Linda Velazquez Editor & Publisher ASLA, LEED™ AP, GRP

Happy New Year and continued prosperity!

With the new leadership in the U.S., 2017 promises to be a challenging one for those of us in the pro-environment industry, here and abroad. We feel this is the time for us to speak up and contribute our thoughts and actions to fight for a just, open, and all-embracing peaceful community - for all of our people and places, and the future health of our planet.

We all know how climate change affects so many aspects of our lives, and we believe that designing with nature by incorporating plants on, over, and within our built environment can ameliorate at least our own neighborhoods and urban heat islands. Greening buildings is what we all do - it's our industry, so let's get involved! Read more at my Happy New (Challenging) Year 2017 and Let's Get Involved.

To this effect, please join us for our 4th biennial Greenroofs & Walls of the World Virtual Summit starting on April 9 through April 30. Confirmed Keynotes so far are pioneering green architect Emilio Ambasz and award-winning Bronx educator Stephen Ritz, with more to be announced. With a distinguished Advisory Group for 2017 and easier and more socially interactive online platforms, we hope you network with us along with a host of fellow influencers from around the world this April, and bring your voice to the table!

Read more at Save the Dates for the 2017 Greenroofs & Walls of the World Virtual Summit: April 9 - 30!

On a more subdued note, A Celebration of Diana Balmori's Life will be held on January 30, 2017 in New York for the lovely and distinguished landscape and urban designer who passed away on November. You can learn more at my In Memoriam: Dr. Diana Balmori.