Sustainable Practices

NCSP 5134 From Watershed to Water Spout: Green Infrastructure in the West

This course counts as 8 hours towards the Sustainable Practices Certificate Program or .8 continuing education credits.

Course Format

1-day Classroom Lecture

Course Description

Using water as the defining element of sustainability in the west, this class will survey the varied scale of ‘green infrastructure’ from natural processes in the watershed down to natural processes in the urban landscape.  Green infrastructure includes the services provided by nature, which we know from open lands and forests, it is “ the ecological framework needed for environmental, social and economic sustainability” (Conservation Fund 2008)

Following the trend to re-establish these functions in urban areas, this class will touch on: watershed catchment and delivery systems, current water use patterns in the west, water in the city, water on the site, water reuse at small and large scales, rainwater capture, urban forest functions and values and climate appropriate plant selections.

At the end of the day, the student will better understand:

• The geography of water resources in the West
• The history of water development in the West
• The legal frameworks for managing water in the West
• The terms watershed, water catchment, microclimate, green infrastructure, ecological services

Instructor Bio

This course will be taught by Paul Lander, a 28-year veteran of water, energy, and land conservation work. Dr. Lander is an instructor at the University of Colorado and for the American Water Works Association, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.