May 17 2021 12-1:30pm | Register Here

REGISTER HERE

California is host to approximately 6,500 native plant species, many found nowhere else in the world.  Many of these species are currently listed as rare, threatened or endangered. Climate change has impacted the natural habitats of our native flora and fauna: planting and hardiness zones are changing, plants are leafing out and blooming earlier, birds and butterflies are breeding and migrating earlier, and wildlife species are shifting their ranges. 

Protecting and nurturing a diverse flora and fauna is key to climate resilience. Adopting regenerative landscape practices such as choosing California natives first, providing water and shelter, using organic pest management and conserving or restoring natural areas and wildlife corridors will help to conserve valuable wildlife resources and restore damaged ecosystems.   

Sarah Carolyn Sutton, Landscape Architect and Lead Instructor with ReScape California, brings over 35 years’ experience in sustainable landscape design and construction, from public parks, commercial development and streetscapes, to open space, riparian corridor restoration and trail development. In addition, she is an active ReScape Rater, and has been closely involved in the development and implementation of the Rating system and guidelines for over 10 years. Sarah is also the author of The New American Front Yard: Kiss Your Grass Goodbye!, an award-winning and well-illustrated guide to transforming lawn-centric front yards and communities to beautiful, eco-friendly, low maintenance gardens that conserve water, protect our watersheds, and enhance habitat values.

The webinars will provide information about reducing emissions and creating resilient landscapes. Up to 30% of urban water use goes to landscaping. We know that climate change will continue to stress water supplies throughout California and the US. Conventional landscape construction and maintenance practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and air pollution.

Regenerative design install and maintenance of a landscape can help save energy and water. Sustainably well-designed landscapes not only add beauty to the environment, but also reduce heating and cooling costs. Awareness of the right drought-resistant plants located in the right location- trees, shrubs, or vines- deliver effective shade and cooling, decrease water usage, act as a windbreak, and reduce energy bills. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses.

Topics are based on ReScape’s 8 Principles and will provide an overview of the problem and the solution vis-à-vis the Principles. There will be hands-on tips and best practices for sequestering carbon, reducing emissions, saving water and creating resilient landscapes; and include actionable steps with references to science-based data and additional resources. Speakers are professionals, scientists and other experts. 

REGISTER HERE