Let's shift the

FLORIDA LANDSCAPE PARADIGM

TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE A BETTER FUTURE

and demonstrate how research, policy, culture and industry can collaborate to position landscapes as a vital solution to the sustainability of Florida’s natural resources.

 
Let's shift the

FLORIDA LANDSCAPE PARADIGM

TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE A BETTER FUTURE

and demonstrate how research, policy, culture and industry can collaborate to position landscapes as a vital solution to the sustainability of florida’s natural resources.

 

Increasing the adoption of sustainable landscape practices will help create a more vibrant, healthy, and sustainable future for all Floridians.

Rapid population growth, water responsibility issues, land conservation challenges, sea-level rise, coastal community resilience, biodiversity loss, and climate change are a few examples of the challenges facing the Florida landscape. These vital issues in Florida require us to take action and change certain landscaping behaviors and patterns, so we can contribute to the solutions needed in the future.

The way we achieve our purpose for OUTSIDE is going to be determined by all of us. By coming together and working collaboratively, we can look for specific actions and solutions which we can apply toward
achieving our purpose. 

 

 OUTSIDE Collab 2023

October 12-13th in Lake Nona, FL

 

Registration includes:

A Year of Growth: A Journey Through Sustainable Landscapes at Sunbridge

Oct. 12th from 1:00 - 5:30 PM

Overview: Coming to life on 27,000 acres spanning Orange and Osceola counties, Sunbridge is a fresh approach to regional growth. The tours will focus on sustainable landscape plantings installed at the Weslynn Park Model Homes and the Basecamp Boundary Planting Research Plots. Over the last year, we have gathered new research, explored unique solutions, and garnered opportunities for collaborations.

Witness the remarkable growth and lessons learned at Sunbridge in just one year as we aim to shape the future of landscape design and maintenance. Experience research gardens and the new tour stops that have been created, which showcase best practices in sustainable landscape maintenance and an experiment in soil amendments.

Location: Meet at Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Nona. Shuttles will be provided to tour stops.

The boundary planting is approximately 15,000 ft2 and is organized in 16 plots. A wood chip walking trail allows guests to explore the garden and interpretive signs help to educate the public on the research and the benefits of native plants. Attendees will hear from the research and implementation teams on the goals, objectives, lessons learned over the last year, and future opportunities relating to this exciting project.

Speakers: Brooke Moffis, Patrick Bohlen

The gardens and model homes at Sunbridge allow us to trial many different species for their ability to function well in a residential environment. It is a living laboratory for science and discovery in the field of sustainable landscaping. Most urban soils are disturbed by the construction and site development process. One of our research goals at Sunbridge is to learn how to amend the soil and select native plants that can thrive in these conditions. To assess the effects of soil compost amendments on plant growth and survival, eight plots were amended with compost provided by LifeSoils and eight were not. During this session, participants will learn more about the amendments used and the lessons learned.

Speakers: Mark Singleton, Darren Midlane

When planning for Weslyn Park, Tavistock requested input from a cross-functional interdisciplinary workgroup of OUTSIDE Collaborative members to produce sustainable landscaping designs for the 12 model homes at Weslyn Park. The workgroup focused on the general objective that landscapes should be designed to promote soil fertility, maximize community and ecological amenities, and minimize/eliminate irrigation, fertilizer, pesticide, and other supplemental inputs while preserving important commercial objectives for the appearance and feasibility of the landscapes. During this tour, participants will get to see the model homes up close and see these landscapes in action.

Speakers: Kody Smith, Jonan Bueno, Kristen Farmer, Greg Bryla

Explore the world of landscape maintenance and sustainability at Weslyn Park Model Homes Landscape Design. Explore the execution process, water usage data, lessons learned, and cost considerations from the team maintaining the landscapes. We will explore innovative strategies that can enhance the curb appeal of future neighborhoods while further reducing water consumption and expenses. Get inspired with practical ideas and actionable steps to create, build and maintain sustainable native and Florida-friendly landscapes.

Speakers: Timothee Sallin, Jimmy Rogers, Pierce Jones

As part of your registration, you'll have the opportunity to attend an after-hours event at Lake Nona's captivating Boxi Park. Immerse yourself in this innovative outdoor venue, thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community and crafted using repurposed shipping containers. Boxi Park boasts an exceptional ambiance, featuring an array of food truck-style eateries accompanied by live music.

Location: Boxi Park Lake Nona

From 5:30 - 8:30 PM

From Theory to Practice: Sustainable Landscapes + the Impact on Urban Development

Oct. 13th from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Overview: During these sessions, we will be addressing key questions from various perspectives, including the industry, academia, and government. Participants will engage in a collaborative dialogue with a focus on several key areas: defining sustainable landscapes and understanding their importance, sharing success stories in promoting them, identifying and discussing challenges to widespread adoption, exploring the significance of local government and the State of Florida prioritizing resources, and discussing the necessary next steps to advance sustainable landscape policies and principles at the local and state levels. Participants will also hear from keynote speaker Dan Egan.

