E+D Ecology + Design

In this episode of the E+D Podcast, we speak with Ginger Woolridge regarding her book Essential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States, highlighted in The NY Times Book Review summer list in 2018. Additionally, we discuss the role of landscape architects in the “sixth extinction” and environmental advocacy. Ginger Woolridge is a landscape architect with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her professional experience includes garden design, design instruction, commercial real estate acquisitions, development and construction, and presiding over a political action committee. She is a certified Maryland Master Naturalist. Ms. Woolridge served on the board of the smart growth advocacy group, 1,000 Friends of Maryland for many years.

In the 4th episode, we sit down with Arturo Izurieta the Executive Director of The Charles Darwin Foundation. Our discussions cover the history of the Galapagos Islands, the role the Charles Darwin Foundation plays in managing the islands, particularly the intersection of ecology plus design as the foundation manages the island's human carrying capacity while managing ecological resources.

Emily McCoy is an Assistant Professor of Practice at NC State University and a practicing landscape architect at Design Workshop in Raleigh, NC. Keith Bowers is a landscape architect and restoration ecologist who is President and Founder of the firm, Biohabitats — a multi-disciplinary firm that applies the science of ecology to restoring ecosystems, conserving habitat, and regenerating natural systems. Along with hosts Kendall Mainzer and Travis Flohr, they discuss the state of ecology and design in landscape architecture as well as the overarching issues of biodiversity and climate change. Enjoy!

This month’s E+D podcast episode is with Jack Dangermond. Jack leads ESRI (The Environmental Systems Resource Institute) and holds degrees in landscape architecture, environmental science, and urban and regional planning. In 1969, along with his wife Laura, Jack founded ESRI, driven by the idea that computer-based mapping and analysis can make significant contributions to geographic planning and environmental science. After 50 years of steady growth, ESRI now has 49 offices and 11 research centers worldwide, and ESRI software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations, including the world’s largest cities and most national governments. Please enjoy this conversation with hosts Kendall Mainzer and Travis Flohr!

Dr. Cole is a wetland ecologist, associate professor of landscape architecture at Penn State, and director of E+D. In this episode, he speaks with Penn State faculty Travis Flohr (assistant professor of landscape architecture) and Kendall Mainzer (engagement and career coordinator) about the nature of 'Ecology + Design', why now, and why Penn State. His thoughts highlight the importance of applying ecological principles and transdisciplinary thinking to design education and practice.

Welcome to the Penn State Ecology + Design (E+D) Center's new podcast! Take a listen to hear about the questions and topics we will be exploring on the show.