Linking Lands and Communities - Spring 2008

Green infrastructure. The term is shorthand for a network of natural and working lands connected by rivers, forests and undeveloped open space. Much like a city or town depends on its built infrastructure of roads, railroads and transit systems to move people and network of electric wires and pipelines to provide energy services, our green infrastructure safeguards clean water supplies, expands recreation opportunities and provides ecological benefits.

The Conservation Fund has been at the forefront of a national movement advocating strategic conservation using green infrastructure network concepts in order to improve environmental and community development outcomes. This is GreenInfrastructure.Net's debut issue of our new quarterly e-newsletter. This and future issues will highlight new information resources, planning efforts, and training opportunities. Stay connected through Linking Lands and Communities.

Upcoming National Courses

Training Opportunities in Spring 2008

From April to June, the Fund's Conservation Leadership Network is offering a number of Green Infrastructure training courses:

• Strategic Conservation Planning Using a Green Infrastructure Approach
• GIS Tools for Strategic Conservation Planning

For more information including course content, registration deadlines, and target audiences:

Green Infrastructure Community of Practice

Next meeting in late April.

The first Green Infrastructure community of practice meeting, held in November, was attended by over 50 federal employees each of whom supported continuing dialogue. A second meeting of this vast network of professionals will be held on April 25, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Mapping Maryland's Green Infrastructure

The Fund's Strategic Conservation team helps Cecil County plan for growth.

What land merits conservation? What land can be developed? The Conservation Fund's Strategic Conservation Program recently completed the Cecil County Green Infrastructure Plan, identifying and offering guidance on the essential green infrastructure needed to support the county's present and future growth.

Tribute to Mark Benedict

Dedication of Elm Tree Grove at NCTC on April 19th

The Conservation Fund and the USFWS National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) will host a memorial celebration to honor the life and work of our beloved colleague, Mark Benedict on April 19, 2008. A tree planting ceremony will be held along with other activities on the NCTC campus for Mark's family, friends, colleagues, and all who want to pay tribute to his work. Please plan to join us for this wonderful event to honor Mark Benedict.