News
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 and older
West Union Green Streets in the news!
May 10, 2013
CDF's West Union Green Streets was featured in a PBS special hosted by Larry King on May 6, 2013! The project involves six blocks of a porous paving system, rain gardens, geothermal heating and cooling, and other energy efficient measures. These interventions are intended as a catalyst for further investment in the historic downtown.
Click here to watch the program on YouTube.
May 6, 2013
CDF President and Founder Jim Patchett will be presenting on water and sustainability at the Northwest Indiana Environmental Boot Camp in Portage, Indiana. This three-day conference, which is co-hosted by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, USEPA and HUD, and will devote a day each for environmental issues in water, land & air, and brownfield redevelopment.
Argonne National Laboratory to receive an Emerald Award from the U.S. Green Building Council on May 23, 2013
May 6, 2013
Please join the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter on May 23, 2013 as Argonne National Laboratory and seven other organizations are recognized for their advancements in sustainability. The Intent to Matter: Oustanding Large Organization award honors a corporation that has made significant strides to reduce their environmental footprint or improve the environmental in a substantial way. Congratuations, Argonne!
For more information on the awards and ticket information, please visit the US Green Building Council website.
November 28, 2012
"Failure is when the green roof does not provide all of the values and benefits that it could." Read more of the article and hear from David Yocca, Angie Durhman, national green roof mananger for TectaAmerica, and Vanessa Keitges, president and CEO of Columbia Green.
October 2012
Congratulations, Tom Brownlow!
October 17, 2012
CDF congratulates Charles City, Iowa city administrator Tom Brownlow who was named city administrator of the year by the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference in September.
September 2012
September 21, 2012
On Thursday, August 23rd, CDF’s President Jim Patchett was invited to meet with Lt. Governor Sheila Simon to discuss green infrastructure applications for communities throughout the State of Illinois. It is hoped that support from Lt. Governor Simon, and other likeminded state leaders, will provide increased promotion of green infrastructure practices including expanded programs and state-level policy/endorsement of the values and benefits of integrated green infrastructure.
August 2012
CDF joins the Illinois IPRA Environmental Committee
August 1, 2012
On August 1st, CDF joined the IPRA Environmental Committee for a tour of the historic (and LEED-certified) Solider Field. The stadium, built in 1924 and rebuilt from the inside in 2003, became the home of the Bears in 1971. The tour was led by the Chicago Park District, Soldier Field Director of Operations and architectural firm Lohan Anderson to learn more about how the Chicago landmark achieved LEED certification.
The Environmental Committee strives to educate park and recreation professionals on a variety of green initiatives and how to incorporate those technologies within parks and recreation agencies.
June 2012
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Design Charrette
June 32, 2012
CDF led a series of design workshops with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in February to help design a new sustainable neighborhood development in Dowagiac, Michigan.
April 2012
Conservation Design Forum projects showcased in Designing the Sustainable Site: Integrated Design Strategies for Small Scale Sites and Residential Landscapes
April 4, 2012
Two CDF projects, Lake Cook Courts and Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center, have been highlighted as case studies in the forthcoming book, Designing the Sustainable Site: Integrated Design Strategies for Small Scale Sites and Residential Landscapes. The case studies join other public and private projects from the U.S. and abroad to illustrate how all sites – whether densely urban, suburban, or rural – can provide environmental and human health benefits that improve the quality of life of current and future generations.
Advocating a regenerative design approach in which built landscapes protect and restore vital ecological functions, Designing the Sustainable Site guides readers through a design process for new and redeveloped sites that not only minimizes damage to the environment but also actively helps to repair it. The full-color, practical guide explores sustainable design solutions for major environmental and human health issues such as air and water pollution, habitat loss, water shortages, and flooding that often plague urban environments. Drawing upon her experience developing the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks, author Heather Venhaus describes the interconnectivity of built and natural systems and emphasizes the integrated design process as a model for improving site performance and saving time and money over the life of the project. Case studies illustrate a diversity of sustainable design practices and provide built examples of projects that successfully provide meaningful and long-term benefits to the site and surrounding community. Chapter previews and additional information can be found at www.designingthesustainablesite.com
About Lake Cook Courts
Lake Cook Courts is a 4.4-acre multi-family residential development. The layout is comprised of seventeen homes in a range of sizes and includes the preservation and restoration of an 1885 farmhouse as well as two affordable homes. Although clustered very close together, the site plan maximizes privacy and long views to the community landscape through carefully orchestrated window placement and staggered setbacks. The open space around the homes combines ornamental and naturalized landscapes, including a series of water gardens that provide an integrated rainwater management system. All of the paved surfaces are interlocking concrete pavers, engineered to slow, cool, and infiltrate rainwater. Bioswales further treat and utilize rainwater, avoiding downstream discharge. More information.
About the Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center
The Tyner Interpretive Center is a model of sustainability. Having earned LEED Platinum status, the project showcases both building and site sustainable strategies. Inviting views to the surrounding landscape pull visitors outdoors where they can enjoy a series of boardwalks, trails, outdoor classrooms, and displays. The site aims to help visitors build a love for nature by giving them first hand experience with the native plants, animals, and ecological processes of the region. More information.
