Objective(s):
The objective of this workshop is to bring together perspectives from different disciplines on ecologically functional landscaping.

The USGS has projected that current development patterns will lead to a completely connected urban area from Atlanta to Raleigh. While this urban expansion will provide new opportunities for the nursery industry in the Southeast, it is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s ecosystems. There is increasing evidence showing that the inclusion of native plants in landscaping can reduce the impact of urban development on biodiversity. Ornamental plants that provide ecological services can be an important nursery product with both economic and environmental value. A multidisciplinary effort is needed to address the challenges of scaling-up landscaping with ecological function. This workshop brings together perspectives from ecology, landscape design, economics, and extension outreach.