"A Tree-Hugger's Lament" by Fly on the Wall | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

A Tree-Hugger's Lament

February 6, 2013

Southern Pines and Pinehurst are beautiful places -- oases, really, in a landscape lacking the natural beauty of the mountains or coastline. I recall my first two visits, once approaching on NC 211 from 220, the other south on US 1 from Chapel Hill. Surely I must be on the wrong roads, I thought, unltil the stately pines appeared. Now, they are gone along 211. The approach looks like just another highway. The crape myrtles, too, on US 1. Recently, down came the trees that screened Morganton Road from the highway. The hillside appears naked, ugly, another exit of fanother highway, marked only by motels. Road construction may be necessary for increased traffic in advance of the U.S. Opens. Bridges wear out, like shoes. But what a shame that improvements can't be in keeping with the villages and homes which have long characterized the area. Dream on. deb

geoffcutler 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Deb, I couldn't agree with you more! With any luck, DOT will be doing some replanting in these urban barrens, but we'll see.

ricksarno 3 months, 2 weeks ago

There have been many changes in the 20+ years I have been here. It is, and always will be, a beautiful area, especially if you get off the beaten path. Let's hope that future changes, brought on by increasing population, will continue to be done with careful planning and an eye to protect our envionment.