Season's Greetings from Conservation Design Forum
December 19, 2011
October 2011
Kresge Foundation Headquarters featured as Landscape Performance Series Case Study Briefs
October 12, 2011
Kresge Foundation Headquarters in Troy, MI has been documented as a case study and has recently been published as part of the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s (LAF) Landscape Performance Series. The Landscape Performance Series (LPS) is an online, interactive set of resources to quantify benefits, show value, and make the case for sustainable landscape solutions. The LPS Case Study Briefs showcase exemplary built projects with quantified environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Learn more about the case study
West Union Green Streets Pilot Project Awarded COSCDA President's Award for Innovation
October 7, 2011
The Iowa Economic Development Authority and the community of West Union, Iowa received the President's Award for Innovation from the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) for the Green Streets Pilot Project, currently under construction in West Union. The Iowa Economic Development Authority received the award at COSCDA's Annual Training Conference in Des Moines, September 18-21.
William Browning Receives 2011 Evergreen Awards Perspective Award
October 5, 2011
William Browning of Terrapin Bright Green was awarded the 2011 Evergreen Perspective Award from Eco-Structure for his leadership in green building practice.
June 2011
Hegewisch Marsh Natural Area featured on WBEZ91.5
June 15, 2011
Hegewisch Marsh is a 130-acre marsh located in the Calumet Region of Chicago. The WBEZ article highlights the marsh's unique ecological value within its industrial context. Conservation Design Forum has worked with Conservation Land Stewardship and the City of Chicago Department of Environment on the restoration and rehabilitation of the marsh since 2007. A series of interpretive signs will be installed later this summer.
April 2011
The Kresge Foundation Headquarters featured in Michigan Chapter ASLA SITES journal
April 25, 2011
Michigan Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects journal, SITES, features an overview of the Kresge Foundation Headquarters in Troy, Michigan. The project is one of the Sustainable Sites Initiative's pilot projects, and is LEED Platinum rated. Conservation Design Forum provided landscape architecture and water resource engineering for the project.
Learn more about the Kresge Foundation Headquarters
Happy Earth Day from CDF!
April 22, 2011
CDF's Spring Quarterly Newsletter
April 11, 2011
March 2011
Greenroofs.com blogs about the CitiesAlive 2010 conference
March 4, 2011
In February's Sky Gardens blog post "Final Reflections of Fall 2010 Greenroof Conferences: Vancouver, B.C., Part 3," Linda Velazquez discusses the highlights of the CitiesAlive 2010 conference in Vancouver last December. Velazquez features CDF Principal Landscape Architect/Planner, David Yocca, and the Barriers and Opportunities to Advance Collaborative Design Practices panel.
February 2011
Charles City featured in Cityscape magazine
February 14, 2011
The Charles City Green Streets project began in 2009 and the first phase of redevelopment completed in late 2010. The rainwater management system includes a number of stormwater best management practices, including porous unit paving, which is highlighted in this article.
In Memoriam: Peter Pollack
December 23, 2010
We at CDF are saddened by the loss of Peter Pollack, a close friend, collaborator, and inspiration this past Monday. Peter was a truly outstanding landscape architect who contributed tirelessly to the betterment of public space in a variety of ways. His designs brilliantly synthesize the qualities and characteristics of places and the people they serve. He contributed countless hours serving his community of Ann Arbor, MI offering his expertise on numerous boards and committees. He had a passion for teaching, and contributed his wealth of knowledge and experience to decades of students in various landscape architecture programs. Peter was the mentor and long-time colleague of one of CDF’s Senior Associates, Patrick Judd, who worked in his office for thirteen years, and now manages CDF’s Michigan studio in Ann Arbor. Peter was always willing to spend time to explain the basis behind planning, design, and communication to those he was with. The incredible value of his contributions through his parks, streetscapes, campuses, and urban plazas, and the countless people he has taught and inspired cannot be measured.
Read the Ann Arbor News article
Happy Holidays from CDF!
December 20, 2010
November 2010
Happy Thanksgiving from CDF!
November 22, 2010
Read the Fall Quarterly Newsletter
The Sustainable Sites Initiative and David Yocca featured in ASLA's The Dirt
November 22, 2010
The American Society of Landscape Architects' blog, The Dirt, summarizes David Yocca's November 17th, 2010 presentation on the Sustainable Sites Initiative at the GreenBuild International Conference and Expo.
Green Streets Pilot Project Breaks Ground
November 15, 2010
The Green Pilot Streetscape in West Union, Iowa, a green infrastructure and complete streets demonstration project that received $7.5 million in public grant awards, broke ground in an October 21st ceremony. The project includes the complete renovation of six downtown blocks and replacement of aging water, storm, and sanitary sewer infrastructure. The groundbreaking was recently featured in the Fayette County Union Newspaper.
Greenroofs.com features Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as Project of the Week
November 15, 2010
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the teaching and learning center of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, was featured on Greenroofs.com as the green roof project of the week. In addition to a green roof, the museum includes other stormwater management approaches such as bioswales and a rainwater recirculation bluff wall. CDF was the landscape architect for the project.
ASLA Headquarters Green Roof receives Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Excellence Award
November 10, 2010
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announced the 2010 Green Roof and Green Wall Awards of Excellence in the lead-up to the CitiesAlive conference, November 30 to December 3, 2010. The winners will be recognized at an awards luncheon at the conference on December 2nd. The ASLA Green Roof won the excellence award in the intensive institutional category. CDF was the landscape architecture consultant and green roof designer for the project.
