Landscape Architecture Graduate Student Speaks at Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference in OKC

Jessica Steele, second-year landscape architecture graduate student, was invited to speak on the topic of Low-Impact Development at this year’s Sustainable Urban Landscape Conference at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Her discussion included ways to adapt to increasing threats of localized flooding and strategies to improve biodiversity and add aesthetic value to our environments. This topic is of special interest to Jessica, having learned much about sustainable stormwater design in Dr. Jason Vogel’s class, and while working alongside his team of researchers as an undergraduate.

“It was so rewarding to talk to professionals in many different fields, including landscape designers, engineers, conservationists, public works and city planning staff from around the region, and lovers of native plants and sustainable practices,” says Steele.

The session was well-received, with lots of enagement from attendees. “I was excited to have so many questions from the audience,” says Steele. “People wanted to know how to install rain gardens on their property, what sorts of plants remove toxins from runoff, and how to begin thinking about green roofs. I was moved by how much enthusiasm there is for our work. There are many pressures that we face due to climate change and extreme weather, but I find comfort in the fact that I will be working alongside other professionals in the field who believe in the power of design to tackle these challenges.”

Overall, Steele found the conference to be a wonderful complement to her work as a student. “Speaking at the conference renewed my enthusiasm for my work and reminded me that we have much to be hopeful about, especially in sustainable designs that improve the quality of life for people. I came away feeling inspired and encouraged, and ready to hit the ground running in the fall.”