Urban sprawl has widespread ramifications for natural habitats, plant and animal life, as well as human society. Use the discussion questions below to define sprawl, learn about its effects, and highlight local relevance.

• What is urban sprawl?
• What does sprawl do to a habitat?
• How does sprawl affect wildlife? Plant life? Humans?
• Where do you see sprawl occurring in our community?

Trace the development of urban sprawl in your area by describing the natural habitat, researching local history, and suggesting conservation strategies.

• Describe the habitat and the wildlife that lived in your region before development occurred.
• Describe the development of the area, and impact it has had on the natural environment.
• What could have been done to lessen the changes to natural habitat?

Urban sprawl affects not only the habitat of wildlife, but also the culture of humans. Identify the changes brought on by increased urban development in the way people live.

• How has sprawl created health problems (both physical and psychological) for humans?
• How has the mass adoption of the automobile and suburban living patterns affected the lives of humans?
• Compare the results of sprawl to the ways people in the past used to travel, work, and live.
• What improvements to your the area could be made now? (e.g., pollution control, smart growth planning)