The striking declines in insect populations, in addition to many other species, warrants an “all hands on deck” approach to conservation. Since 2015, the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group has brought together organizations from across the U.S. and Canada to promote habitat on energy and transportation lands, such as rights-of-way (ROW). Beginning in 2018, a group of 40+ partners from across the energy and transportation sectors in the U.S., in collaboration with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, developed the first nationwide Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) to promote voluntary conservation of monarch butterfly habitat on energy and transportation lands. This presentation will introduce the Monarch CCAA and what it means for conservation.

Phytotechnology utilizes plants to remediate groundwater and soils. Commonly the focus of obscure sites, recent phytotechnology projects have moved into cities increasing plant performance to sequester carbon and reduce the heat-island effect. This session explores the budding relationship between scientists and designers by looking at case studies that integrate phytotechnologies into public landscapes.

Traditional methods of practice have been called into question by social movements and health crises in recent years. Alternate business models that prioritize workers' rights and agency offer a clear path forward. Looking at several approaches via case studies, we'll explore the benefits to the firm, the industry, and the broader community.

Texas weather has always been extreme, but with climate change, it is even more so. We expected increased heat/drought, but not 2021 Winter Storm Uri and the coldest temperatures on record. How did Central Texas plant communities respond? What can their response teach us about the complexities of designing/planning for climate change?

Since its Green Infrastructure Plan in 2010, New York City has built thousands of green infrastructure projects. The Gowanus watershed in Brooklyn was one of the city's first combined sewer watersheds to pilot many green infrastructure practices. Find out about lessons learned from plans, implemented projects, and maintenance and education programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how we work, where we work, and how we communicate and collaborate. The very notion of the studio--the physical office--is in question. This panel will highlight methods and practices that we should and should not bring back to our physical workspaces.

Our values influence our designs, and in turn, our designs give purpose to our practices. This session reflects on the hidden drivers behind our creative process and the values that reinforce design, leadership styles, and cross-generational mentorship. This is an open discussion among women at different stages of their careers.

Indigenous identity and history are often land-centered. This storytelling session will define essential connections between the land and subsistence lifeways. It will identify how we can restore, protect, reclaim, and revitalize Indigenous culture, language, knowledge, and ceremonies through critical partnerships and policies, while healing both the land and the people.

The past several years have presented countless challenges to workers and firms. In this panel, hear from three leaders of firms at different scales on how to develop intentional approaches to organizational design, growth, profitability, positive office culture, retention, firm legacy, and more.

How do you protect 8.5 million people from the negative impacts of climate change? This session will review New York City's progress toward a more resilient shoreline since Hurricane Sandy ten years ago, examining key resiliency projects across the city. Will NYC be prepared for the next big storm?