The Science and Art of Green Roofs (new elective)

Instructors:Ed Snodgrass, Proprietor, Emory Knoll Farms, Inc., Maryland
Julie Price, Ph.D., Sustainability Coordinator, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Friday, October 14|8:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 15|8:30-12:30 p.m.
Location: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and other locations
Members:  $110 | Non-Members $125

All over the world, more and more green roofs are being installed on a variety of structures – ranging from dog houses and garden sheds to large industrial complexes. Replacing bare roof-tops with live plants accomplishes many purposes, among them: reducing the costs of power by forming a “natural” layer of insulation to regulate building temperatures; prevention of water run-off; aesthetics of plants, rather than bare surfaces; habitat for many living organisms, especially pollinators.
This event will begin in the classroom where participants will learn the basics of green roof design, installation and maintenance. Plant selection will be discussed and images of many green roofs around the world will be shown. The class will then go to a site nearby where we will have a hands-on experience planting a green roof!
The following morning, we will visit several green roofs in Birmingham, each very different in scope.