Overview of Activities

1. Take a look at the federal guidelines for designed landscapes.  Focus on page 5, which includes the definition of sustainability.  
2. Read two articles highlighting examples of sustainable landscape design.  In this section, we’re focusing on primarily the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability.  Here you also have a choice:  you can either read at least two of the articles posted below or you can find two of your own.  (Or you can do one of each!)  Article links and tips on online research are further down the page.
   
3. After you read, post a response to a discussion question in our Google+ Community and discuss with your classmates.  The discussion question is listed further down the page.
4. Make sure to check out the bonus lecture on Sustainable Landscape Design in a Residential Setting by Ben Futa, Director of Allen Centennial Garden.

Why do these activities?

•   We’re giving you the option of finding your own information so you can practice your research skills if you would like.  Remember, searching for scientifically based, scholarly information is an important volunteering skill.  If you haven’t done it for a while, now is a great time to practice.
•   Practicing communicating scientifically supported information is one of the most important skills an MGV can develop.  Posting and discussing with your classmates simulates what you do as volunteers dealing with the public.  

An example of a prairie garden on a residential lot.

Articles

Landscaping for Energy Conservation

Low Maintenance Landscape Ideas

Low Maintenance Landscaping

Storm Water Basins: Using Natural Landscaping for Water Quality and Esthetics

How Can I Create a Rain Garden?

Rain Gardens: A How-To Manual for Homeowners

The Value of Landscaping

Water Smart Landscaping

Stepping Stones for Perennial Garden Design

Activity: Posting in our Google+ Community

Part One:

Based on one of the articles you read, post a response including these three points:

• Name an example or aspect of sustainable landscaping and what aspect of sustainability it exemplifies.
• What is one positive aspect of this example or aspect of sustainability?  Another way to think of this question is, Why is it good and for who and how?
• Explain a challenge related to this aspect of sustainable landscaping- you can think in big picture terms or be very specific!

Part Two:

Respond to at least one classmate’s post with an additional thought or comment. 

• Not sure what to say?  Here are some tips to get you started.
• Depending on how many people have commented when you post, you may need to check back in a week or two- or a month or two!  This is one of the challenges of doing online education, but we hope you enjoy the opportunity to interact with colleagues around the state. You also may not be able to complete Part Two immediately if not a lot of people have posted, so check back periodically until a post appears that you feel comfortable responding to. 
• Your response will need to be more than 10 and under 150 words.
• Try to make sure that everyone has a response.   
• You must do the post in Part 1 and the response in Part 2 to earn the half hour of continuing education for the activity.

Extra Stuff

BONUS Lecture:

• Ben Futa, Director of Allen Centennial Garden
• Sustainable Landscape Design in a Residential Setting
• Ben’s suggested books for more on this topic:
  • Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer
  • Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

• Going Native: Urban Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants
• Suggested book:  Landscaping with Native Plants of Wisconsin by Lynn Steiner