HOUSTON – The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center will be hosting an interactive environmental symposium to connect area practitioners to share knowledge and discuss larger conservation initiatives.
The symposium, titled “Field Notes,” is a two-day event and will take place on Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14. It is open to the public for anyone interested in learning about conservation and restoration in an urban setting.
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“The goal of the Field Notes symposium is to foster meaningful dialogue across multi-disciplinary fields – practitioners, educators, designers, landscapers, planners, engineers, and contractors – regarding the methods, management, and messaging for ecological restoration in an urban setting,” a news release from the Arboretum said. “Participants will connect, compare notes, learn best practices, and become better educators and experts to support and strengthen urban ecological restoration practices, foster collaboration, and encourage innovation to benefit the Greater Houston Region.”
The indoor presentations will be at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Building located at 120 West Loop North (610 Parking Loop) or 4501 Woodway Drive. Those who attend will have the opportunity to hear presentations on relevant topics, engage in panel/facilitated discussions, as well as small group breakout sessions, and attend guided walking tours of the Arboretum.
The Arboretum said registration will be capped at 100 people so that they can assure successful interaction between presenters and attendees and to facilitate effective field tours and breakout sessions.
“We are excited to open this to the public since so many people in the Houston area are interested and engaged in ecological issues that affect them and their families,” said Debbie Markey, Houston Arboretum’s executive director. “The symposium will have some of the best and the brightest from nonprofits, foundations, government entities and the private sector who will educate, enlighten and also learn from their peers.”
Sessions begin at 9 a.m. each day, with coffee and water available at 8:30 a.m.
Agenda and presenters for Thursday, April 13 – Day 1
Morning Session – WHY
The need for the Arboretum’s recent restoration and the region’s larger green movement.
Presenters
Debbie Markey, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Jaime Gonzalez, The Nature Conservancy
Kelli Ondracek, Houston Parks & Recreation Department
Panel Facilitated Discussions
Jaime Gonzalez, The Nature Conservancy
Kelli Ondracek, Houston Parks & Recreation Department
Justin Bower, Houston-Galveston Area Council
Danielle Pieranunzi, SITES Green Business Certification Inc.
Sarah Newbery, Kinder Foundation
Afternoon Session – HOW
How to design, construct, and integrate environmental restoration projects in an urban setting.
Houston Arboretum Master Plan as Implemented by Design Workshop
Presenters
Emily Manderson, Blackland Collaborative
Jason Burt, Forney Construction
Susan Sherrod, Biohabitats
Panel Facilitated Discussions
Jason Burt, Forney Construction
Susan Sherrod, Biohabitats
Carolyn White, Harris County Public Health
Beth Clark, Clark Condon
Conners Ladner, Design Workshop
Agenda and presenters for Friday April 14 – Day 2
Morning Session – MANAGE
Managing and monitoring restored ecosystems to reach and maintain goals.
Natural Channel Design-Ravine Restoration at the Arboretum, Brett Jordan, HydroGeo Designs
Presenters
Stephen Benigno, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Lee Marlowe, San Antonio River Authority
Marissa Llosa, Houston Parks Board
Panel Facilitated Discussions
Lee Marlowe, San Antonio River Authority
Marissa Llosa, Houston Parks Board
Courtney Hall, Memorial Park Conservancy
Derek Sanford, Armand Bayou Nature Center
Gabriela Sosa, Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Afternoon Session – MESSAGE
How to communicate, educate, and inspire.
Presenters
Tiffany Ritter, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Valeria Casas, The Student Conservation Association
Treasa Antony, Nature Heritage Society
Panel Facilitated Discussions
Valeria Casas, The Student Conservation Association
Anica Haymes, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Becky Martinez, Bayou Land Conservancy
Bethany Foshée, Coastal Prairie Conservancy
Dany Millikin, Houston Botanic Garden
Case Study Investigation – Texas A&M Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning presentation
The registration fee of $125 per person includes a Field Notes Workbook Deliverable, registration for both days, two-day parking pass, Thursday and Friday lunch and break refreshments, and Thursday happy hour for all interested participants.
For more information and to register, go to https://houstonarboretum.org/field-notes-symposium/. Registration closes Wednesday, April 12 at 5 p.m.