by Randy Rath One of the biggest threats to the water quality of many lakes – including Lake George in upstate New York – is stormwater runoff. After a storm,…
Managing Water in the Landscape
Clean water is a basic requirement of life, and the choices we make in our lives and in our landscapes can help or harm both above- and below-ground water supplies. Keeping water on site, preventing erosion, and reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers all contribute to improved water quality.
Encouraging Citizen Action to Soak Up the Rain
by Anne Leiby and Cindy Brown Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution in the United States. As rain falls onto hard surfaces, such as roofs, roads, parking…
Changing the Conversation on Ecological Design
by Lisa Cowan Recent destructive storm events have focused public attention on climate change, sustainable site design, and resiliency. As ecological design practitioners, we have an opportunity to build on…
Proper Maintenance Keeps Rain Gardens Thriving
by Kevin Beuttell Traditionally, stormwater was viewed as a burden on the landscape. Water was typically taken away through channels and pipes as quickly as possible to avoid flooding on…
In Poverty and In Wealth….Water Consciousness
by Heather D Heimarck I have always been a map gazer, letting my mind wander along the mountain ridges and rivers of the world. Recently, I have taken up a…
Are Rain Gardens Mini Toxic Cleanup Sites?
by Lisa Stiffler Originally posted on Sightline Daily, January 22, 2013, by Sightline Fellow Lisa Stiffler, this post is part of the research project: Stormwater Solutions: Curbing Toxic Runoff. If…
Make a Splash with Native Wetland Perennials
by John Mark Courtney Plants are a key element to a balanced pond ecosystem. No matter how big or small the body of water may be, plants play an essential…
The Dirty Truth – Part 1
Concepts in mitigating site impacts when using heavy equipment Part 1 – Soil and Equipment by Walker Korby From the cab of even a small 6-ton diesel excavator, every site…
The Dirty Truth – Part 2
Concepts in mitigating site impacts when using heavy equipment Part 2 – Water Management by Walker Korby As any sandcastle builder knows, you can create the most elaborate shapes and…
What’s New at Fourth Generation?
by R.P. Sokol The 2013 winter trade shows have brought some pleasant surprises to us at Fourth Generation Nursery. The first is that many in the Landscape industry are beginning…
Weathering the Storm: Horticulture Management in Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
by Rebecca McMackin Two months ago, Hurricane Sandy devastated coastal regions of New York and New Jersey. Much of Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) was underwater for four hours. Sandy was…
Ecological Design Creates Oasis at Urban Medical Facility
by Amanda Sloan and Dave Renzi As they make the left turn into the Providence, RI doctor’s office parking lot, some patients might set their jaws and steel themselves. The…