By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Civic leaders will unveil a three-year strategic plan for preserving West Michigan's green infrastructure at the second annual Natural Connections Summit on October 18, 2007.
The summit, an offshoot of the Green Infrastructure Project led by the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, will focus on the economic, social, and ecological benefits of protecting rivers, lakes, parks, agriculture, and network of green space throughout West Michigan.
"We're trying to promote collaboration between organizations and local governments who are working toward a common goal of protecting and preserving the natural features in West Michigan to make it the special place that it is," says Katherine Kahl, green infrastructure project manager. "It's important to communicate to citizens the economic benefits of preserving the green spaces."
Breakout sessions will feature discussions on the monetary values of clean air and water, and best regional practices in green infrastructure, including Metro Health's green roof and bioswales and Ottawa County Parks' protection of critical shoreline and dune habitat. A third breakout session will discuss agriculture as green infrastructure, with a focus on biofuel production issues and land development pressures farmers face.
Featured speakers and a keynote address will focus on the economics, quality of life, and ecological benefits of maintaining a healthy green infrastructure. The summit will draw some 250 attendees from local and state governments, businesses, education, and conservation groups.
Source: Katherine Kahl, West Michigan Strategic Alliance
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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