Winter 2009 Digging In: the Theory and Practice of Ecological Landscaping

Price $2.00 Because land doesn’t come with a manual. . . ISSN 1554-656X

The Newsletter of the Ecological Landscaping Association Vol. 15, No. 4 Winter 2009 Digging In: The Theory and Practice of Ecological Landscaping

Fr o m t h e Ed i t o r Di g g i n g i n t o Ec o l o g i c a l landscapes? We can take our cues from a system that evolved over • Kat Good-Schiff La n d s c a p i n g b y Fo l l o w i n g Na t u r e ’s Le a d 3,500 million years, and “follow ever before has ecological nature’s lead” to create energy • Kate Hartnett, Mary Tebo, & landscaping been so widely efficient, ecologically diverse, Marilyn Wyzga Npromoted and sought after. This is environmentally healthy, and just in time for the 15th Annual s evidence of extreme weather aesthetically pleasing landscapes Conference and Eco-Marketplace and ecological stress become for municipal, residential, and of the Ecological Landscaping moreA obvious, ELA’s mission to commercial settings. Association. Whether you are new “promote “The principles inherent in natural systems to the field or have been with ELA the design, serve as both a framework and a justification for since the beginning, the conference installation and provides many opportunities to maintenance mimicking nature in our landscaping practices.” meet with professionals, share ideas, of landscapes that are guided by a “Following nature’s lead” allows and be inspired. As you know, the knowledge of and respect for natural us to beneficially tap into the en- choices we make in our landscapes ecosystems” becomes more relevant. ergy flow that influences everything and our lifestyles profoundly affect People are becoming more motivated from climate to built landscapes to local and global ecosystems. There to change their ways. But, how can wildlife habitat and movement. has never been a better time to dig we sort through the complexity of Since the theme for the ELA 2009 into ecological landscaping. information coming conference is “Digging In: The The- at us, to understand ory and Practice of Ecological Land- and effectively scaping,” we would like to briefly work with that explore emerging opportunities for contents complexity in FOLLOWING continued on pg. 2 managed 1 Following Nature’s Lead 4 15th Annual ELA Conference Details 6 Greenhouse Warming and Landscape Care 8 Viburnum Leaf Beetle Detected in New Massachusetts Counties 9 Sustainable Sites Initiative in Draft Stage Plant systems mimic combinations found in nature, incorporating layers of vegetation, 10 Gleanings and Events and provide many benefits including habitat for wildlife in all seasons. FOLLOWING continued from pg. 1 The Ecological Landscaperis published The Ecological Landscaping by the Ecological Landscaping As- integrated design of buildings and Association would like to sociation (ELA). Subscriptions are a grounds, and then describe how thank the following for their benefit of membership in ELA. For we are connecting the theory and generous help in sustaining information about ELA, contact: practice of ecologically-based land- our mission through the scaping in a new book, Integrated Annual Appeal: Landscaping: Following Nature’s ELA Lead. Daniel Hildreth 1257 Worcester Rd., #262 La n d s c a p i n g i n Co n t e x t North Country Framingham, MA 01701 Although many clients may Organics (617) 436-5838 think of landscapes and gardens as Chris O’Brien www.ecolandscaping.org [email protected] their own, they are part of a larger Trevor Smith regional environment. How often Maureen Sundberg Write to us! We welcome comments, do your clients recognize the land- letters, articles, topic ideas, and scaping around homes, businesses, Thank you as well to our opinions. Send to Newsletter Editor schools, and community centers at the address above. many valued supporters who as more than just planting flowers, Also send all other ELA business, wish to remain anonymous. including address changes, to the shrubs and trees, and moving soil address listed above. and rocks? Much landscaping, in- The ELA board meets formed primarily by aesthetics, sig- e w a n u a l o n throughout the year in various nificantly alters ecological function A N M n t e g r a t e d a n d s c a p i n g locations in eastern Massachusetts. and services of the local ecosystem, I L : All members are welcome. Contact o l i s t i c p p r o a c h the region, and all who share in its A H A us for specific dates and ocations.l future, including ourselves. Land- Most landscape manuals ad- ELA Board of Directors scaping in context, that follows dress the functional, aesthetic, President: Dennis Collins nature’s lead, protects the existing and budgetary goals of property Vice President: Kathy Sargent-O’Neill owners by describing a linear se- Treasurer: Chris O’Brien ecological services that: quence of processes: design, plant Secretary: Andrea Knowles • reduce stormwater runoff, re- selection, installation, and ongoing charge groundwater, and purify Board Members maintenance. Integrated Landscap- M.L. Altobelli surface water ing: Following Nature’s Lead takes Jordan Hall • moderate site conditions a nonlinear, holistic approach to William Jewell (shade and breeze in summer, Robert Levite sun and light in winter) these recognized practices, using natural ecosystems as models, by Trevor Smith • purify air Sue Storer studying the fundamental processes Maureen Sundberg • make food and fiber of nature and applying them to Sandy Vorce • pollinate and disperse seeds the landscapes we create around Bruce Wenning • control insect populations our homes, workplaces, and public Executive Administrator: Penny Lewis • take up and sequester carbon spaces. The principles inherent in natural systems serve as both a Each author appearing herein retains • decompose wastes original copyright. Right to reproduce framework and a justification for or disseminate all material herein is • screen views and reduce noise mimicking nature in our landscap- otherwise reserved by ELA. Please contact As we begin to see ourselves and the Editor for permission to reprint. ing practices. our landscapes as part of the natu- Mention of products is not intended 1. Diverse forms of life live and to constitute endorsement. Opinions ral world instead of separate from work together independently. expressed in this newsletter do not it, we can begin to make the kinds necessarily represent those of ELA’s In natural systems plants are always directors, staff, or members. of choices that support native ecosystems and maintain the look and found living together with animals. ©Ecological Landscaping 2009 feel of our home settings. FOLLOWING continued on pg. 3

