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“Trees are community builders. The shades they produce reduce summer temperatures in these areas. Wherever there’s a large canopy area, the value of those houses increase,” says Dean Hay. If residents understood where their water went, and if the city could embrace a viable way to use its water more efficiently, Hay believes there would be long-term economic — as well as environmental — benefits.

“One of the really, really big problems, in my estimation, is the state has cut back on the funding to local units of government. That has had a major effect on ability to invest and upgrade infrastructure systems,” said Steven Wright.

Viewers from around the world will be able to learn more about the connections between green infrastructure, economics, and human health by attending a live webcast of the Grey to Green Conference on August 25th, 2014. “The live webcast allows individuals who cannot afford the time or money to travel the ability to take advantage of the excellent and leading-edge content being provided at this event,” said Steven W. Peck.

“The term ‘tree-hugging mayor’ has gone from being pejorative (at the outset of my tenure in 2003) to being a term of endearment and even of great pride. The great mayors of America and the great cities of America are paying attention to their urban canopies. It’s the mayor and the city that’s not doing this kind of work is out of step,” said Mayor George Heartwell.

“Rain gardens at elementary schools improve fish habitat in Delta’s waterways by promoting infiltration of rainwater runoff. A ‘Rain Gardeners’ curriculum-based education program for Grade 4 and 5 students accompanies the rain garden construction. These ‘rain gardeners’ connect to their local watershed and raise awareness as to how everyday actions may impact nearby watercourses,” states Sarah Howie.

“Roads are the connective tissue of commerce and make economic growth possible. The US Green Building Council focuses on the vertical infrastructure and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure focuses on horizontal infrastructure. Between the two organizations, we can offer a community a complete palette for making itself more sustainable,” says Bill Bertera.

In his 1969 book, Design With Nature, Ian McHarg pioneered the concept of environmental planning. “So, I commend Design with Nature to your sympathetic consideration. The title contains a gradient of meaning. It can be interpreted as simply descriptive of a planning method, deferential to places and peoples, it can invoke the Grand Design, it can emphasize the conjunction with and, finally it can be read as an imperative. DESIGN WITH NATURE!,” wrote Ian McHarg.

“The change is here, and it is accelerating. Local governments have an opportunity to adapt and mitigate these changes and improve resiliency of communities within existing legislative authority and current best practices,” states Kim Fowler.

“Through our years of research and advocacy on water management issues, we realized that there was something of a disconnect between information and action. Rain Ready seeks to close that gap by making it easier for homeowners, businesses, and government leaders to create Rain Ready plans,” said Harriet Festing. The Rain Ready website features videos and how-to factsheets that show rain readiness in action.

“When much of California is facing drought and limited water supplies, capturing and reusing every drop of water will not only be clever, but crucial. By moving water away from the people and places that need it, stormwater cannot percolate into the ground and replenish water we keep drilling deeper and deeper to reach. Californians can counteract the negative impacts of stormwater runoff by promoting water infiltration,” wrote Paula Luu.