Event Description

Climate change has catastrophic consequences if left unchecked. We are facing water scarcity, severe erosion, harmful air quality, mass biodiversity loss, invasive plant proliferation, and rising sea levels. Threats of increased property damage, rising operational costs, growing liabilities, and complying with turf conversion mandates are challenges that property owners/managers and landscape professionals are up against.

The presentation will focus on the benefits of and approach to building resilient landscapes as they pertain to dealing with drought conditions, heavier storms, wildfires, and carbon sequestration. Methods include improving: soil health, water movement, drainage, plant selection, and health, the usability of landscape areas, carbon sequestration, and long-term planning/proactive asset management. The presentation is intended to motivate initial and ongoing investments to transition commercial landscapes into becoming more climate-wise in order to mitigate impending climate change impacts.

The objective of this course is that at the conclusion, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the threats and opportunities presented by climate change as it relates to commercial landscapes
• Educate, equip, and execute a transition to “green” practices that mitigate climate change impacts
• List best approaches for landscape practice that address the impact of climate change: drought conditions, heavier storms, and more prevalent wildfires
• Utilize landscape design and maintenance strategies that sequester carbon

Image Credit: Jain Irrigation