— 2— FOLLOWING continued from pg. 2 promote growth of root systems and animals with nonliving components 2. Soils are covered and populations of microorganisms. of the environment to interact and protected from the impacts of function as a whole. Because they 8. The subsoil provides inorganic excessive wind, sun, and rain. compounds required for living mimic combinations found together In natural systems, soils are typi- and nonliving processes. in nature, the plant systems of integrated landscapes can: cally covered and protected, with In undisturbed natural systems, layers of vegetation serving as the subsoil lies below the upper layers • Offer year-round habitat and first line of defense, beginning of soil. Formed by the weathering of food for wildlife. with the tallest canopy of overstory parent material, the subsoil provides • Provide a variety of aesthetic trees, followed by shrubs, herbs, inorganic compounds (mineral mat- landscape qualities. and groundcovers. ter) to the soils and plants above. • Enhance local character.

3. Rainfall is filtered, conserved, 9. Natural systems are dynamic • Resist pollution, pests, and and available when needed. and will change over time. drought. Natural systems allow rainwater, al- Natural systems undergo succession, • Minimize maintenance. ready reduced to fine sprays by mul- the progressive change from one dom- • Provide ecological services es- tiple-canopy layers, to sink slowly inant plant community to another. sential to human quality of life. into the ground. After being trans- All of this helps soil regenerate, formed into thin films of water by 10. Humans experience sensory, plants thrive, and wildlife flour- intellectual, emotional, the litter layers, water moves through and spiritual stimulation, ish in real-world situations, while the topsoil. opportunities for learning, reducing energy inputs and saving and insights into the wonder money. By following nature’s lead, 4. Soil organisms are fed by of complex natural processes. the cycling and recycling of we also can discover additional nutrients. Natural systems engage all our hu- aesthetic appreciation, recreational man senses. opportunities, intellectual stimula- In natural systems, a great vari- tion, and a spiritual connection to ety of decomposing organisms the life support system of the beau- consume organic matter as a food The holistic practices used in tiful planet. source, leaving behind humus, the Integrated Landscaping include stable remnant (due to its chemical working with “plant systems” rather Lauren Chase-Rowell, Kate Hartnett, composition and chemical bonds) than individual specimens. A plant Mary Tebo, and Marilyn Wyzga are of decaying organic material. system unites diverse plants (some the authors of Integrated Landscap- combination of groundcovers, grass- ing: Following Nature’s Lead, which 5. Humus holds fertility reserves es, perennials, within the upper layers of soil. may be purchased from Amazon, your vines, shrubs, local bookstore, or http://extension. In the Northeast, plant litter doesn’t understory and unh.edu/resources/. The authors accumulate but decomposes quickly overstory will offer a two-part workshop on with the help of numerous decom- trees) and integrated landscaping at ELA’s posers. winter conference. 6. Diversity builds over time, keeping plant pests and diseases in check. Natural systems sustain them- selves as organisms live, grow, die, and decay together.

