How do you keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services?

1 Read journals and magazines

One of the best ways to keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to read journals and magazines that focus on these topics. Some examples are Landscape and Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture Magazine, Landscape Ecology, Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, and Ecological Engineering. These publications offer peer-reviewed articles, case studies, reviews, and news on the latest developments and best practices in the field. You can also subscribe to newsletters or alerts from these sources to get updates on new issues or articles.

2 Join professional networks and associations

Another way to keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to join professional networks and associations that connect you with other landscape architects and experts in the field. Some examples are the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF), and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER). These organizations offer opportunities to attend conferences, webinars, workshops, and courses, as well as to access publications, databases, awards, and grants. You can also network with peers and mentors, exchange ideas and feedback, and collaborate on projects.

3 Follow online platforms and blogs

Another way to keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to follow online platforms and blogs that showcase and discuss these topics. Some examples are The Nature of Cities, Landscape Architecture Foundation, Landscape Institute, World Landscape Architecture, and Landscape Performance Series. These platforms and blogs feature stories, interviews, podcasts, videos, and infographics on various aspects of green infrastructure and ecosystem services, such as design, planning, policy, evaluation, and innovation. You can also comment, share, and interact with other followers and contributors.

4 Explore online tools and databases

Another way to keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to explore online tools and databases that help you access and analyze data, information, and evidence on these topics. Some examples are i-Tree, Green Infrastructure Valuation Toolkit, Ecosystem Services Partnership, Ecosystem Services Identification and Inventory, and EnviroAtlas. These tools and databases allow you to estimate the benefits and costs of green infrastructure and ecosystem services, compare scenarios and options, map and visualize data, and support decision-making and communication.

5 Learn from best practices and examples

Another way to keep up with the latest research and trends in green infrastructure and ecosystem services is to learn from best practices and examples that demonstrate the application and impact of these concepts in real-world projects. Some examples are High Line Park in New York, Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration in Seoul, Sponge City Initiative in China, Bosco Verticale in Milan, and Green Infrastructure Plan in Philadelphia. These projects illustrate how green infrastructure and ecosystem services can enhance urban design, resilience, livability, and sustainability. You can also visit, observe, and evaluate these projects yourself or through virtual tours.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?