The Bottom Line for Green is Black

The theme for the fourth annual Sustainable Urban Landscape conference being held at Cuyamaca College March 8 is “The Bottom Line for Green is Black,” examining the ways that good landscaping practices can be a profitable business model in addition to helping the environment.

Architect John Picard, known as the “green prophet” for his pioneering work in sustainability is the key note speaker for event. He was a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed and built. He has conceptualized and built hundreds of the smartest homes, workplaces and communities in America and his vision guides the future planning of dozens of Fortune 500 companies.

I will make a  presentation on Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Practices.  Attendees will learn how to implement sustainable changes.  I’ll identify specific areas you should focus on to create a landscape that is functional, beautiful, sustainable and cost-effective.  Attendees will also learn:

• Best management practices implemented on several large commercial properties that include developing a water conservation program, irrigation efficiency, plant health, and waste reduction

• Water management techniques with the biggest ROI impact

• How to integrate your landscape with your overall property objectives including reducing the ecological footprint

• Know why a recommendation makes sense from a financial and landscape best practice perspective

Last year, more than 250 people attended the conference, geared toward landscape professionals, educators and others interested in keeping current with the latest in sustainable landscape practices. The conference, hosted by Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture department, is being held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college’s Performing Arts Theatre, with a reception to follow at the Water Conservation Garden.

Other speakers at the conference include:

•  Dennis Pittenger, environmental horticulturist at UC Riverside and a nationally-recognized expert in landscape water management
•  David Shaw, a farm advisor with the University of California Extension in San Diego. His work includes assessing the needs and presenting educational and research programs for landscape professionals.
• Tom Jesch, owner of Waterwise Botanicals, a wholesale/retail nursery that specializes in drought-tolerant and cutting-edge plant varieties.

The conference will also feature a discussion on the business of urban farming that will be moderated by author and educator Nan Sterman.  Panelists include Karen Contreras, the founder of Urban Plantations, a company dedicated to city-dwelling sanctuaries; Bill Tall, founder of City Farmers Nursery; and Crystal Montoya, a certified grower who produces food from her home for farmers markets.

Sessions will also be held at the Water Conservation Garden on the Cuyamaca College campus with talks by garden employees about practices that are influencing the San Diego style of sustainable landscapes.

Registration for the conference is $90 before Feb. 29, and $100 after Feb. 29. Registration includes the presentations, vendor displays, along with breakfast, lunch, and a post-conference reception. Parking is free.

Richard Restuccia

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