Early residents of eastern Shelby County and DeSoto County are dismayed by the effects of rapid growth -- clear cutting of trees, ever-widening roads, and the disappearance of the natural landscape.Ê Is there a better way?Ê

Fayette CountyÊdeveloper Doug SwinkÊbelieves there is.Ê He was inspired byÊland-use planner Randall Arendt whoseÊconservation planning principles have savedÊcommunities thousands of acresÊfrom development.Ê Mr. Arendt is the country's most sought-after speaker on the topic of creative development design as a conservation tool, and he isÊthe author of more than 20 publications on the topic.Ê Arendt and Swink will discuss practical ways communities can take action to preserve their environment and their landscape.

Join us for "Smart City," Sunday, 9 a.m. on the WKNO-FM stations (91.1, 90.1).Ê Or listen on the Web anytime at WKNO in the Public Newsroom.