Archive for the ‘Landscaping’ Category
Reflections on Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Irrigation Industry
Recently, I spoke to the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s Winter Education Session. I presented my seminar, “Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Industry.”
I feel the seminar was incredibly helpful to the folks in the audience. Based on conversations I had with audience members, some of the points they found most interesting were the changing roles of women in work and current trends in the landscape industry.
I also feel I learned a few things through interaction with some of my class attendees. Some of the lessons I will take away from the class are contractors are ready to invest in marketing to grow their business.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement on February 24th on Permeable Paving at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
“SMART” Landscape Irrigation
Orlando, Florida
Febraury 4, 2011
The water we use to irrigate our crops is vital and still we as a nation continue to practice inefficient irrigation methods. Current irrigation practices waste an exorbitant amount of money and water using our current process.
Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.”—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States.
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
Relaxed style with great input!”–Kris Keckley, Rain One Irrigation
Open mined approach to “green” building and use of landscapes.”– Judy Benson, Clearwater Products & ServicesEPA WaterSense 2010 Partner of the Year
Tom, as usual you did a great presentation!”–Brent Mechan, Irrigation Association
Maintaining Native Prairie Ecosystems
Controlled or Prescibed Burning
One of the most important factors in maintaining a native prairie community is prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are usually conducted every three to five years. Prairies are fire-dependant ecosystems. The primary purpose of the prescribed burn is to manage and reduce the layer of dead and decaying vegetation which naturally accumulates over several growing seasons. The benefits of prescribed burning are an increase in forbs or flowers for several growing seasons, an increase in plant diversity, and controlled burns release plant nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, prescribed burns control the growth of volunteer trees and shrubs. If left alone, a native prairie will grow into a forest.
Safety is Important
It is important to have a plan for a prescribed burn. Safety is the most important concern. Some things to consider are:
- Time of year (spring is usually best).
- Acceptable and unacceptable weather conditions. Do not burn in windy conditions or unusually dry conditions.
- Create fire breaks.
- Burn small areas at a time.
- Have adequately trained personnel on hand (this activity might serve a dual purpose of training fire department personnel).
- Have proper fire equipment on-hand so that the burn does not get out of control.
- Notify neighbors and public safety officials prior to the burn.
Other Thoughts
If you do’t burn at all you will see a reduction in plant diversity. One or two plant species will dominate the prairie. Eventually, if left alone the prairie will turn into a forest.
The residence need to be notified of the burn. It is important to develop a public education program that explains why the City of Champaign is conducting a controlled burn. Do not conduct the burn when winds may blow smoke into the residence area. However, when properly conducted, a controlled burn has very little smoke. Fire will actually consume smoke. To experience this, let the smoke from a blown out candle drift into a the flame of a burning candle. Here is a link to a public education piece developed by the Minneapolis Parks Department: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/caring/NatAreas/prescribed_burns.pdf
Sustainability Starts with Your Home
I recently wrote a guest blog on Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape for Stefan Lubike the owner of SiteLine Design.
Recognizing sustainability as merely reducing energy waste, recycling, or conserving water is a common misconception. In truth, the greatest impact on the environment you can make is right in your own backyard.
Also check out the great work being done by Stefan and his gang at SiteLine Design.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales – An Overview
Brownsburg, Indiana
January 20, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices.
In this presentation, Barrett will discusses how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom explains how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
Sustainable Landscapes Presentation from the Indiana Green Expo
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 18, 2011
Developing Sustainable Landscapes for a Sustainable Future
Recognizing sustainability as merely reducing energy waste, recycling, or conserving water is a common misconception. In truth, the greatest impact on the environment you can make is right in your own backyard.
The landscape industry was “green” before green became fashionable. The focus of this presentation is how the landscape transcends beauty into functionality. The landscape is one of the only site improvement that can be made that enhances and remediates our environment.
Most aspects of environmental consciousness focuses on how we minimize human impact. We save energy. We save heat. We reduce trash. We reuse. A well designed landscape will truly in improve our environment.
Trees and plants cleanse the air, sequester carbon, and can reduce a building’s heating and cooling needs by 20%. A well designed landscape makes for a healthier, happy environment.
In “Sustainable Landscapes” you will learn that by combining green technology with existing gray technology, combining new technology with old technology, we can create a healthier, more satisfying environment.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States.
