Boston Flora

Tag: Ecological Landscape Alliance

  • Monday, October 17, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Eco-Tour: John Hancock Charles River Walking Path

    Join Ecological Landscape Alliance tour guide Trevor Smith on Monday, October 17 from 10:30 – 12:30 to learn about the half mile permeable walking trail that was recently constructed along the Charles River in back of the Wellesley Office Park on William Street in Wellesley.  The project includes two boardwalk bridges and multiple vista points overlooking the water.  The projet is on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) land and was funded by John Hancock Real Estate USA.  The walkway was installed using Porous Pave™ a durable pervious paving material made from recycled truck tires. The mix is then spread like concrete and hardens into an extremely durable, highly permeable surface strong enough for low speed auto traffic, comfortable to walk on, and has little to no effect on the delicate hydrology of the area.

    The John Hancock Charles River Walking Path diverted 6000 tires from the landfill and can absorb 5,800 gallons of water per hour per square foot. In addition to the recycled content and high permeability, the surface is freeze and frost-heave resistant and provides significant traction. Normally such a permeable surface is used to reduce flooding and the impact of storm water. It works well for driveways and walkways because if resists freezing and cracking in winter and allows maximum return of water back into the ground. In this case however, the pervious surface is designed to provide a safe comfortable walking path through the woods without disrupting the normal water flow to the river and its inhabitants. The cost is $23 for ELA members, $33 for nonmembers. Register at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/john-hancock-charles-river-walking-path/#sthash.dAlG7tOY.dpuf

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  • Tuesday, September 20, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Webinar: Reawakening Large Landscapes, Activating the Space

    The September 20 webinar on Reawakening Large Landscapes is sponsored by the Ecological Landscape Alliance and presented by Sandy Vorce, Audubon’s Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Large landscapes pose challenges – but also opportunities. In this presentation, Sandy Vorce invites us to expand our landscape vision to more fully engage visitors. Through sights, sounds, and design options (beyond plant material), landscapes can educate, entertain, and inspire. There are many ways to activate the space, draw visitors in, and enrich the experience: from easily implemented ideas such as expanded signage, pollinator gardens, and edible landscape elements to surprisingly effective options like on-site bee keeping or the use of goats and sheep to control invasive plants.

    Sandy is the property manager at Mass Audubon’s Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary. Sandy tends everything from gardens to goats and enjoys working with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds in caring for the property and its’ inhabitants. She is a former ELA board member and now participates with local Land Trusts and Friends groups.
    – See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-reawaking-large-landscapes-activating-the-space/#sthash.bHdwXvbS.dpuf   ELA members free, nonmembers $10.

  • Wednesday, September 14, 10:00 am – Sustainable Eco-Systems for Wildlife

    Join the Ecological Landscape Alliance and tour guide Paul Kwiatkowski on Wednesday, September 14 at 10 am to learn about the Wildlife Action Plan at Mount Auburn Cemetery. This walking tour will include highlights of the ongoing work to create and sustain important ecosystem functions on this 175-acre property in Cambridge, MA. This multi-year project enhances wildlife habitat while also encouraging visitors to reconnect with the landscape. Paul Kwiatkowski will discuss how they developed and implemented projects ranging from finding the necessary funding and creating a citizen science volunteer program to addressing storm water management concerns, reintroducing native amphibians, and selecting native species for pollinator habitat creation. The Wildlife Action Plan has inspired staff and visitors alike to push the boundaries of expectation is helping Mount Auburn to evolve into an urban wildlife refuge.  $23 for ELA members, $28 for nonmembers – See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/49836/#sthash.dc63kNwk.dpuf. Image from http://www.neighbormedia.org.

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  • Wednesday, July 27, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – What Role do “Nativars” Play in an Ecological Landscape?

    As interest increases in native plants for ecological landscapes, growers and nurseries are meeting the demand through increased production of native plant cultivars (nativars) and through asexual propagation methods like cuttings, grafting, and tissue culture.