7. Plants supply fresh air above and below the ground, as well as cool shade. This plant system is designed for drought and salt situations; selection of Both fresh air and cool, moist soil suitable plant materials minimizes the need for maintenance.

— 3— An essential part of the ELA conference is the Eco-Marketplace. We invite you to visit with the exhibitors to explore new options in supplies and services that will improve your skills and your bottom line. Here are just a few of the great exhibitors and organizations that will be in the Eco-Marketplace this year:

Fertrell Company North Creek Nurseries, Inc. Natural organic fertilizers including a Provider of native perennials, wide range of minerals. ferns, grasses, and vines.

Groundscapes Express, Inc. NOFA/OLC Compost tea and compost products Provides information on organic for erosion control, topdressing, and landcare training and organic mulching. farming and gardening.

North Country Organics® Project Native OMRI-listed natural pest control, Growers of high quality organic blended and custom organic fertilizers, native plants and seeds. compost, bio-stimulants, seed, and They also raise awareness of other products. They also offer quality indigenous plants and habitats soil testing services. through education and outreach.

— 4— The Ecological Landscaping Association proudly presents our 15th Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace

Digging In: The Theory and Practice of Ecological Landscaping February 27–28, 2009 Get the Theory • Designing and building gardens with diversity and native populations in mind • Developing healthy soils in as many places as possible • Minimizing water use and maximizing water percolation • Educating our clients and our communities on sustainable landscape options • And much more ELA Conference Co-Host Meet the Practitioners • Our speakers and exhibitors have real life experience with ecological, sustainable, and organic landscaping • Over 16 sessions feature well-known speakers David Yarrow, Jeff Lowenfels, C.L. Fornari, and others

Tell the Story • The choices we make in our landscapes and in our lifestyles profoundly affect local and global ecosystems

Friday Night Keynote:

Expanding the Story of Ecological, Sustainable, and Organic Landscaping —Peter Forbes, Center for Whole Communities

The art of story, practiced by us all in our daily lives, has untapped potential in the field of conservation. Indeed, telling the stories of our relationships to land could be the key to effecting social change around conservation values. Whole Communities is about deep diversity and a com- Meet new people! mitment to inclusively — to work on behalf of all people and all ecosystems Be inspired! so that all may thrive. Exchange ideas! For more information, call: To review the full brochure, register online, or download (617) 436-5838 (attendees) a mail-in registration form, visit www.ecolandscaping.org. (978) 874-1373 (exhibitors)

— 5— Gr e e n h o u s e Wa r m i n g a n d fires, and other changes in land use. The amount of carbon stored in La n d s c a p e Ca r e Photosynthesis by land and ma- the wood of healthy trees and shrubs rine plants takes CO2 out of the can be increased by tree care practices • Kevin T. Smith atmosphere, using solar energy to that reduce wood decay. Wood decay limate change is one of the few make chemical bonds to form sugar. can be reduced by decreasing the fre- truly planetary processes that The sugar is then the fuel and the quency and severity of tree wounding. Cinfluence the assessments and actions raw material for plant biosynthesis Wounding provides the opportunity of governments and of everyday of organic compounds, compounds for infection by wood decay fungi citizens. Principles and practices of that contain carbon. This is the fun- and their associated microorganisms. ecological landscaping fit well with damental support for most of the Repeated wounding can breach the concern about the effects of climate world’s food webs. boundaries of the compartmentaliza- change. Although most organic com- tion process, resulting in injured trees. Models of complex weather pat- pounds will be rapidly broken down Compartmentalization resists the

