Aquascape schedules Extreme Green Community Makeover
18 Jun, 2009 LDB SolutionsAquascape, Inc. has scheduled its first “Extreme Green Community Makeover” to be held during the 10th anniversary of Pondemonium, business and networking event for the water garden industry. On July 17-18, an entire neighborhood will receive a green makeover by incorporating rainwater harvesting solutions, native plantings, pervious patios, LED landscape lighting and more.
Rainwater harvesting can be added to existing sites.
Residents of Lakes of Bliss Woods in Sugar Grove, IL, will reap conservation benefits when Aquascape contractors from across the nation “green” their community. Ed Beaulieu, chief sustainability officer for Aquascape, Inc., and his wife Ellen, initiated the Extreme Green Community Makeover in their neighborhood and received an overwhelming response.
“Neighborhoods created before the popularity of sustainable landscapes can be retrofitted to become environmentally friendly,” explained Ed Beaulieu. “Outdoor conservation efforts need not be limited to new construction sites. Our vision is to create a template for contractors or homeowner associations to implement in greening communities across North America.”
More than 30 rainwater harvesting projects are currently slated for the Extreme Green Community Makeover and include ecosystem ponds, rain gardens, RainXchange Rain Barrels, and the RainXchange System paired with a Pondless Waterfall, decorative fountain, or pervious pavers and fountain. LED lighting installations, native plantings, and permeable patios will also be incorporated into the residential landscapes. A large aeration system will be added to the community’s retention pond and native plantings will be added to the banks of the pond.
The Conservation Foundation will be on hand to certify yards that qualify for its Conservation @ Home program. Qualifying yards will receive a sign identifying it as a wildlife haven and environmentally friendly yard. Partners working with Aquascape to create the Extreme Green Community Makeover include Unilock of Aurora, IL; JFNew of Walkerton, IN; Aqua Control of Spring Valley, IL; and the Conservation Foundation of Naperville, IL.
Pondemonium attendees installing eco-friendly projects in the Extreme Green Community Makeover will receive hands-on training for sustainable landscape projects using the RainXchange System. In addition, they can earn credit toward becoming a Certified RainXchange Professional – Aquascape’s newest certification program that focuses on environmental practices. Advanced and standard pond builds will also provide credits for the Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) program.
The 10-year anniversary celebration of Pondemonium from July 16-19 offers additional hands-on training sessions, workshops, keynote addresses and networking opportunities. In addition, Aquascape is hosting the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society’s (IWGS) annual symposium. Attendees to either event are encouraged and welcome to attend both organizations’ activities offered during the week.
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