Keynote Presentations

March 7^th Keynote

Japanese Knotweed Control Solutions: Latest Techniques from the UK

Japanese knotweed is one of the most difficult invasives to manage in the urban and suburban landscape. Mike Clough has nearly a decade worth of experience eradicating Japanese knotweed in the UK. He presents the latest techniques for con­trolling invasives such as knotweed, includ­ing non-chemical and bio-controls, as well as new “soil sifting” technologies. Clough provides historical context and touches on Himalayan balsam, Giant Hogweed, and Ragwort.

Mike Clough, Japanese Knotweed Solutions Limited of Manchester, United Kingdom

March 8^th Keynote

Landscapes Coming Full Circle: Cultivating Resilience in a Time of Transition

In the past, local landscapes supported local communities. In the future, managed landscapes may do so again. Confronted by changes to Earth’s global climate, all of us will be challenged to redefine human habitats.

Ben Falk has already begun—developing human habitats that maximize productivity while reducing both short term and long term outside inputs. These are adaptive and resilient places designed to survive a future of peak oil, climate instability, and other challenges an uncertain future might bring. Good whole-systems design will harness the forces of evolution and include both the built and biological environment. Falk emphasizes extensive site analysis, the creative interplay of multiple disciplines, and utilization of the relative abundance of present-day resources to establish a sustainable future.

Ben Falk, Whole Systems Design, LLC