The Quail Valley HOA should acknowledge that global warming is an emergency. We should take immediate, reasonable, and cost-effective steps to reduce carbon emissions.  We should convert the huge lawns into meadows and small marshes, following guidelines: montgomeryplanning.org/planning/environment. We should manage the land sustainably, aiming for as small a carbon footprint as technologically possible. Grounds crews would still attend to the meadow areas, removing any litter weekly, but mowing them only once a year, which sustains an attractive meadow habitat. Lawns near playgrounds and along backyard fences, and the volleyball and soccer spaces could, of course, still be mowed. Mowed walking paths could wind through the meadows. The nearby meadows at Lois Y. Green Park, and small marshes of cattails behind Forest Oak Middle School, are examples of this more naturalistic—and lower energy—management of the land. Perhaps herons would return to Great Blue Heron Rill (which leads to Seneca Creek) and quail to Quail Valley, if we invite them to come back in this way. The landscape management practices are well established. We just have to decide that global warming is a priority for our community, and then take action locally.