8:30 - 9:00 am       Registration and Networking

9:00 -10:00 am      Nature and Human Health: From Fact to Action
Kathy Wolf PhD, University of Washington,
Many people who work in green industries know from personal experiences that nature contact is good for people. Yet, as landscape professionals work and communicate with decision makers, they encounter many who don’t share those values. And yet, nearly 40 years of research provides abundant scientific evidence of the relationships between nature contact and human health and wellness, especially in the city. Dr. Wolf will provide a review of the research, highlighting key findings about mental health, physical wellness, benefits for children, and social cohesion. More recently, various organizations have launched programs that provide more opportunities for people and communities to achieve nature-based health benefits. Examples that can translate to your own community will be discussed.

10:00 - 11:00 am  Measuring Human Health and Safety Benefits of Urban Greening Programs   
Michelle Kondo PhD, USDA FS
Urban land managers across the US are developing innovative programs to promote sustainability, natural resource stewardship, and economic development. A growing number of studies have found that such projects may also promote public health. Dr. Kondo will discuss her study of the impact of green stormwater infrastructure projects in Philadelphia on crime and public health indicators. She will also discuss findings from her studies on the impacts of urban greening programs, such as vacant lot greening and tree plantings, on human health and safety outcomes.

11:00 – 11:15 am Break

11:15 – 12:15 pm  Trees and Green Space for Better Health Panel
John Henderson, Executive Director, Park Rx America
Discussion of the Park Rx program, and how health professionals have been prescribing going out into green space to improve your health
Dwight Fincher, Wilmot Sanz Architecture
Healthcare Facility Design, H ow medical facilities are utilizing concepts of “biophilia” and the integration of nature to improve patient and staff health. 
Sharon Bradley, Bradley Site Design
School Redesign a unique approach to site design and programming using curriculum integration techniques.

12:15 – 1:30        Lunch and Discussions

1:30 – 2:30 pm    City Parks, America’s New Infrastructure
                             Catherine Nagel, City Parks Alliance
With growing urban populations and aging infrastructure, local governments and their city planners are taking a fresh look at parks as a wise investment of municipal resources to address our greatest urban challenges—from stormwater management and flood prevention to reducing public health costs to economic revitalization and job growth. 

2:30 – 3:15 pm   Communicating the Message
     Adam Rondeau USDA Forest Service
Discussion and pointers on how best to communicate the importance of urban green space and urban forest to other disciplines and elected officials.
                                                               
3:15 – 3:30 pm    Wrap up, Review of Issues Discussed
                             Kathy Wolf PhD, University of Washington

For more information please contact:
Trees Virginia – Becky Woodson
434-220-9024  
CEUs have been requested from ISA, VNLA, SAF