Read more about the ASLA Green Roof
October 2010
Auburn Hills Riverwalk Master Plan Receives Michigan APA Award
October 22, 2010
The Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association honored CDF and the City of Auburn Hills with an award for Outstanding Planning project for Best Practice for the Auburn Hills Riverwalk Master Plan. The award was presented at the Michigan Association of Planning annual conference on October 20th in Detroit.
Read the City of Auburn Hills’ press release
More about the project
Omega Center for Sustainable Living earns ‘Living’ status through the Living Building Challenge
October 19, 2010
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is one of three projects to earn ‘Living’ status by achieving the performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge version 1.3. The OCSL is a classroom building and wastewater treatment facility used as a teaching tool in the Omega Institute’s education program, which is designed around the ecological impact of the campus. CDF was the project landscape architect.
Read the press release
More about the Omega Institute
IEPA Green Infrastructure Grants Program
October 15, 2010
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the $5 million Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG). The program is intended to fund projects that protect or improve water quality in Illinois through the implementation of projects and practices such as green roofs, permeable paving, bioretention, rain water harvesting, and stream restoration.
Congressional Hearing on the Benefits of Green Infrastructure
October 13, 2010
On September 30, 2010, David Yocca represented the American Society of Landscape Architects in testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water and the Environment Subcommittee for a hearing entitled “Impact of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development on the Nation’s Water Quality, Economy, and Communities.”
Read the ASLA’s press release
Watch a video of the hearing
CDF Principal Landscape Architect/Planner, David Yocca, elected FASLA
October 13, 2010
In a ceremony in Washington DC on Sunday, September 12th, 2010, David Yocca was inducted into the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows.
Read more about the Council of fellows
Read more about David
Watch a video from the ceremony (beginning at minute 12:35)
September 2010
"What is Integrated Design?" David Yocca writes for the Living Architecture Monitor
September 20, 2010
David Yocca shares the basics of Integrated Design in the Summer 2010 edition of the Living Architecture Monitor.
Download a pdf of the article
Kresge Foundation Headquarters Featured in ASLA's "Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes"
September 17, 2010
The American Society of Landscape Architects is featuring case studies to illustrate the "transformative effects of sustainable landscape design" through the "Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes" website. The Kresge Foundation headquarters is one of 20 featured case studies.
August 2010
Chicago City Hall Green Roof Featured in National Geographic Traveler magazine
August 10, 2010
Chicago’s green initiatives and environmental stewardship programs are highlighted in the September 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler. Chicago’s first green roof, the Chicago City Hall, is featured including an interview by CDF's Principal Planner/Landscape Architect, David Yocca.
July 2010
CDF's Summer Quarterly Newsletter
July 26, 2010
Charles City Permeable Streetscape Under Construction
July 22, 2010
Construction began this summer on the permeable streetscape for a 16-block area of the downtown historic residential district in Charles City, Iowa. Street improvements include permeable paving, cobble infiltration areas, and amended soil infiltration areas. The new streetscape will reduce peak discharges for 10-year storm by over 90%. The project is partially funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and I-JOBS.
Read the KWWL articles:
Road project in Charles City is attractive and eco-friendly
New roads in Charles City will ease flooding problems
Lost Valley Visitor Center Grand Opening
July 21, 2010
The McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD) has recently completed the renovation of the lodge at the Glacial Park conservation area, now the Lost Valley Visitor Center. CDF was part of the team led by Williams Architects and including MCCD staff landscape architects to design a building and site renovation supportive of the unique landscape ecology of the preserve. The integration of sustainable practices helped secure an Illinois EPA 319 grant and Illinois Clean Energy Grant, and serves as a demonstration of green strategies for McHenry County communities and businesses. The facility is open to the public, and a grand opening event is scheduled for Saturday, August 14th.
Learn more about the Lost Valley Visitor Center
CDF Principal Landscape Architect/Planner joins Green Roofs for Healthy Cities board
July 12, 2010
CDF’s Principal Landscape Architect/Planner, David Yocca, has recently joined Green Roofs for Healthy Cities as a board member. David will also serve on the editorial advisory board for the Living Architecture Monitor, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ quarterly publication.
Learn more about Green Roofs for Health Cities
Omega Center for Sustainable Living Receives AIA/COTE Top Green Project Award
July 7, 2010
In April 2010, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) selected the “top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.” The Omega Center for Sustainable Living and BNIM Architects was honored at the AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition in Miami in June.
June 2010
Walsh College Library Expansion achieves LEED Gold
June 30, 2010
Walsh College recently expanded their Troy campus with a focus on green technology. The new library, completed in 2008, achieved LEED Gold certification in June 2010. As part of a team led by Valerio Dewalt Train Architects, CDF provided integrated water resource engineering, landscape architecture, and ecological restoration services. The design for the new library includes a natural water feature, vegetated bioswales, and ornamental and naturalized prairie plantings. The plantings includes 7 native grasses and 33 flowering perennials which requires less fertilization and irrigation than a traditional lawn; and offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
Chicago Tribune Architecture Critic Blair Kamin reflects on "Ten Years of Green Roofs in Chicago..."
