The real estate crash in the early 2000s provided opportunities for some people in Texas to purchase homes at a lower cost, while others like Christopher Brown saw potential in buying empty lots in industrial areas of Austin. Brown’s interest in these abandoned urban spaces led to a 20-year project of living in and documenting such locations, which he details in his new book, “A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys and Other Wild Places.”
In an interview with Texas Standard, Brown shared his motivation behind buying a rundown plot of land and his journey of transforming it into a thriving natural space. He explained that he wanted to find a way to live next to wild spaces without leaving the city, exploring the untamed nature within urban areas. Despite the initial challenges and concerns about industrial waste on the land, Brown discovered the resilience of nature and its ability to heal scars on the land with a little stewardship.
Brown’s decision to write a book about his experiences stemmed from his background as a novelist and his interest in exploring the boundary between urban spaces and nature. He aimed to show people how they can reconnect with wild nature in their everyday lives, finding enrichment and agency in helping to rewild the future and address environmental issues.
Embracing and transforming these empty lots may seem like a time-consuming endeavor, but Brown emphasized that it can be easier than traditional yard work. By allowing the yard to go wild and supporting the growth of native plants, individuals can create pockets of wild nature in their own spaces. Brown highlighted the efforts of other families and organizations across Texas who are working on similar projects, showcasing the impact of creating interconnected networks of wild spaces within urban environments.
On a larger scale, municipal projects like the restoration of Buffalo Bayou and the Great Springs Project in Central Texas demonstrate the potential for creating green spaces within cities. The Bush Library in Dallas even features a model prairie restoration on its roof, highlighting the innovative ways in which urban areas can be transformed into habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
Overall, Brown’s journey to live next to nature in empty lots in the city serves as an inspiration for others to explore the untamed beauty within urban landscapes and contribute to the rewilding of their surroundings. By fostering connections between humans and nature, individuals can play a role in preserving and enhancing the natural world within their communities.