Location: UF Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona

After a year of growth and lessons learned, researchers and industry partners will present new findings and ideas around sustainable landscapes at Sunbridge. Discover the objectives, methods, and initial results of these projects. "The Boundary Planting at Base Camp" compares different soil amendment and irrigation strategies in a native plant corridor, while "Benefits of Native Plants in Residential Landscapes" compares native-dominant landscapes at model homes to nearby turf-dominant landscapes. Explore innovative approaches shaping greener, more sustainable futures.

Speakers: Brooke Moffis, Nick Taylor, Del Bottcher, Pierce Jones
Join us for a facilitated discussion aimed at identifying allied opportunities for organizations to work together towards shared objectives. This interactive session will bring together representatives from various organizations to share their perspectives, experiences, and best practices in promoting sustainable landscapes. Gain insight into each organization's unique goals and approaches on collaborating effectively to advance sustainable landscape practices across Florida. Through this dialogue, attendees will uncover specific objectives that can be collectively pursued. Be inspired to contribute your perspectives as we foster an environment of collaboration, enabling the identification of common interests and the development of collaborative strategies.

Speakers: Claire Lewis, Lynda Davis, Cammie Donaldson, Lesley Bertolotti
This session will review two pattern books created for the development community and landscape industry. Our speakers will go further into the why and how behind sustainable landscapes. Discover how to design, install, irrigate, and maintain landscapes that enhance soil fertility, maximize community and ecological amenities, and minimize inputs. We will reveal the updated version of the open-source New Yard Pattern book for 2023 and get a first look at a model pattern book using Wildlight as a case study, which goes into deph on conserving water resources and protecting water quality in North Florida's master-planned communities. Gain practical insights for new and existing developments. During this concise session, you will elevate your understanding of sustainable landscapes with practical knowledge.

Speakers: Johan Bueno, Gail Hanson
Explore the crucial role of government and water management districts in encouraging and advocating for sustainable landscaping practices at a meaningful scale. Engage in insightful discussions on the next steps for advancing sustainable landscape policies and principles and gain valuable insights on water supply and quality issues impacting communities today. Learn about the tools and information that local governments require to implement better standards and foster the use of sustainable landscape practices. Explore the political dynamics surrounding the championing of sustainable landscapes, including potential pitfalls and opportunities.

Speakers: Amy Lockheart, Mike Register, Todd Swingle
Gain valuable insights from prominent land developers in Florida as they share their approach to embracing sustainable landscaping practices. Discover what motivates these industry leaders to adopt sustainable measures and how far they are willing to push the boundaries. Join us as they discuss their reasons for embracing sustainability and offer their perspectives on further advancements within the field.

Speakers: Ernie Cox, Greg Jones
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MEET OUR

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DAN EGAN

Dan Egan is an accomplished New York Times best-selling author and esteemed environmental journalist. Renowned for his insightful works, he has penned notable books such as "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes," which received critical acclaim. His most recent publication, "The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance," was released in 2023, further establishing his expertise in the field.

Egan's exceptional contributions to journalism have garnered recognition, including being twice named a finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. His dedication to his craft has also been acknowledged through numerous accolades, such as the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award, the John B. Oakes Award, the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award, and the J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award.

Educated at the University of Michigan and the Columbia School of Journalism, Egan possesses a strong foundation in both academia and practical experience. His academic achievements and commitment to journalistic integrity serve as a testament to his expertise and passion for explanatory science and environmental journalism.

PRE-COLLAB LUNCH AT CHROMA MODERN BAR + KITCHEN

Oct. 12th from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Guests will have the opportunity to engage in a collaborative gathering prior to OUTSIDE Collab 2023. Enjoy lunch at a lively restaurant in the heart of Lake Nona. With limited availability, this event guarantees an intimate and immersive experience for all attendees, fostering meaningful connections and valuable interactions. Select this option during registration. 

HOST HOTEL: COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 

$189/night + taxes & fees

Located in the heart of Lake Nona Town Center's dining and entertainment district, the host hotel is within walking distance Boxi Park and will be the meeting location for Day 1. Enjoy modern amenities and a complimentary continental breakfast. To receive the discounted rate, please book by following this link.

It was a fantastic program and I really enjoyed getting to hear HONEST perspectives from all panelists, as well as the ability to ask questions through the Q&A.

I felt energized coming away from this meeting.

It was amazing seeing the research plots and the model homes. Good to see the application of the concepts so we can continue to learn from what we are doing. Looking forward to seeing these projects in 1-5 years.

The cross-disciplinary networking and information sharing were unique and a fantastic opportunity for all of us to learn from one another. Thank you for hosting an event of this nature. We need more of them to truly move the needle on sustainable
landscapes in Florida!

The Keynote opened whole new Neurons in my brain! Profound insight into aspects of design I’ve struggled with for years. Overall, the quality of information was simply excellent.

Our industry suffers from a lack of big ideas, and often, when the big ideas come, they are over complicated or impractical. The presentations all had a simplicity that underscored the strength of the ideas. Can’t say enough!

I loved hearing professionals be creative with where their industry needs to go. My favorite part was the field trips and the ability to ask questions directly to the designers and landscapers. Bravo!