June 20, 2010
The Chicago City Hall Rooftop Garden, one of the first ecological green roofs in the nation, began the green roof movement in Chicago. Ten years later, the city now has nearly 500 green roofs that cover 7 million square feet of roof top space. Blair Kamin describes Chicago as “North America’s undisputed leader in covering roofs with vegetation,” but describes the initiative as still in its infancy.
April 2010
Johnson Controls Corporate Headquarters featured in Wisconsin Builder Magazine
April 21, 2010
The Johnson Controls Headquarters design was featured in the May 2010 edition of Wisconsin Builder Magazine as one of 31 winners of the Wisconsin Builder's Top Project awards. An event was held on April 21, 2010 to honor the winners.
Milwaukee City Council Approves Near North Area Plan and Citywide Policy Plan
April 6, 2010
The Milwaukee City Council has approved two plans prepared by teams led by CDF. The Near North Area Plan, one of 13 neighborhood comprehensive land use plans, was approved in December of 2009 to provide a coordinated framework for public and private investment decisions with an emphasis on sustainable and high quality design.
More about the Near North Area Plan
The Citywide Policy Plan, approved in March 2010, is a unified policy framework for creating a sound and sustainable future for the City of Milwaukee. This framework consists of nine interrelated policy and strategy elements and establishes values and trajectory for the continued improvement and development of the City.
More about the Citywide Policy Plan
March 2010
CDF's Spring Quarterly Newsletter
March 31, 2010
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Patient Tower achieves LEED Gold
March 25, 2010
Lutheran General’s new 382,623-square-foot 12 story patient tower, which opened in 2009, achieved LEED Gold certification. CDF provided landscape architecture and water resources engineering services on a team led by OWP/P.
Wauwatosa moves forward with plan for Milwaukee County Grounds
March 2, 2010
CDF collaborated with the planning team led by Kubala Washatko Architects(sp), the City of Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee County to develop a sustainable vision and master plan for the Milwaukee County Grounds. The master plan envisions the integration of various sustainable, restorative site infrastructure and landscape strategies to achieve multiple benefits- high performance, porous roof and pavement systems, ecologically-based landscapes, and ample public access.
Read the Wauwatosa Now article
Read the Daily Reporter article
Iowa State College of Design's King Pavilion achieves LEED Platinum
February 22, 2010
The King Pavilion at ISU's College of Design is the first higher education building to receive LEED Platinum certification in the state of Iowa. On a team led by RDG Planning and Design, CDF provided site development services. The design includes permeable paving, rainwater detention, and an extensive green roof.
CDF leads 25 Iowa Green Streets Training Workshops
February 20, 2010
In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), CDF is working with over 25 rural Iowa Main Street organizations. The community development program provides preliminary training and capacity building for communities to apply "green" sustainable community principles to local downtown revitalization initiatives.
David Yocca to jury the ASLA 2010 National Awards
February 5, 2010
CDF's Principal Landscape Architect/Planner will participate this spring on the jury for the American Society of Landscape Architects 2010 awards program. Each year, the Professional awards honor the most excellent in landscape architecture from around the globe.
CDF teaches IIT’s Landscape Architecture 2nd Year Masters Studio
February 1, 2010
The Illinois Institute of Technology “Winter 2010 LA Studio 544 IV: Site, City and Region” is taught each year by visiting professionals. This year CDF has the distinct privilege to teach a group of 16 LA and Architecture students site, neighborhood, and community-scale planning concepts from an integrated and sustainable design approach.
Johnson Controls Headquarters receives WI Builder Top Project 2009 Award
January 29, 2010
Wisconsin Builder Magazine recognized 30 projects throughout the state of Wisconsin that "made a difference in their communities, triumphed despite tricky circumstances and introduced a new technique to the industry." CDF led Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Landscape Architecture and Ecological Restoration services for the Johnson Controls Global Headquarters design.
CDF President and Founder James Patchett named 2009 American Society of Landscape Architecture Fellow.
January 18, 2010
Click on the link below to watch the video presented at the ASLA Fellows Investiture Dinner on September 19, 2009.
Charles H. Shaw Learning and Technology Center featured in “Chicago Architect Magazine”
January 1, 2010
In Chicago Architect article "Power Switch," CDF's colleague, Farr Associates' Jonathan Boyer, was interviewed about the conversion of the Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s former power plant building into a LEED-certified charter high school.
Download the PDF of the article
Happy Holidays from CDF!
December 22, 2009
Read our Winter Quarterly Newsletter and holiday greeting.
Watch the ISU College of Design Green Roof Installation
December 21, 2009
Click on the links below to watch the installation:
IL ASLA Chapter recognizes Conservation Design Forum with a Merit Award for design at Celebration 2009.
December 7, 2009
The IL ASLA Celebration 2009 was held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on December 4th to celebrate landscape architecture and the 2009 award winning projects. The Queens Botanical Garden Administrative Building design was recognized with a Merit Award.
November 2009
Sustainable Sites Initiative announces new landscape rating system and call for pilot projects.
November 5, 2009
The Sustainable Sites Initiative released the nation's first rating system for design, construction and maintenance of sustainable landscapes at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington DC. To test the rating system, the Sustainable Sites Initiative opened a call for pilot projects in conjunction with the release of the rating system.
More about the Sustainable Sites Initiative.
