EcoDistrict® at the High Falls
Pioneering Sustainable Urban Living at High Falls
Greentopia drafted a plan for the FIRST EcoDistrict in New York state here at High Falls – a model for sustainable and resilient neighborhoods.
Our climate is changing. As the trend of people moving back into cities continues, the need for well designed, low emission, and healthy urban spaces will only become more pressing. The EcoDistricts framework takes an interconnected, holistic approach to sustainability. At the core of any EcoDistrict are three guiding principles: Equity, Resilience and Climate Protection.
About the EcoDistrict®
The EcoDistrict is a neighborhood-scale sustainability and design project. It will create a neighborhood of the future at High Falls, striving to achieve environmental and social justice, with a focus on access to our incredible natural assets to create a more livable and healthier community.
As our climate changes and more people move back into cities, the demand for green space and sustainable urban design grows. The EcoDistricts framework guides us in addressing these challenges through three core principles:
🤝 Equity
Are the benefits and responsibilities of development shared fairly?
Does every voice count in decision-making?
Are we prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable residents?
🌱 Resilience
Can our community withstand environmental and economic disruptions?
Are we proactively preparing for known challenges and the unexpected?
🌍 Climate Protection
How do we achieve carbon neutrality as a neighborhood?
Are we safeguarding our ecosystems and restoring them where needed?
Creating an EcoDistrict in High Falls isn’t just about deciding what to do—it’s about determining how we make those decisions and accomplish our goals. We tackle complex, far-reaching problems, and by working together at the neighborhood level, we create real, attainable change.
While we may not single-handedly reverse global biodiversity loss, we can make a meaningful impact
in High Falls State Park.
Neighborhood of the Futrue
Greentopia: Leading the Charge
As the backbone organization of the High Falls EcoDistrict, Greentopia:
Conducted the initial planning study
Brought together key stakeholders
Launched pioneering sustainability projects
Together, we are building a healthier, more sustainable future—one neighborhood at a time.
Sustainable Development
at the Neighborhood Level
High Falls is home to New York State’s FIRST EcoDistrict®—a groundbreaking model for collaborative, sustainable urban transformation. Together, we’re building an equitable, vibrant, and resilient community.
Support Our Mission
🌿 Donate to Greentopia and help fund impactful EcoDistrict projects.
🙌 Join Us as a Volunteer and be part of the change.