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Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines has always been environmentally conscious, but it wasn't until the late '90s that he realized there was more work to do. A conference on building more energy-efficient facilities ignited a passion in Villines and others to begin steering Arkansas in a more energy-efficient direction. With the help of local LEED champions Martha Jane Murray and Jan Meyer Swindler, Villines and others formed Arkansas' first chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Today, about 80 people attend the chapter meetings, and Villines is optimistic about Arkansas' continued dedication to green building. “The fact is you can build buildings that use materials that are healthier for people and you can reduce energy by using natural sunlight — all these things are sustainable,” Villines said.

Villines hasn't stopped at just green buildings. He drives a hybrid car and only purchases hybrids for the county (except for a few specialized police vehicles). He also has been one of the state's most active advocates for green spaces to promote better health among Arkansans. His biggest contribution so far: the Big Dam Bridge, which attracts 2,000 to 4,000 people during the weekends.

“That bridge lets residents see how beautiful this place is,” said Villines, who was the driving force behind the building of the world's longest bridge designed specifically for pedestrians and cyclists.

Future plans for the Big Dam Bridge area include a countywide trail system that will connect the River Trail from any point in the county, Villines said. The trail system will connect people with places, enabling them to walk or cycle to run errands, visit local attractions or commute to work.

 “We've got to start talking more about how we move people — and not in cars,” he said. “We should be creating spaces where people want to live and play instead of creating rivers and avenues of concrete.”