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
The wastewater facts are eye opening. Thanks for a very informative presentation!”
—Jacob O’Neal
The speaker, Tom Barrett, is motivational and knowledgeable.”
—Kristi J. Clark Snyder
A positive message for change. THANKS!”
—Abigail Surles
Reflections on the Indiana Green Expo Presentation
Recently, I spoke at the Indiana Green Expo, where I presented “Sustainable Landscapes.”
According to feedback from audience members, the presentation was very informative.
They shared with me that some of the most useful and informative points were:
- New architectural design concepts incorporating “green” technology
- Water reuse and end collection
- Release of sewer water into local waterways with as little as ¼” of rainfall
- Real-life examples of rainwater harvesting
- Adventures in green industry are at an exciting point
- People were surprised at the usefulness of landscapes in remediating environmental issues
I also learned people are interested in hearing more about:
- Becoming local experts in rainwater management
- Learning more about air conditioning condensate recovery
- In-depth training on how to construct rain gardens and install permeable paving
I truly enjoyed speaking at the Indiana Green Expo for such an energetic and enthusiastic crowd. The Indiana Green Expo (IGE) is Indiana’s most comprehensive green industry educational conference and trade show. The Indiana Green Expo had great educational sessions, a great audience, and a great show!
I look forward to my next speaking engagement on “Applying Smart Technologies to Rainwater Harvesting, Green Roofs, LEED Projects and Storm Water Issues” at Irrigation Association’s Irrigation Contractor Leadership summit at Walt Disney World, February 2–4.
Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape – Upcoming Presentation
Tuesday, January 18th; 1:30 − 2:30 P.M. at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
Coming up shortly, I’ll be giving my presentation, Sustainability Starts with Your Landscape on January 18th at the Indiana Green Expo.
Integrating nature’s resources for a sustainable site saves money and improves our environment. Rather than minimizing impact, the landscape is one of the few activities that improves the environment. Landscapes filter our air and water, sequesters carbon, creates oxygen and reduces our our heating and cooling needs.
Recognizing sustainability as merely reducing energy waste, recycling, or conserving water is a common misconception. In truth, the greatest impact on the environment you can make is right in your own backyard. In this session, discover how to grow and prosper in the rapidly developing field of sustainable site development.
“Through the increase use of landscapes we can actually improve our environment,” said Barrett. “and through increased awareness of landscapes as a functional part of our community, we can improve our water systems, cleanse our air, and create a better environment for plants, animals and people.” In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing resources.
Learning Objectives
• Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States
• Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
• Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
Rain Gardens & Bioswales Presentation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre Presentation
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2011
Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices. In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom will explain how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
“The American Society for Civil Engineers gave the United States’ water systems a grade of ‘D-,’ the lowest of any America infrastructure,” said Barrett. “Through increased use of rain gardens and bioswales, we can improve our water systems and create a better environment for plants, animals and people. “In his presentation, Barrett will explain just how essential some of these tools are to efficiently utilizing and managing water sources.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
I throughly enjoyed the whole presentation! The topic was great, easy to understand. I would like another presentation that is more in-depth. The visuals were on-topic and easy to understand.”
- Emily Placke
Your presentation was really great. The subject matter, of course, was very relevant. Beyond that, though, I have to say your ability to explain and transition from point to point was great. You have a very special way of addressing the topic simply, clearly, without bias, and with common sense that’s hard to refute
Thanks for a great presentation!”
- Stephanie Krull
Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2011
The water we use to irrigate our crops is vital and still we as a nation continue to practice inefficient irrigation methods. Current irrigation practices waste an exorbitant amount of money and water using our current process. The EPA states, “Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.” The EPA estimates over three and a half billions gallons of water are wasted every day with inefficient and ineffective irrigation practices.
More than fifty percent of irrigation water used in residential and commercial irrigation systems is wasted. In his presentation, Barrett presents the “State of the Art” in irrigation design and installation. Barrett will present a comprehensive and sometimes controversial exploration of alternate water sources as well as the EPA WaterSense Program, SMART irrigation technology and current regulatory trends in the irrigation industry.
Learning Objective
- Efficient use of irrigation water
- USGBC LEED point system for landscape irrigation systems.
- Alternate water sources for landscape irrigation.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
