Whether on residential, commercial, or public lands, wildlife habitat has become part and parcel of an increasing number of landscape projects. That said, habitat creation must jibe with the practical, cultural, and aesthetic needs of your clients. This intensive program will include two days of classroom and field exploration that simultaneously explore the integration of ecology & wildlife habitat with garden aesthetics & human experience. Join us during peak migration season in Cape May Point, one of North America’s premier birding and lepidoptera hotspots - where presenters from the fields of ecology, ornithology, and garden design will explore the integration of these distinct but highly related disciplines.
Category: Professional
Stephanie Frischie (Upper Midwest & Spain), Eric Lee Mäder (Pacific NW) & Larry Weaner (Eastern U.S.)
Each speaker will discuss native meadow establishment techniques that are unique to their specific region, as well as the disturbed landscapes and invasive plants that they all commonly encounter. Our accomplished group of presenters will illustrate protocols for site analysis, plant selection, initial establishment, and management that optimize the competitive advantage of native meadow and prairie species. Finally, they will highlight the importance of understanding each site's native diversity potential, allowing practitioners to align their goals with what can actually be achieved. The program will conclude with a panel where all three presenters will compare notes, field questions and comments, and discuss new research that is affecting the future horizons of meadow restoration.
Category: Professional
Pam Karlson
Pam will use her widely published Birds in the Garden: Creating & Enjoying a Bird Oasis to illustrate how, even in a densely populated area like urban Chicago, she has attracted over 100 bird species and a wide variety of pollinators. In addition to native plant selection, her presentation will delve deeply into lesser examined aspects of habitat creation including nesting requirements, dietary needs, migratory routes, and various other forms of supplemental support. She will also discuss how tapping into community science can refine your efforts, and help you interpret the results. Join us to learn how your home property can exemplify the ecological power of urban lots.
Category: Professional and Home Gardener
Steven Handel, Ph.D., Hon. ASLA and Larry Weaner, FAPLD
Restoration ecologists are primarily concerned with advancing a strong biodiversity agenda. How their projects are perceived by visitors is generally not considered ecologically relevant. But restoration projects that elicit a positive public response are more likely to receive management resources, trigger project expansions, and even provide inspiration for restoration at other sites. Public “fear of nature” and dislike of a “wild” look are hurdles that can be overcome however, through plant arrangement, management protocols, path placements, and other moves that make “wildness” more legible to them. In this session Restoration Ecologist Steven Handel and Landscape Designer Larry Weaner will discuss how cross-pollination between these two disciplines can marry site ecology and visitor experience, to the benefit of both.
Category: Professional
Founded in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.
Category: Professional
Founded in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.
Category: Professional