I really enjoyed the fusion of disciplines! Landscaping is such a broad discipline and we need people from all the various aspects to start thinking in this way.

I thought the guest speakers had diverse background and views. I really felt as though I was on the forefront of major changes that are being discussed and should be
addressed in our state.

I really enjoyed that there were people representing all the different aspects related to this topic. It was very interesting and helped all involved to understand it
from different perspectives.

The vision and intention to be forward thinking rather than "reactive" was refreshing and the inclusiveness was commendable. I LOVE that you are pulling together everybody... growers, landscapers, landscape architects, developers and municipalities! Great job. And also that you embrace innovation.
To move forward, we must be creative with value-added new ideas.

It was a fantastic program and I really enjoyed getting to hear HONEST perspectives from all panelists, as well as the ability to ask questions through the Q&A.

I felt energized coming away from this meeting.

It was amazing seeing the research plots and the model homes. Good to see the application of the concepts so we can continue to learn from what we are doing. Looking forward to seeing these projects in 1-5 years.

The cross-disciplinary networking and information sharing were unique and a fantastic opportunity for all of us to learn from one another. Thank you for hosting an event of this nature. We need more of them to truly move the needle on sustainable landscapes in Florida!

The Keynote opened whole new Neurons in my brain! Profound insight into aspects of design I’ve struggled with for years. Overall, the quality of information was simply excellent.

Our industry suffers from a lack of big ideas, and often, when the big ideas come, they are over complicated or impractical. The presentations all had a simplicity that underscored the strength of the ideas. Can’t say enough!

I loved hearing professionals be creative with where their industry needs to go. My favorite part was the field trips and the ability to ask questions directly to the designers and landscapers. Bravo!

I really enjoyed the fusion of disciplines! Landscaping is such a broad discipline and we need people from all the various aspects to start thinking in this way.

I thought the guest speakers had diverse background and views. I really felt as though I was on the forefront of major changes that are being discussed and should be
addressed in our state.

I really enjoyed that there were people representing all the different aspects related to this topic. It was very interesting and helped all involved to understand it
from different perspectives.

The vision and intention to be forward thinking rather than "reactive" was refreshing and the inclusiveness was commendable. I LOVE that you are pulling together everybody... growers, landscapers, landscape architects, developers and municipalities! Great job. And also that you embrace innovation.
To move forward, we must be creative with value-added new ideas.

 

REGISTRATION 

Having trouble viewing this form? Click here for the direct link.

 
 
 

WHO SHOULD BE A PART?

Stakeholders and influencers who are passionate about building a sustainable future for Florida, believe in the power of collaboration, and want to learn about the latest trends around landscaping, development, place-building, and environmental conservation.

Developers
Environmental Engineers
Environmental and Ecological Consultants
Home Builders
Industry & Professional Associations
Landscape Architects
Landscape Companies
Local & State Government
Nursery Growers
Planners
Researchers
Students
Water Management Districts

 
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

To be guaranteed to receive CEU's, you must register by Sept. 28th.

Certified Floodplain Manager 
Option 1: 10 CEC / Option 2: 6.5 CEC / Option 3: 3.5 CEC

Community Association Manager DBPR (pending)
Option 1: 6 HRS / Option 2: 6 HRS / Option 3: 3 HRS

Florida Bar Law
Option 1: 11.5 CLE / Option 2: 7.5 CLE / Option 3: 4 CLE

Florida Environmental Health Professionals
Option 1: 9.5 HRS / Option 2: 6.5 HRS / Option 3: 3.5 HRS

Florida Water Star Accredited Professionals 
Option 1: 11 CEU / Option 2: 7 CEU / Option 3: 4 CEU

FNGLA 
Option 1: 11 CEU / Option 2: 7 CEU / Option 3: 4 CEU

Irrigation Association 
Option 1: 11 IA CEU / Option 2: 7 IA CEU / Option 3: 4 IA CEU

ISA Arborists & Municipals 
Option 1: 10.25 CEU / Option 2: 6.75 CEU / Option 3: 3.75 CEU

Landscape Architect DBPR 
Option 1: 11 HRS / Option 2: 7 HRS / Option 3: 4 HRS

 
 
 
 

OUTSIDE COLLAB GOALS

1. Promote a statewide collaboration around sustainable landscape practices

2. Increase nursery supply and market demand of Florida native and Florida resilient plants

3. Grow industry competencies in sustainable landscape maintenance

4. Support local governments to evaluate landscape codes for effectiveness

5. Collaborate with state agencies to encourage green infrastructure projects

6. Quantify economic impacts and ecosystem services

7. Partner with development community to implement sustainable landscapes holistically

8. Partner with existing developments (HOA’s) to retrofit sustainable landscapes holistically

9. Develop a holistic sustainable approach to the landscape transect from design to implementation to maintenance.

10. Educate communities to expand perceptions of what landscapes can provide

 

ARTICLES

SPONSORS

CONNECT

If you have any questions, please contact connect@outsidecollab.com.
 
 
 

Sharing perspectives.

Building connections.

Taking action.