With the growth of new technologies for permeable pavement, sustainably-sourced materials, and energy-efficient lighting, today’s landscape professional faces new opportunities and new challenges. Join the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) for this symposium on Wednesday, January 21 from 8 – 5 to explore ecological approaches to the design and construction of hardscapes. Participants in this symposium will learn how to select new and traditional materials and how to bring them together to create durable and beautiful high-performance landscapes.

Through case studies and panel discussions, the symposium will address:

How to select materials and products based on their environmental impacts across their full life-cycle.
How to incorporate new and established permeable pavements in the design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes.
How to use sustainably-sourced and recycled materials in the landscape.
How to use new energy-efficient light sources in the landscape.
How to combine sustainable technologies in an integrated design.

Presentation and panel topics include:

The “life-cycle” perspective on materials.
Permeable pavements and driveable turf — materials, application, and maintenance in New England.
Salvaged and recycled materials.
Lighting options and energy use.

The keynote presentation will feature Jesse Harris, ASLA, landscape architect at BSC Group and the project management point person throughout the Oyster Shell Park construction process in 2011 and 2012. Located along the highly visible area of the Norwalk River waterfront, Oyster Shell Park (below) is one of the Pilot Projects for the SITES Initiative. This new park is a reclaimed landfill with notable elements that include: the use of renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic cells and wind power, shoreline and habitat restoration featuring native plants to enhance wildlife value, and utilization of recycled materials such as glass pavers for path construction. The project also incorporates bio-filtration of runoff for improved water quality. These design elements demonstrate the environmental and economic value of sustainable design practices while improving recreational value to the community. The event takes place at Montvale Plaza, 54 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, Massachusetts. See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/building-the-ecological-landscape-materials-technology-and-design/#sthash.zE5xJuaY.dpuf.