More about the pilot projects.
October 2009
CMAP helps Fox River Grove redesign marina area
October 26, 2009
CMAP has been developing a plan and recommending policies to deal with the expanding population in the seven counties of northeastern Illinois, called GO TO 2040. CDF led the design team for Fox River Grove, presenting three possible design alternatives. Fox River Grove is working with CDF to move forward on the second scenario, "Innovate," which focuses on the marina as a community gathering place.
Download the PDF of the article.
MI ASLA Chapter recognizes Conservation Design Forum with 2 Honor Awards and 1 Merit Award for design.
October 15, 2009
The Awards Gala was hosted on the Diamond Jack Riverboat on the Detroit River on October 15th. The Kresge Foundation Headquarters, Millennium Park Master Plan Update, and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians – Edawat Residential Community were all recognized.
West Union awarded $1 million for green streets project.
October 13, 2009
The City of West Union, Iowa was awarded $1 million for the planned renovation of six blocks of downtown infrastructure is called West Union Green Pilot Project. CDF led the project's visioning process, and is currently working on final design. The Pilot Project is to be constructed in 2010.
One Iowan's Vision of Earth and Water in the Balance
October 1, 2009
Conservation Design Forum co-founder and President Jim Patchett works to preseve the enduring bond between land and water.
Download the PDF of the article.
Chicago Tribune Architecture critic, Blair Kamin, reviews the new Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center. “Power play: architects help turn old Sears power plant in Chicago into new charter school.”
September 1, 2009
CDF worked with a team led by local Chicago architecture firm Farr Associates to design this $40 million project, recovering the architectural glory of the old power plant in a sustainable fashion that integrates an old building and site into a new age model. Throughout are energy and water saving features, from retrofitted historic windows to geothermal wells, porous pavement and green roof demonstrations that are expected to earn the center a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Download the PDF of the article.
30 and Beyond: Iowa State University College of Design Alumni Exhibition recognizes CDF President and Founder James Patchett.
August 2009
James Patchett was selected as one of 30 ISU alumni to showcase “the very best work” from all departments in the College of Design. The Kresge Foundation Project was featured in the Exhibit that opened on August 24th, 2009.
Iowa State University opens new College of Design – King Pavilion.
August 2009
The dedication of the King Pavilion addition to the ISU College of Design was held on August 24th in conjunction with the first day of classes. The building and site are the first newly constructed green building on campus and is on track to receive USGBC’s LEED Platinum. CDF collaborated with the architect, RDG, on all civil and landscape site design for the project including a rainwater infiltration plaza and green roof.
July 2009
The Burnham Plan Centennial Green Legacy Project for the Midewin National Tallgarass Prairie Learning Center selected the CDF/Ross Barney Architects/DHM Design/Taylor Studio Team to design the master plan.
July 2009
This team was one of 3 selected in the design competition of over 20 other submissions. The team presented their final visioning plan and concepts for the Iron Bridge Interpretive Center and the River Road Education Center on July 13, 2009 at CMAP.
Omega Institute: A Tour of America's First Zero-Impact, Supergreen "Living Building." Article published by Fast Company Magazine.
July 2009
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living is designed to make a LEED Gold structure look like a Superfund site. The $3.2 million Rhinebeck, New York, structure, which opens in July, will be the nation's first certified "living building," having no negative environmental effects. CDF worked with architects BNIM and ecological machine designers John Todd Ecological Design to create this revolutionary system that will clean 5 million gallons of wastewater a year. The facility had its grand opening in July 2009.
Download pdf of article.
More about the Omega Institute design.
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital opens its 100 patient Bed Tower in Park Ridge, Illinois.
July 2009
The grand opening festivities included a series of celebrations with donors, staff, and the public. The landscape that CDF designed features one of the areas largest rain gardens, which cleanses and infiltrates the rain water that falls onto the site in a very artistic fashion. The integrated design of the gardens and surface water system visibly tell the story of water that showcases its value to life. The design includes an extensive green roof, permeable pavement, rain gardens and a rich plant palette all of which work together to create a healthy environment for patients, staff and visitors.
Download PDF posters from Grand Opening Celebration.
More about the Bed Tower design.
CDF Principal of Landscape Architecture and Planning, David Yocca, explains his thoughts about Green Infrastructure in this “Living Architecture Monitor” magazine article.
July 2009
Green Infrastructure is fast-evolving but to be long-lasting, Mr. Yocca explains how such projects must exhibit excellence by being current, having clear expectations and of course through beauty.
View the article.
Ann Arbor Municipal Center water feature design underway by Herbert Dreiseitl.
July 20, 2009
Herbert presented ideas to City Council for the art and water feature. Add graphic of the site plan designed by CDF in the margin.
Community Television Network (CTN) video of July 20, 2009, presentation by Herbert Dreiseitl to City Council.
View a video of Dreiseitl's presentation.
More about the Municipal Center design.
July 20, 2009
Ann Arbor News reporter John Mulchay's article covering Herbert Dreiseitl's presentation to Ann Arbor City Council.
July 21, 2009
WLBY AM radio (1290 AM) interview from Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider program interview with Herbert Dreiseitl and Jan Onder
June 2009
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) held Community Design Workshops for Fox River Grove 40 miles northwest of Chicago.
