustainable Communities Program. “With the surrounding natural landscape of Eastern North Carolina and a rich heritage, Williamston has much to celebrate. It is a unique place filled with residents, businesses and community organizations that care deeply about the place they call home.”
Williamston’s accomplishments on their way to earning this certification include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Roanoke River Projects- The Town has completed several projects along the Roanoke River that both attracts visitors and preserves the natural elements. Several birding paths linked to the North Carolina Birding Trails, educational signage that highlights the historical significance, camping platforms, and recreational opportunities along the newly constructed boardwalk are just a few of the completed projects that draw residents and visitors.
· Environmental Education in Local Schools- The school system has introduced a mandatory new class into the high school curriculum called Earth and the Environment, and students have constructed and continue to maintain a water quality project on campus including cisterns, rain gardens, eco-swales, permeable pavement, and riparian buffers. The project further calls attention to the diminishing fresh water supply in Williamston.
· Water Quality and Stormwater Management- To address the large amounts of runoff from parking lots and roads, the Town has constructed numerous eco-swales and bio-retention ponds. All new developments must use permeable pavement, as adopted in the Town Code. The Town has worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wetlands and natural areas surrounding the Roanoke River and has held several educational seminars for residents.
· Health and Quality of Life- Several new trails link Williamston’s recreational opportunities, including new rail trails, bike paths, and river boardwalks. All of these links are mapped and available to the general public. Also, North Carolina State students have developed a trail system that links all trails through residential areas. A comprehensive physical fitness program has been implemented through the Recreation Department and Senior Center in which a significant amount of the population participate.
· Historical Preservation– The Town has an active Historical Society which holds outreach events, develops educational materials and publications, documents the heritage, and preserves properties. To date, in addition to the downtown, which is a walkable, mixed use area, sixty-six pieces of property have been acquired and preserved. Several area organizations participate in festivals that attract tourists and revenue, highlighting the history of the region.
· Infill- The Town has implemented codes to reduce sprawl and encourage the use of existing structures. The Arts Council and Technology Center, Economic Incubator, and the Roanoke Landing and Technology Center have occupied existing buildings, and the Downtown Facade Grants Program encourages the use of downtown buildings. A down payment assistance program encourages the purchase of existing homes.
· Agriculture- Williamston is located in rural Martin County, with a lot of the land dedicated to agriculture. The Cooperative Extension has helped with outreach and education so that seventy-five percent of the farms use strip-till or no-till farming methods. A farmer’s market venue has been constructed so area farms can sell excess produce. Many of the Town’s initiatives seek to preserve farmland and the rural heritage.
· Economic Development- A large percentage of equestrian tourists has led to the construction of an Equestrian Center, and several area businesses have adjusted hours to accommodate the tourism. Several new trails and bus tours have led to an increase of nature enthusiast in the area. The Community College has created incentive programs for local businesses to provide hands-on learning for students with the promise of employment.
Members maintain certification status in the Sustainable Communities Program by demonstrating continuous progress towards goals in the plan under a set of fifteen types of sustainability indicators. “The community leaders and citizens in Williamston have understood the value of outside help, credible third-party oversight of their sustainability efforts, and a process to help identify clear and measurable goals” states Kevin A. Fletcher, Ph.D., Executive Director of Audubon International. “This is their community and their success to be proud of and to relish. We’re happy to be helping them along the way.”
About Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources, thus leading to more sustainable communities. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. Through the Community Engagement, Planning & Action Initiative, and the Sustainable Communities Program, Audubon International works to help community leaders and stakeholders embrace environmental stewardship and sustainability as a central element of planning, policies, and practices.
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