    While asexual propagation is perhaps the quickest way to produce large quantities of plants in order to meet demand, a landscape composed entirely of clonal plants (even if they are native) does not offer the same level of ecosystem services as a genetically diverse landscape grown from locally-sourced seed. Co-sponsored by ELA and New England Wild Flower Society, this program is intended to raise awareness of the many aspects of this important topic. The audience for this event will be landscape designers, landscape architects, conservation and restoration specialists, growers, and others in the landscape field. We hope that this discussion will reveal current research into the ecological value of nativars and other asexually propagated native plant species, and address the challenges of meeting the demand for genetically diverse native landscapes.

    In the midst of many opinions, this  July 27 ELA workshop at Garden in the Woods brings together several experts on the topic to bring clarity and guidance on the topic.

    Presenters and Panelists:

    Cayte McDonough is the Nursery Production Manager for New England Wild Flower Society’s Nasami Farm Native Plant Nursery based in Whately, MA. For the past 15 years she has worked to propagate, cultivate, understand, and promote New England native plants. McDonough and her colleagues collect seeds in the wild with permission from landowners. They collect from large populations to ensure genetic diversity and limit their collections to 20 percent of the available seed to minimize the impact on the population. She also enjoys learning about native pollinators and supporting local farmers.

    Michael Piantedosi is the Seed Bank Coordinator of New England Wild Flower Society and is currently working with Seeds of Success (SOS), a native seed collection program led by the Bureau of Land Management. SOS collects wild land native seed for research, development, germplasm conservation and ecosystem restoration. The ultimate goal is to ensure the availability of genetically rich, regionally adapted native plant materials to restore, rehabilitate and stabilize lands in the United States.

    Mark Richardson oversees the New England Wildflower Society’s botanic garden, Garden in the Woods in Framingham, Massachusetts and its native plant nursery operation, Nasami Farm in Whately, Massachusetts. He studied ornamental horticulture at the University of Rhode Island and helped run a mid-sized ornamental plant nursery before finding his true passion in public horticulture. He led undergraduate programs at Longwood Gardens, overhauled the curriculum of the Professional Gardener Program, and oversaw adult education at Brookside Gardens. In 2013, Mr. Richardson assisted with the development of the first comprehensive master plan for Garden in the Woods. He holds an MS from the University of Delaware’s Longwood Graduate Program.

    Peter van Berkum, along with his wife Leslie, started Van Berkum Nursery (VBN) in 1986. VBN is a wholesale perennial nursery specializing in natives, shade perennials, and Wicked Ruggeds – plants that perform well and last a long time in New England landscapes. Peter has a degree in Plant Science from the University of New Hampshire, spent a year studying horticulture in the Netherlands, and worked at several nurseries before starting VBN. He is a past president of the New Hampshire Plant Growers Association, as well as a founding member of the New Hampshire Horticulture Endowment. He and his wife were recipients of the Massachusetts Horticulture Societies Silver Medal, and Peter was the Perennial Plant Association’s Grower of the Year in 2013.

    Laney Widener is the Botanical Coordinator at the New England Wild Flower Society with a background and research on plant genetic differences.

    Annie White is a Horticultural Researcher at the University of Vermont and owner of NECTAR Landscape Design Studio & Consulting. Annie has a PhD in Plant & Soil Science from the University of Vermont and a MS in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For years, Annie worked as an ecological landscape designer and continually saw native cultivars being substituted for native species in her designs. Recognizing a lack of research to support this, she began researching the topic herself as a PhD student. Using replicated research methods, Annie has evaluated about 20 native cultivars in comparison to the native species for pollinator preference, floral abundance, bloom duration, and hardiness. Her research was funded by a SARE Partnership Grant and the New Hampshire Horticultural Endowment.

    $30 for ELA and NEWFS members, $40 for nonmembers. See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/what-role-do-nativars-play-in-an-ecological-landscape/#sthash.NTcIk8Ne.dpuf

  • Saturday, July 23, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Wildlife Haven at Turkey Hill Brook Farm

    Turkey Hill Brook Farm is a small “habitat” farm in the Worcester Hills (88 Wire Village Road in Spencer) that has been landscaped for wildlife and sustainability since 2004. Invasive plants have been strictly controlled, conventional exotic landscaping plants have gradually been replaced with site-appropriate natives, and local native plant communities have been encouraged to make a return.