June 2009
CDF prepared design concepts in collaboration with members of the Village's Plan Commission and Planning Department. Together we brainstormed what the Village riverfront could look like, under each of the three regional scenarios under consideration by CMAP for the GO TO 2040 plan. CDF’s visioning products can be found online, by cliking here.
The visualizations are a major focal point of CMAP’s “GO TO 2040” scenario evaluation process, which coincides with the region-wide celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham’s landmark 1909 Plan of Chicago. The most effective elements from the scenarios designed will be combined into a single “preferred scenario” that CMAP will announce in fall 2009.
Iowa State University's first green roof installed on the new College of Design addition.
June 2009
CDF designed the green roof materials and vegetation, on the new green roof on the College of Design's King Pavilion. Grand opening scheduled for August 2009.
Iowa State University
McDonalds prototype green restaurant receives LEED GOLD certification.
May 2009
On Ashland Avenue in Chicago, CDF led the design team and McDonalds through a sustainable retrofit including green roofs and a sustainable approach to the landscape and materials. The site is a "learning lab," intended to help the company's design team understand how new green technologies can be employed in both new restaurants and existing ones.
ASLA Hosts "Landscape Architecture for High-Performance Buildings" Congressional Briefing.
May 28, 2009
David Yocca attended the session along with other leaders in the industry, intended to introduce the benefits of sustainable landscape design. As a member of the High Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC), ASLA hosted this meeting on Thursday, May 28, in the Rayburn Building at the U.S. House of Representatives.
CDF and RDG receive the Nebraska APA Chapter's Daniel Burnham Award.
March 9, 2009
The award was presented for the Douglas County Comprehensive Development Plan. All good comprehensive plans must be cognizant of how implementation of the plan can occur. The jury recognized that CDF/RDG's plan for Douglas County provided "an impressive collection of easy-to-read, one-page explanations of various tools for implementation with an excellent aesthetic style." The jury said they will rely upon "Appendix B - The Stormwater Management Toolbox," which is comprised of "an impressive collection of easy-to-read, one-page explanations of various tools for implementation."
Read Jim Patchett's two-part article featured in Sustainable Land Development Today Magazine.
March 2009
In the two part series, Jim speaks about how major flood events can be traced to land-use practices, including modern agriculture methods.
February 2009
Plants of the Chicago Region is Available!
February 2009
1000 copies of the Revised 4th ed. F. Swink & G. Wilhelm, 1994 are available for $45. Visit the Indiana Academy of Sciences to purchase your copy now.
David Yocca selected to jury Green Roof Awards of Excellence
February 1, 2009
The Seventh Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference will be held on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Atlanta, Georgia. David Yocca, Principal Landscape Architect and Planner from Conservation Design Forum will judge this year's Awards of Excellence program. This awards program has become a tradition of innovation and integration in green roof and green wall design.
January 2009
The Architects Newspaper
January 2009
Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) green roof designed by Conservation Design Forum featured in The Architects Newspaper. The QBG project architect, Julie Nelson, of BKSK Architects, speaks to how CDF designed a unique plant palette for the 6? system.
CDF mourns the loss of our friend and CFO.
January 9, 2009
December 2008
Plants of the Chicago Region, A Memoir and Prospectus
December 11, 2008
Dr. Gerould Wilhelm, co-author of the "Plants of the Chicago Region" and Principal Botanist and Ecologist with CDF, speaks about the history of his research, as well as the progress on his newest publication, "Vascular Flora of the Chicago Region: a taxonomic and ecological synthesis."
November 2008
The Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks - Draft 2008 is now available!
November 18, 2008
October 2008
Commissioner Frank Avila interviews CDF Principals and Founder.
October 19, 2008
Commissioner Frank Avila, from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, speaks with the principal botanist/ecologist Gerould Wilhelm, Ph.D. and James Patchett, founder and president of Conservation Design Forum concerning the ecology and culture of water. The importance of changing our national paradigm to integrate water as a resource is detailed. Watershed management and proper care and planning techniques are also explored.
September 2008
Urban Land-Green Magazine - Setting Our Sights Higher and Wider, By Fritz Steiner
September, 2008
Organizers of the Sustainable Sites Initiative are working to extend green standards beyond buildings in order to encourage landscape architects, civil engineers and land managers to implement environmentally sound practices across entire sites. The article features images of the Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan and the Queens Botanical Garden Visitor Center in Queens, New York.
August 2008
Sustainable Streets: An Emerging Practice; ITE Journal
August, 2008
Ellen Greenberg, AICP presents how urban street design can contribute to sustainability goals. She features Josey Heights Residential Development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the course of several years CDF worked with the Josey Heights developer to design this urban infill residential neighborhood that features the first porous street installation in the state.
2008 State of the Huron Conference
August, 2008
Ellen Greenberg, AICP presents how urban street design can contribute to sustainability goals. She features Josey Heights Residential Development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the course of several years CDF worked with the Josey Heights developer to design this urban infill residential neighborhood that features the first porous street installation in the state.
Quad-City Times Reports as McKesson Lofts Shows Off Its Green Roof Garden
August 27, 2008
Outside of the Davenport Police, no one else in the Quad-cities can say they have a green roof like the owners of the McKesson Lofts. Conservation Design Forum designed the 10,000 sf roof garden as part of the warehouse mixed use residential conversion.