terns indicate that as the planet in- by organisms and the CO2 released spread of infection and results in less creases in overall temperature, global back into the atmosphere, some decay and increased carbon storage. patterns of circulation in the atmo- organic compounds are stored or Proper pruning practices that remove sphere and in the oceans change as sequestered for long periods of times. the target branch and leave the stem well. These changes in large-scale pat- Stored carbon does not contribute uninjured favor healthy compart- terns can influence local precipitation, to greenhouse warming or to the mentalization. Although ecological the timing of budbreak and frosts, carbon footprint. For the terrestrial landscaping techniques should aim to and the frequency of extreme weather environment, much organic matter reduce the amount of decay in living events. We know that climate change is stored in woody plants and soils. trees, the decay of woody mulch and is nothing new and there is evidence Ecological techniques that promote even woody debris can support commu- of extreme change prior to the devel- healthy landscape plants can have the nities of healthy soil microorganisms. opment of modern society. additional benefit of increasing that Most textbooks present soil as a “Greenhouse warming” distin- stored carbon. GREENHOUSE continued on pg. 7 guishes global change caused by human activity from long-term climate cycles that are independent of human activity. Concern for greenhouse warming has centered on “greenhouse gases.” Greenhouse gases make life possible on earth by trapping some of the heat produced by solar energy that reaches the earth’s surface. The current greenhouse warming problem stems from the release of huge amounts of greenhouse gases

such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels as well as other gases from animal agriculture and other industrial sources. The term “carbon footprint” refers to the direct

and indirect release of CO2 to meet some need. This increased production of greenhouse gasses is coupled with

the decreased capture of CO2 and reduced storage of carbon in living trees Wood decay has reduced the amount of carbon stored in the center of this red and soil due to deforestation, forest oak stem.

— 6— GREENHOUSE continued from pg. 6 ture. The rapid response of landscape energy consumption in the formation physical mix of clay, silt, and sand plants to nitrogen fertilizer encour- and transportation of the manufac- with a little humus (decayed organic aged its use, which rapidly became tured materials. matter). This model is good for pre- widespread. New com- dicting some soil properties such as Now, fer- mercial porosity and permeability. In contrast, tilization of products and an ecological approach presents soil as landscapes techniques are alive, with the living roots, microor- with indus- being devel- ganisms, and micro fauna all playing trial nitrogen oped to meet key roles in plant nutrition. Much of is one of the the goals of the carbon stored by plants is below most com- healthy plants ground in the root system and is not mon practices and soils while readily visible. Healthy roots in natu- in traditional reducing the ral environments release carbon mac- landscaping. Mycorrhizal root of red oak showing the carbon foot- romolecules into the soil that improve In addition to sheath of beneficial fungus, proliferation of print. Some soil texture and that support commu- the large carbon root tips, and aggregation of soil particles. will be more nities of beneficial microorganisms. footprint, the effective than These communities alter the chemical rich succulent growth encouraged others, depending on specific circum- forms of essential elements, making by nitrogen fertilization can also be stances. Research on the relationships them more available for plant uptake prone to attack by pests and patho- within the biological webs of planted and growth. gens. Some of these problems can be landscapes can provide options and Ecological landscaping techniques reduced through increased pesticide guidance on what we should do can increase the storage of carbon use, which unfortunately also increas- to enhance the role of ecological directly through encouraging the es the carbon footprint. landscaping in reducing greenhouse development of healthy root systems An unintended consequence of warming. Although the contribution and living soil and indirectly through nitrogen fertilization is the suppres- may seem small with respect to the reduced consumption of energy- sion of natural communities of mi- total problem of climate change, eco- intensive landscape treatments. Meet- croorganisms in healthy soils. These logical techniques can make alterna- ing the goal of healthy root systems communities can take nitrogen gas tive approaches available for effective, can involve physical and biological and produce nitrate and other forms efficient, and sustainable landscaping. soil amendments, especially for im- to fertilize landscape plants. Nitrogen Kevin T. Smith is Plant Physiologist poverished urban soils. The carbon and phosphorous fertilization also and Project Leader for the Northern added to the soil through the addition suppress the formation of healthy Research Station of the USDA Forest of organic amendments also increases mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are sym- Service. He will offer two workshops carbon storage. The slow breakdown biotic associations of plant roots and at ELA’s winter conference: one on climate change and tree stress, and beneficial fungi. The fungus compo- of that organic matter can help fuel one on survival strategies and tree the development of healthy commu- nent greatly increases the surface area connections. nities of soil microorganisms. of the function root system of the Photos by Kenneth R. Dudzik, USDA Probably the landscape treatment plant and is more effective than the Forest Service with the largest carbon footprint is plant alone at taking up certain es- nitrogen fertilization. Although our sential elements such as phosphorous. atmosphere is rich in nitrogen gas, Mycorrhizae naturally form in most The ELA Board of Directors is that essential element is taken up by families of higher plants, especially pleased to announce that, effec- plants in other forms such as nitrate. trees and woody shrubs. Healthy my- tive January 13, 2008, Jordan Most nitrogen fertilizer is produced corrhizae and natural communities of Hall was elected to serve on the board on an interim basis until by an industrial process that con- soil microorganisms reduce the need the next general election. More sumes large amounts of electricity. for industrial fertilizers. Reduced fer- details will appear in the next tilizer use lowers the carbon footprint Development of that process was a issue of the newsletter. tremendous boost to modern agricul- of the landscape through reduced