    The farm features several very different habitats (open meadow, woods, pond and stream), each supporting a diversity of adapted plants along with their co-evolved wildlife species. Other areas used for horses, chickens, food production, recreation, and a small native plant nursery are managed with as few outside inputs as possible, with an emphasis on function, aesthetics, and wildlife support. Enjoy an Ecological Landscape Alliance two-hour tour of this peaceful farm on Saturday, July 23 beginning at 10 am, and feel free to bring a picnic to eat lunch afterwards. The site is hilly, so wear good walking shoes.

    Ellen W. Sousa owns Turkey Hill Brook Farm, a native plant nursery and habitat farm in Spencer, Massachusetts and is the author of The Green Garden: A New England Guide to Planning, Planting & Maintaining the Eco-friendly Habitat Garden. She provides coaching and design services to clients to guide them in the design and construction of landscapes that support pollinators and biodiversity. Ms. Sousa is also an overseer and instructor for New England Wild Flower Society. $23 for ELA members, $33 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/wildlife-haven-at-turkey-hill-brook-farm/#sthash.vnH3tmEn.dpuf

  • Saturday, June 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Eco-Tour: Edible Landscape Oasis in Holyoke

    Imagine growing vegetables that require the same amount of care as perennial flowers and shrubs, need no annual tilling or planting, yet thrive and produce abundant and nutritious crops throughout the season – Jonathan Bates (along with Eric Toensmeier) has made it happen!

    Jonathan lives in Holyoke, Massachusetts where the climate is cold, often wet, and seldom enjoys three days of sunshine in a row. It is not an ideal growing climate by any standards. Yet, on a single evening stroll through his small backyard, Jonathan can collect a full meal for his household. Using permaculture and polyculture techniques, Jonathan has transformed what was once a construction dirt lot into a veritable farmers market of organically grown fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

    Like any well-designed polyculture, Jonathan Bates and Eric Toensmeier have packed a lot of productivity into their one-tenth of an acre urban farm. After a few years as colleague plantsmen, Jonathan and Eric set out to create a multi-storied, forest garden on this winter-challenged, urban lot. More than 11-years, and a lot of hard work later, Jonathan invites us to tour his urban oasis to witness the successful food production and to learn how it was achieved by overcoming the challenges of a tiny urban lot, the shade of mature Norway Maples, nutrient-deficient soil, heavy compaction, clay, lead, and urban prejudice against chickens.

    Jonathan has a rich background in permaculture. Throughout this tour Jonathan will describe such permaculture features as thoughtful planning (nearly a year’s worth went into this project before planting was started), careful soil management, well-researched plant selection and placement, informed resource use/reuse, and ongoing evaluation and readjustments as needed. And for a reality check, Jonathan will also share stories of the setbacks and design failures along the way.

    Paradise Lot: Two Plant Geeks, One-Tenth of an Acre and the Making of an Edible Garden Oasis in the City is the book that describes the inspiration and creation of this edible oasis.

    Registrations are limited – this tour will sell out quickly.

    Jonathan Bates has been learning, thinking and teaching ecologically for two decades. He’s co-created dozens of thriving farms and gardens in the Connecticut River Valley. He co-founded and is a board member of the Apios Institute, a teacher at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, and is a farmer with Nuestras Raices, Inc. Additionally he is a co-founder, and coordinator/design teacher with Permaculture FEAST. Jonathan loves sharing his passion for life with friends and family, and working with folks to better the world we live in.

    $23 for ELA members, $33 for nonmembers. See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/eco-tour-edible-landscape-oasis-permaculture-in-practice/#sthash.5b31HMWS.dpuf

  • Saturday, June 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Eco-Tour: Recreation Lake Shore Restoration at Lake Massapoag

    Like many New England towns, Sharon, MA has its own recreational jewel, a small lake where children learn to swim and sail, enthusiasts fish, and kayakers and canoeists paddle. In heavy use since Colonial times, Lake Massapoag had developed worn and depleted areas along its shoreline, especially at the town park where dumping of beach sand and cutting of typical lakeside vegetation created their own problems.

    What are some of the ways a lakeside recreation area can be ecologically restored while maintaining recreational uses? Join landscape architect, Amanda Sloan, on June 18 from 10 – 12 to learn more about how she met the challenges of this lakeside park. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and learn about techniques for restoring shore plants, stopping erosion, controlling storm water, meeting ADA accessibility, addressing the challenge of Canada geese, and more.  Image from www.sustainablesharon.org.

