OK, I didn't see janeAnne's JUNE CHALLENGE in time to give it any real justice, but I did want to at least 'weigh in' by posting something I found through Facebook, which I personally see as being the wave of the future, at least in ECO terms!

The Natural Solutions Foundation Eco Community is one community where this ECO-Challenge is being taken seriously, and I'd love to hear about more, so please post here or on the group if you know or hear of any more--this is great stuff, not to mention the NSF community has a really great name:  Valley of the Moon (how cool is that?!)

The Family Legacy - My Dad's Ideal Farm in NC (smaller project than this...)

As for the challenge, in general what I would do with 2000 ACRES (if I were Queen of the Universe or had really great connections in Eco-development) basic outline:

• A Community Center as the HUB, containing a large greenhouse and alternative (wind, solar) power storage facilities.  This hub (or hubs--I like the 'cluster' concept for such a large tract) would have arterial roadways sub-dividing like wheel spokes to the outer boundaries of the land, but only alternative fuel vehicles (including the four-legged variety!) to be used.
• Each homesite would have a minimum of 2 acres, I think--but here's the part I haven't properly researched on the plat map to give a better overview.  Development of the individual sites would have to be under consultation with a bevy of Eco-professionals, with minimal footprint and maximum use of alternative energy and, you know--GREEN stuff!
• Participation in community gardening/farming efforts would be encouraged, but not necessary--my concept is to have a center which takes care of much of the bulk, but all building, waste removal, etc. would be closely controlled, and ORGANIC.  Rain barrels and other collection devices as well as composting would be part of the infrastructure.
• The entire site would be treated as a preserve--with outside visitors encouraged to experience green possibilities through sections devoted to resort-style accomodations designed for education as well as vacation!

Imagine what it would be like (and it would be, with such a large space), to have a fully-sustainable community which, like cities such as Atlanta, has created its own weather system--only in this case, it's a GREEN system!

I'd move there...in a heartbeat!  :^)