— 7— Rafinesque viburnum V.( rafinesqui- 1-2mm in diameter, that can be anum), and Chinese or Taiwanese found in rows along the terminal viburnum (V. propinquum). Many twigs of the plant. other species are also known to be With the distribution of this susceptible, including: Black haw beetle continuing to expand (V. prunifolium), Mapleleaf vibur- throughout the state, ornamental num (V. acerifolium), Nannyberry plantings and nursery stock as (V. lentago), Sargent viburnum (V. well as native viburnums could sargentii), Wayfaringtree (V. lan- be at risk. It is important to learn tana), and Wright viburnum (V. to recognize the symptoms of wrightii). viburnum leaf beetle damage so The adult stage of the viburnum that infestations can be detected leaf beetle is active in late summer and dealt with as early as possible. and fall. Adult feeding damage can Heavy infestations by viburnum be seen on viburnum leaves as ir- leaf beetle can defoliate shrubs, regular circular or elliptical holes. cause dieback, and eventually kill The beetles are approximately 5mm plants. Shrubs repeatedly defoli- Egg-laying sites adjacent to leaves long (less than ¼ of an inch) and ated over a period of two to three damaged by feeding adults. Photo are brown, with dark markings on years are likely to die. Credit: Paul Weston, Cornell University and behind the head. Adults feed If you think you have seen the from July through the fall, until viburnum leaf beetle, please report Vi b u r n u m Le a f Be e t l e leaf drop occurs, and then lay eggs it at this website: http://www. De t e c t e d i n Ne w for the remainder of the growing massnrc.org/pests/, where you can Massachusetts Co u n t i e s season. Egg-laying sites are small, also go to download a fact sheet A pest alert from the Massachusetts brownish-black bumps, about VIBURNUM continued on pg. 9 Introduced Pests Outreach Project

iburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni), a pest Vof viburnum species, has been Advertise in confirmed in three new counties in The Ecological Landscaper Massachusetts. In July 2008, new sightings of this introduced pest Your logo and company name were reported in Bristol, Franklin, could be here! and Middlesex County, and were recently confirmed by Robert Childs, an entomologist at UMass Extension. Eradication efforts at these sites are currently underway. The beetle was first discovered in Massachusetts in 2004, in Berkshire County. Viburnum leaf beetles attack only viburnum plants. The most For advertising information: susceptible species are arrowwood viburnums (V. dentatum complex), Call ELA at (617) 436-5838 European and American cranberry bush (V. opulus, including var. amer- or email: [email protected] icana), Possum-haw (V. nudum),

— 8— VIBURNUM continued from pg. 8 States Botanic Garden. It was of devising the standards. organized to change land develop- The Sustainable Sites Initiative about the beetle. A list of known ment and management practices Guidelines and Performance Bench- susceptible and resistant viburnum in a manner similar to the way the marks – Draft 2008 was published species is available from Cornell LEED® (Leadership in Energy in November and SSI is now seek- University at www.hort.cornell. and Environmental Design) rating ing feedback before the deadline of edu/vlb/suscept.html. system changed the way building January 20, 2009. It is the product construction was practiced. The of more than two years of work by a diverse group of experts in soils, Su s t a i n a b l e Si t e s founders hoped that the creation and implementation of clear and hydrology, vegetation, materials, In i t i a t i v e i n Dr a f t St a g e rigorous design, construction, op- and human health and wellbeing. • Dennis Collins, ELA Board The report focuses on President measuring how a site he landscape can protect, restore, community and regenerate ecosys- hasT often toyed tem services – benefits with the idea of provided by natural creating standards ecosystems such as and certification clean air and water, programs, which are climate regulation, and commonplace in other human health benefits. industries. More than It contains prerequi- ten years ago, the sites and credits that Ecological Landscaping cover all stages of the Association considered site development pro- implementing such a cess from site selection program. Although to landscape mainte- the idea continued nance. SSI hopes the to generate interest document will develop over the years, our sustainable land prac- organization decided tices that “enable built against it simply landscapes to support because of the resources natural ecological that would be required. functions by protect- Our mission of ing existing ecosys- educating professional tems and regenerating landscapers and the ecological capacity general public remains where it has been lost.” the primary focus of The document can ELA. However, it now appears erations, and maintenance criteria be downloaded in PDF format that such a program will soon for landscapes would supplement from the SSI website at: be introduced on a national level existing green building and land- http://www.sustainablesites.org/report/. by an interesting partnership of scape guidelines and also become In addition to your thoughts on this organizations. a stand-alone tool for site sustain- draft, SSI is looking for actual job The Sustainable Sites Initia- ability. In January, 2008, ELA sites where testing and evaluation tive is a collaboration between the became an informal partner by can be done. Please visit them on American Society of Landscape offering to share information with the web and share your views on the Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson our members and encouraging initiative. Wildflower Center, and the United them to participate in the process

