If you'd prefer a more in-depth, hands-on approach to learning, sign up for this two-day design charrette, led by Applied Ecological Services (AES). AES, a broad-based ecological service firm, assisted in the design of the nation's premier lid residential community “Prairie Crossing” and many others.

On May 6th, (the day prior to the conference) the design charrette participants will study best management practice (BMPS) techniques, discovering the challenges and constraints they face in implementation. On May 7, (during the conference) the charrette will break into small groups to design BMP's into an actual site with its own goals and limitations. Members of this charrette will have the expertise of AES on-hand to assist as they work through various issues together before presenting their solutions. AES will also participate by taking the same site and presenting two examples, one with traditional techniques and one using LID techniques. View the results of hydrological and cost-comparisons between the two sites.

Day one of the Charrette will take place at Hickok’s Steakhouse & Brewery 314 S. Patton Alley, Springfield, Missouri from 9:30am to 3:30pm Day two will be at the Oasis Hotel and Conference Center 2546 N. Glenstone Ave Springfield, Missouri from 9:00am to 5:00pm. There will be a mixer and networking event from 5:00 to 7:00pm following the charrette where you will also be able to visit with the vendors at our vendor fair.

Charrett cost is $200. Professional Development Hours and Continuing Education Credits are available. Scroll down to register online or print and mail in your registration form. Charrette participants are welcome to sign up for conference Day 2 for an addition $75.00. Day 2 line up is as follows:

Smart Growth Techniques
Dr. Marty Matlock, University of Arkansas & Stephen Luoni, Univerity of Arkansas
Community Design Center
Growth is easy. Doing it wisely, with an eye toward future impact is another matter. We will look at the natural features in a site, cluster development and designing open spaces to promote a healthier and sustainable community.

Rainwater Harvesting (Commercial) Matt O'Reilly, Green Circle Eric McCune, SDA Architects Take advantage of the naturally-occurring rainfall to augment the required supply of water for commercial use.

Rainwater Harvesting (Residential) Dan Chiles, Watts Industries Stuart Murr, Smart Designs This sustainable action serves both fiscal and environmental concerns on a residential level.

What Color is YOUR Roof?
Kelly Luckett, Green Roof Blocks & Dr. Bill Retzlaff, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Curious about building a green roof? Look at structural requirements, assembly, design, planting,
care and research gathered by the Green Roof Environmental Evaluation Network.

Field Trip!
Board a bus to visit several local lid sites to see actual working examples of lid building techniques. Bring your questions, lunch will be provided. Dr. John Moore of UWRB will lead a discussion on codes and ordinances.

Bus will depart from the Oasis Convention Center at approximately 1:30pm stopping at three sites before returning to Convention Center. You will have the opportunity to view sites and hear presentations about techniques being implemented.

Space in the charrette is limited. So register now!