July 2008
Reith Village at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center given AIA Award
July 30, 2008
The project received the Excellence in Design Award by the Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Morrison Kattman Menze, Inc., the project lead, will receive the award with Merry Lea representatives, at the ceremony August 14 in Fort Wayne.
American Way Magazine Discusses the Value of Green Roofs
July 15, 2008
See for yourself why one of the world's leading airlines is educating its passengers about the environmental benefits of green roofs. The highest amount of rooftop habitats in North America is found in Chicago, Illinois, home to Chicago City Hall's green roof demonstration project. Mayor Daley is set to make Chicago the continent's greenest city.
June 2008
Integrating Habitats Competition Awards CDF’s 2008 Intern
June 25, 2008
Metro Portland - Integrating Habitats Competition, which David Yocca participated in as a juror, released video showcasing People's Choice Award winners. CDF’s 2008 Design Intern, Brent Jacobsen, received an award and is featured in the first video. A new video will be released every Thursday over the next few months showcasing important issues brought up by the competition.
People's Choice Awards / Category I - Student Winner
USGBC Chicago Chapter Awards CDF with Natural Leader "EnvironMotion" Award
June 14, 2008
the USGBC (US Green Building Council) Chicago Chapter awards CDF with the 2008 Natural Leaders Award for "EnvironMotion."
Queens Botanic Garden Visitor and Administration Center Receives USGBC's LEED Platinum
June 16, 2008
Changing Gears
June 11, 2008
David Yocca, Senior Partner at CDF, interviews with “Changing Gears” -a TV show, a movie a blog and a story about biking from Indiana to California to learn about the transition to sustainability. The group visits the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to discuss the “Greening of the Museum Initiative” that CDF led, and share Chicago skyline views from the museum’s green roof.
Kresge Headquarters Receives USGBC's LEED Platinum
June 2008
Kresge Foundation Headquarters achieves Highest-level LEED Platinum Certification for Design, Construction and Operation. CDF was responsible for the landscape and integrated stormwater design.
May 2008
Lloyd Street School Receives Mayor's Award
May 29, 2008
Lloyd Street Global Education School Rain Garden Project is honored by Milwaukee’s Mayor for his “Urban Design Award.” The garden was designed by Conservation Design Forum and constructed by Conservation Land Stewardship.
Green Trend in Building Economical
May 22, 2008
CDF Founder, Jim Patchett, discusses in the Post-Tribune the “Green Trend in Building Economical.” Patchett spoke at the Lake Michigan Watershed Academy Conference: Regional Police and Implementation to Address Lake Michigan Water Quality, about stormwater management and conservation design.
Chicago Tribune features: “The Great 8: Garden tips from the experts.”
May 18, 2008
CDF’s Marcus de la fleur discusses the opportunities rain barrels present.
Ankeny Crosswinds Receives ASLA Honor
May 2008
Iowa Chapter ASLA awards the Ankeny, Iowa Crosswinds Development design by Conservation Design Forum and RDG with a 2008 Honor Award.
Mississippi River Corridor Spring 2008 Newsletter
May 2008
On December 1, 2007, CDF participated in a public forum to showcase successful environmental projects that have made a positive impact through sustainable design.
April 2008
ASLA Green Roof Education Program
April 15, 2008
Visit the American Society of Landscape Architect’s Green Roof Education website. Learn how from July 2006 to May 2007 the ASLA Green Roof retained nearly 75% (29”) of the total rainfall. Conservation Design Forum was part of the ASLA green roof design team.
Setting Down Roots at Queens Botanic Garden - Article by Green Source Magazine
April, 2008
GreenSource Magazine features the Queens Botanical Garden’s new Visitor and Administrative Center. “Setting Down Roots: A new building raises a botanical garden’s profile as an institution focused on environmental stewardship.”
March 2008
Saving Water - One Yard at A Time
March 18, 2008
CDF's Marcus de la fleur designed and implemented his Elmhurst yard at 168 Elm Avenue to eliminate all water runoff. His pilot project is featured on Chicago Public Radio as part of the Chicago Matters - Growing Forward series.
Listen to the Interview on Worldview
February 2008
A Garden Blooms in Queens
February 1, 2007
Metropolis Magazine reveals how the design team helped Queens Botanical Garden emerge as a leader in sustainable design. In 2001 Conservation Design Forum, along with Atelier Dreiseitl, led the garden master plan vision which laid the groundwork for the first phase of implementation, the new Visitor and Administration Center. On target to receive LEED Platinum from the US Green Building Council, BKSK Architects worked with CDF and Dreiseitl to unveil a site design concept where water is the primary visible expression - considered as a resource, and never squandered. Water is present in every portion of the renovated gardens.
NPR Smart City Radio Show interview with Heather Venhaus
February 9, 2008
Listen to NPR Smart City Radio Show interview with Heather Venhaus as she discusses the “Sustainable Sites Initiative.” This is landscape architecture’s counterpart to the US Green Building Council’s LEED program for green building.
Merry Lea goes LEED Platinum
February 11 , 2008
Conservation Design Forum and the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center at Goshen College celebrate receiving LEED © Platinum certification for the Rieth Village. Award ceremony and luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. on February 11, 2008.
