Learn up-to-date information about land conservation methods that protect, improve, or minimize adverse impacts to wildlife habitat and water quality. These methods include large scale planning and design practices that protect or increase biodiversity, such as reducing lawn space, restoring streamside buffers, using native plants in site plans, removing invasive exotic species, and setting aside critical habitat areas. In addition, low-impact development (LID) techniques that reduce the effects of runoff and erosion are part of the agenda, such as biofiltration, rain gardens (or bioretention swales), permeable pavement, and green roofs. During the workshop we will have a walking tour of the Wetland Studies Solutions LID site, and we will conduct a two-part Charette on macro- and micro-scale planning to discuss local challenges and constraints.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the day, which may be submitted to professional organizations for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This workshop qualifies for 6 “Virginia Certified Horticulturist” CEU’s from the VA Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), or 6 “Virginia Certified Landscape Designer” CEU’s from the VA Society of Landscape Design (VSLD).

Each participant will receive a set of materials containing fact sheets, plant lists and in-depth background information, as well as a “Low-Impact Development Tutorial” CD, a “Rain Gardens Technical Guide” CD, and the DVD “Reigning in the Storm.”

To register, or for any questions, contact Carol Heiser at carol.heiser@dgif.virginia.gov, or call 804-367-6989.