Start Date
10/02/2023
End Date
10/02/2023
Description
Ecological Complexity: The Goals and Limits of Prairie Restoration (3+¾ hrs)
Laura Rericha-Anchor and Gerould Wilhelm
In this presentation we will examine the plants, insects, and human activities that shaped the Tallgrass Prairie. Wildlife biologist Laura Rericha-Anchor will explore plant-insect relationships including pollination ecology, phenology, and the ecological differences between restored prairies and irreplaceable remnants. Botanist Gerould Wilhelm will explore the human dimension, where the warp and weft of contemporary life differs dramatically from that of the aboriginal inhabitants. He will discuss the Floristic Quality Assessment, a tool he co-developed to measure the effects of this change, assist in our efforts to remediate it, and gauge the extent to which those efforts are succeeding.
Ecological Complexity: The Missing Link in Garden Design (1+¾ hrs)
Larry Weaner
Landscape designers and restoration ecologists both manipulate environments to influence vegetation, yet cross communication is all too rare. In this presentation Larry Weaner will show how the compositions, patterns, and processes of prairie and associated plant communities can be incorporated into the designed landscape. He will demonstrate how an understanding of specific ecological concepts like disturbance, competition, conservatism, ecotype, senescence, and succession can lead to specific protocols that enhance the habitat value, and experiential quality of landscapes designed to interact with people.
Comparing Notes: A Wrap-up Conversation (45 min.)
Laura Rericha-Anchor and Gerould Wilhelm
Here our presenters and session participants will participate in a freewheeling discussion on their real world experiences and lingering questions regarding prairie restoration, and anything else “prairie” that is on their minds.
Location
Lisle, IL
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Horticulture / Plants
Residential Design
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
6.0
Learning Outcomes
1. Examine the ecological patterns of native plant communities in the Tallgrass Prairie and their applicability to the landscape development and enhancement.
2. Understand the ecological processes that are relevant to landscape development and enhancement including but not limited to disturbance, succession, competition, and plant proliferation strategies.
3. Learn about plant-insect relationships including pollination ecology, phenology, and the ecological differences between restored prairies and irreplaceable remnants.
Instructors
Laura Rericha-Anchor, Larry Weaner, FAPLD, & Gerould Wilhelm, PhD
Course Codes
Provider
New Directions in the American Landscape