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
January 2008
Duck Creek and Rock River Watershed Planning
January 2008
River Action and the Quad Cities Watershed Plan Steering Committee announce the kickoff meeting for the Duck Creek and Rock River Watershed planning efforts. The plans will assess watershed resources and identify practices, projects, and programs that can be implemented by watershed stakeholders to improve water quality, restore and protect natural resources, and address water quality and quantity issues. Conservation Design Forum will provide guidance, facilitation, and technical support to River Action and watershed stakeholders.
For more information contact Clare: 563.322.2969 | Email
CDF Participates in ASLA’s “Sustainable Sites Initiative.
January 30, 2008
This initiative is an interdisciplinary partnership between the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the United States Botanic Garden and a diverse group of stakeholder organizations to develop guidelines and standards for landscape sustainability. Conservation Design Forum is providing expertise on the Hydrology Technical Subcommittee. While standards exist for sustainable structures—“green buildings”—there are no standards to guide those who want to create sustainable landscapes, yet landscapes have great potential for both environmental good and severe environmental damage. A comprehensive report will be published in October 2008 with the release of final Standards and Guidelines for Sustainable Sites planned for May 2009. The Sustainable Sites Initiative plans to produce a rating system by May 2011 and test the guidelines with pilot projects in 2010 and 2011.
December 2007
Landscape Architecture Magazine features Kresge Foundation Headquarters
December 1, 2007
“Walking the Talk: A Foundation that Offers Grants for Green Building Decides Stewardship Begins at Home.” Page 22-31. Conservation Design Forum led landscape architecture and water resource engineer design efforts for the project.
November 2007
Design of Environmental Facility and Education Center Embodies Highest Level of Environmental Performance
November 1, 2007
At the world's premiere green building conference, Greenbuild 2007, Omega Institute and the design team that includes Conservation Design Forum and BNIM Architects, was honored as a winner of the Greenbuild 2007 Living Building Competition for exemplary planning. The project received the “On the Boards Award”, which acknowledges projects in design or under construction most likely to meet Living Building performance criteria.
August 2007
CDF participates in Tellabs 2007 Employee Event: Picnic in the Prairie
August 16, 2007
At this annual “Fun with Purpose Event” CDF President James Patchett gave a presentation to over 1000 Tellabs employees to raise their awareness and appreciation of native landscapes and conservation issues and organizations. Staff from CDF and Conservation Land Stewardship (CLS) led site tours and provided additional information. CLS has been maintaining the Naperville campus annually.
The City of Chicago declared a “Green Leader” by Fast Company Magazine
July/August 2007
The Chicago City Hall Green Roof, designed by Conservation Design Forum in 2000, is featured (page 26). This green roof project was one of Chicago’s first initiatives to cool the city while conserving energy. Since the project was initiated in 1999, more than 2.5 million square feet of green roof has been planted in the City – more than all other US cities combined.
The Chicago Academy of Science’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Summer Education Program included a visit to the CDF headquarters on August 1st
August 2, 2007
CDF’s Jason Addington delivered an age-appropriate presentation about the profession of landscape architecture and sustainable design, as well as toured the group of urban high school students through our office and green roof. Marcus de la fleur hosted the students at his own “BMP House” in Elmhurst where they witnessed first-hand how to incorporate sustainable landscape practices into a residential setting.
July 2007
CDF adds two hybrid cars to our commercial fleet
July 2007
The Toyota Prius and Ford Escape now provide our team with fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, and gasoline savings which we pass along to our clients.
June 2007
Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois is adopting “Placemaking” as a vision for their new patient care addition and visitor's entrance
June 2007
Conservation Design Forum participated in a workshop with the “Project for Public Spaces” to design ways to make the hospital a healthy place for everyone. CDF continues to work with the hospital to make the final plan pedestrian friendly environment that showcases sustainable integrated landscapes for rainwater. CDF is also working with PPS and the hospital to help it become a community center that provides entertainment and recreation events.
Elmhurst Press article “Change that makes Cents” by Joe Cressman and Sarah Meisch
June 8, 2007
The article features James Patchett, president of Conservation Design Forum, who explains how making environmentally friendly and energy efficient choices can help the Earth and your wallet. Article features CDF’s green roof research project.
April 2007
“Time Out Chicago” presents Conservation Design Forum’s Marcus de la fleur’s personal green home landscape
April 24, 2007
de la fleur’s home features a prairie, green roof, various porous pavements and water collection systems. De la fleur burns his prairie each spring as part of his maintenance regime.
Houses of Worship Go Green.
April 20, 2007
Chicago Public Radio show “Eight Forty-Eight” features Annunciation Byzantine Church’s environmentally conscious church landscape. Conservation Design Forum prepared the master plan back in 1999 to help Father Thomas Loya’s congregation “work with the land instead of against it.” Today the Church campus features over 10 acres of prairie and numerous site features such as bridges, paths and streams. Landscape stewardship at the church is conducted by Conservation Land Stewardship.
“Houses of Worship Go Green.” Audio Report by Jason DeRose
February 2007
The Quad Times
February 8, 2007
Davenport Green Roof designed by Conservation Design Forum is highlighted along with other “earth friendly” applications.
January 2007
Chicago Tribune features Green Alley project
January 31, 2007
The Daily Southtown highlights Annunciation Parish Byzantine Chruch
Designing the Sustainable Site