    For more than 22 years, Amanda Sloan, RLA, ASLA, has worked to bring beauty as well as function to the design of parks and trails throughout New England. Amanda combines her background in natural science, community design, and art on projects such as school and playground gardens, lakeside parks, recreation sites, rain gardens, and home landscapes. Amanda is currently a landscape architect with BETA Group where she specializes in rain garden design and native plants. $22 for Ecological Landscape Alliance members, $32 for nonmembers.  See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/recreational-lake-shore-restoration-lake-massapoag/#sthash.2YIRFpqs.dpuf

  • Thursday, June 9, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Eco-Tour: The Native Plants at Connecticut College Arboretum

    The Connecticut College Arboretum is located in southeastern Connecticut, about 5 miles inland from Long Island Sound. Established in 1931 on 60 acres, today the Arboretum’s diverse 770 acres include the landscaped grounds of the College campus as well as the surrounding plant collections, natural areas and managed landscapes. The forests include a wide range of native trees including oaks, huckleberry, maples, tulip tree, ash, beech, and black birch. Located on the coast, within the Arboretum there are many wetland types, including forested wetlands, bogs and tidal marshes.

    From the outset, 60 acres was aside to create the Connecticut College Arboretum. Twenty acres of the original allotment were dedicated as the Native Plant Collection. Expanding over time, the Native Plant Collection now includes 30 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to eastern North America, demonstrating the long-standing commitment to native plants at the Arboretum.

    The Native Plant Collection contains 1,021 trees, 1,255 shrubs and 22 woody vines native to eastern North America and hardy in southeastern Connecticut. Accessioned plants are from both wild and cultivated origins. The various species take turns displaying their beauty throughout all the seasons: shadbush in April; dogwood and azaleas in May; mountain laurel in June; giant rhododendron, sourwood and sweet pepperbush in July; brilliant autumn foliage in October; evergreens and conifers year-round.

    Some of the points of interest include:

    The Laurel Walk, a long, sloping trail lined with mountain laurel.
    An oak and hemlock-forested Bolleswood natural area.
    The grassy outdoor theater overlooking the Arboretum Pond.
    Plant collections including: holly, viburnum and azalea.

    The Native Plant Checklist provides more information about the native plants on display.

    The Ecological Landscape Alliance will sponsor a tour on Thursday, June 9 from 10 – noon. Maggie Redfern is the Arboretum Assistant Director, responsible for coordinating the design and implementation of education programs for the College and community. Maggie brings several years of experience in the field of visitor services from the Arnold Arboretum to this position. She also managed a successful grant application and traveling exhibition entitled Palaces for the People: Guastavino and the Art of Structural Tile. Maggie received a certificate in landscape preservation from the Landscape Institute of the Boston Architectural College and a bachelor of architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

    $23 for ELA members, $33 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/eco-tour-spring-splendor-the-native-plants-at-connecticut-college-arboretum/#sthash.GebEKzMM.dpuf

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  • Sundays, June 5 and 12, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Herbaceous Native Plants for Professionals

    Join Dan Jaffe and the Ecological Landscape Alliance for this two session class (June 5 and June 12, 10 – 3) to learn about the best native plant materials available today for use in the design and landscape trades. Covering everything from plants for tough spots to specialty plants for specific habitats, this class will add a host of less familiar native herbaceous species to your plant palette.  Cost is $162 for ELA members, $190 for nonmembers, and will be held at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Street in Framingham.  Register at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/herbaceous-native-plants-for-professionals-2/#sthash.mwsUTONP.dpuf

  • Thursday, April 21, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Organic Lawn Care

    Whether your concerns are about family members, pets, or the environment, the trend toward a greener style of property management includes your lawn for many.

    On Thursday, April 21 at 7 pm, Bruce Wenning of the Ecological Landscape Alliance will review a no-nonsense approach to having a chemical free lawn, and clear up much of the rhetoric involved in decision making when it comes to using or not using chemicals. The program takes place at the Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, and is $12 for Mass Hort members, $20 for nonmembers. Register by calling 617-933-4973, or visit www.masshort.org.  Image from www.lawncare.org.