Boston Flora

Tag: soil biology

  • Wednesday and Thursday, March 8 and 9 – The 23rd Annual ELA Conference and Eco-Marketplace

    The Ecological Landscape Alliance presents the 23rd Annual ELA Conference & Eco-Marketplace on March 8 and 9 at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Explore topics ranging from the role of aesthetics in ecological restoration to the carnivore’s role in the soil foodweb as we look for ways to design, build, and restore the landscape.

    March 8 includes:
    * Two workshops: The Power of Plants and Artful Stormwater Design
    * Keynote speaker: Noel Kingsbury, international, master plantsman and author
    Keynote Address: The Evolution of the Ecological Planting Design

    March 9 features eight Sessions and four Idea Exchanges covering a range of ecological topics including:
    * Landscapes as a Source of Environmental Change
    * The Art of Gardening -Techniques from Chanticleer
    * The Science of Soil Biology During Extended Drought
    * Native Grass and Wildflower Seeding

    Immerse yourself in this two-day exploration of principles and practices that support the living landscape.

    Full conference brochure and registration information is available at www.ecolandscaping.org.

  • Tuesday, February 17, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Soil Biology

    Soil contains an incredible diversity of organisms that make up the Soil Food Web. You may consider yourself a landscaper. In reality you are a landscape supervisor and your workforce is the Soil Food Web. Successfully manage these soil artisans and they create the glorious landscape you desire with minimal input on your part. In this February 17 Ecological Landscape Alliance webinar, from 4 – 5 pm EST, you will learn the invaluable contributions these essential creatures make to the landscape process. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, mycorrhizae and others improve plant fertility while helping manage pests. They sequester nutrients and improve soil structure, which protects ground and surface waters from contamination. A healthy Soil Food Web results in healthy, pest resistant plants minimizing or even eliminating the need for pesticides. Explore methods to maximize the benefits from the Soil Food Web as we dig into the latest tools and techniques of environmentally sound soil management. – See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-soil-biology/#sthash.RwbYumsc.dpuf
    Steve Zien founded Living Resources Company (LRC) in 1974 as an organic farm that also rented 1,000 community gardens in Southeastern Wisconsin. Moving to California in 1977, Steve transformed LRC into a horticultural operation providing organic landscape and garden services to businesses, governmental agencies, and the general public. These services include soil analysis, custom organic fertilization formulation and application, organic pest management, consultations, and educational instruction. With Steve’s commitment to education and outreach, he quickly became known as Sacramento’s Organic Advocate while writing an organic garden column in the local paper, teaching courses in organic horticulture at American River College, the University of California Davis, serving as the IPM Specialist at the California State Fair, managing an organic retail nursery and regular appearances on radio talk shows. Steve has worked with and served as a technical advisor for numerous organizations including the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns, Pesticide Free-Sacramento, California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s School IPM Program, Our Water Our World, EcoLandscape California and others. After receiving his Soil Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Steve became a Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester. He currently is a California Licensed Pesticide Applicator utilizing only organic practices, a Qualified EcoLandscaper, and a California Certified Nursery Professional.

  • Wednesday, February 27 – Thursday, February 28 – Sustainable Habitats: Making Ecological Connections

    The Ecological Landscaping Association presents the 19th Annual Conference, Sustainable Habitats: Making Ecological Connections on February 27 and 28 at MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street in Springfield.  Presentations will cover topics such as essential soil biology and soil improvements, water management, edible landscapes, phytomediation, carbon sequestration, and more.  To review the brochure and use the online registration, or to download a mail-in registration form, visit www.ecolandscaping.org.  You may also call Penny Lewis at 617-436-5838. The Keynote Dinner on February 27 will feature Jeff Lowenfels, author of Teaming with Microbes, A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web, speaking on How Plants Eat: The Wonder of Root Biology.  On February 28, the dinner speaker will be Rebecca McMackin, Park Horticulturist, Brooklyn Bridge Park, speaking on Brooklyn Bridge Park: Promoting Biodiversity in the Concrete Jungle.