Innovative private developers can champion development practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts and increase community health and livability. But not all developers have the vision to achieve integrated ecological, social, and economic benefits.

In designed landscapes where function, beauty, and ecological services must coexist, plant selection becomes both art and science. In this session, go beyond generic native plant lists and learn how ecological understanding, design strategy, and horticultural craft work together to create high-performing landscapes. Get valuable new insights on how to compose planting designs that deliver both visual beauty and ecological impact and engage the public.

Property insurers have been cautious about updating rates to account for nature-based solutions designed to reduce flood risks. They cite data and research gaps and argue more evidence is needed on how these solutions perform in comparison with grey or hybrid solutions. Learn how the Environmental Defense Fund, City of Boston, and Stone Living Lab are in the process of making the case for nature-based solutions. Their argument: these solutions result in lower risks and greater benefits for communities. Their work can change how insurers factor in these solutions when calculating new rates.

Although biodiversity has become the latest buzzword in landscape architecture, supporting biodiversity through design can still feel like a daunting task. Join us to learn about the importance of referring to local, native “proxy” habitats through design–the reference ecosystem design approach. This is the first in a three-part series on how to incorporate design for biodiversity into your everyday workflow.