Sustainable Landscaping: Issues and Practices

A new course was taught in Fall 2009 at Western Illinois University called Sustainable Landscape Practices. The course was designed to introduce students to the leading issues of concern in the landscape profession within the emerging field of sustainability. Such issues include water shortages, stormwater management, plant usage for energy savings, plants and native pollinators, habitat destruction, energy and landscape equipment, impact of pesticide use, and recycled/remanufactured materials. New technologies have been and continue to be implemented in response to these issues. Course materials included numerous pertinent websites, Power Point Presentations, hands-on activities, and design-oriented assignments. The semester presentation was a webpage design project, with each student contributing one topic page to the website. Course materials and student feedback will be discussed.