Conserving Biodiversity in Subdivision Development Webinar Series

Many residential developments and rural properties are situated near or in habitats that sustain native plant and animal communities. Conserving or restoring the unique natural features inherent on every parcel of land benefits the local environment, property owners and the region’s heritage. When land is subdivided, how does one conserve local biodiversity and minimize impacts on surrounding landscapes? Design, construction, and post-construction phases are often not discussed holistically when green developments are built.

To address these issues, American Citizen Planner and the University of Florida are co-hosting an online course in May on “Conserving Biodiversity in Subdivision Development.” Presented by Dr. Mark Hostetler, Associate Professor at the University of Florida’s (UFL) Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, this continuing education webinar course was developed by the UFL Program for Resource Efficient Communities. The online course is devoted to defining, recognizing, restoring and managing residential communities for biodiversity within the urban and rural matrix. It is relevant to county and city planners, landscape architects, architects, civil engineers, environmental consultants, developers, private landowners, and interested citizens.

Webinars in the series will take place from 2pm-3pm Eastern Time on the following days:

• Tuesday, May 17, 2011


• Thursday, May 19, 2011


• Thursday, May 26, 2011


• Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Participants in the course series will have access to all four 60-minute live webinars, and will also gain access to an online course site offering additional resources. The course will cover the following four modules:

• Key Players and Principles


• How to Do it: Design


• How to Do it: Construction


• How to Do It: Post-construction

A 120-page course manual will be available for download by participants. The manual has specific details and resources that are presented in each of the PowerPoint presentations.

Registration is available online. Cost to attend/participate is $110. Continuing education credits will be provided through the American Planning Association (3.5 AICP credits - Confirmation Pending).

Note: In order to participate in this webcast you must be on a high-speed Internet connection.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Julie Orler, ACP Customer Service, orlerj@msu.edu or call 517.353.3123. Learn more at ACP Webinar Series.