— 9— gleanings Northeast Aquatic Plant Management New England Grows Society Annual Meeting and Conference February 4-6 Environmental Fellowships January 19-21 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center The Robert and Patricia Switzer Founda- For more information, visit: Business advice from industry experts. tion invites applications from graduate www.neapms.net. Tips and tools for green industry busi- students in New England and California nesses. Deals on products and materials for Switzer Environmental Fellowships Massachusetts Congress of Lakes and for horticulture professionals. Visit www. for the 2009-2010 academic year. At Ponds Winter Workshop NEGrows.org or call 508-653-3009. least 20 fellowships of $15,000 each January 24 will be awarded to students in a range For more information, visit: Ecolandscape 2009 Conference of environmental science and related www.macolap.org and Trade Show fields. This year they have converted to February 7 an online application system avail- Samuel Pannell Community Center, able at http://www.switzernetwork.org/ Let’s Talk Turf: Organic Lawns Sacramento, CA fellowship-guidelines.html. Application January 28 For information or to register: deadline: February 1, 2009. An interactive roundtable discussion with Chip Osborne and Bernadette www.ecolandscape.org. Giblin, cosponsored by ELA and the NOFA Organic Land Care Program. Ninth Annual Land Ethics Symposium: Appropriate for professionals in the Creative Approaches for Ecological events field. Doyle Conservation Center, Landscaping Leominster, MA. Call (617) 436-5838 February 19 NOFA Five-day Courses in to pre-register. Walk-ins are welcome. Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, Organic Land Care Cash or check only at the door. Pesti- Langhorne, PA Cover all aspects of organic landscap- cide credits have been requested for Sponsored by Bowman's Hill Wild- ing installation, maintenance, and the New England states. CEU credits flower Preserve, 215-862-2924. management. January and Febru- from ALCM, MNLA, MAA, and NOFA ary, 2009, throughout the Northeast. (others pending). For information, visit Fifth Annual Residential Design and Con- Fee: $550 (accreditation optional). www.ecolandscaping.org/conf_round- struction Convention and Trade Show For more information, contact Kathy table.html. April 1-2 Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or kath- Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, MA [email protected], or visit: For more information, visit: www.organiclandcare.net. www.rdcboston.com

ELA welcomes 2009 and wishes you a As a member, you: happy and prosperous New Year. • Receive the quarterly ELA newsletter The ELA membership year is January through December and that means • Are listed in the “Find an Eco-Pro” online it’s time to renew! directory to maximize your business visibility on the web (Professional level and Remind yourself why ELA is important to you and why above) you want to be a part of this organization. Invite others to join and enjoy the benefits of membership as well. • Network with professionals, non- professionals, and others supportive of ecological landscaping This year, please consider the Professional, Supporting, and Sustaining levels of membership. • Receive the printed ELA Membership Networking Directory Let’s strengthen and grow our organization • Learn more about sustainable landscaping in 2009. Join or renew now! Visit www. practices, and speak with those that use ecolandscaping.org to print the membership them brochure and get further information. • Are on the forefront of a nationwide Ecological Landscaping Association movement 1257 Worcester Road. #262 Framingham, MA 01701 • Make a positive change in yourself, your 617-436-5838 community, the environment, and the world

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