ENVIRONMENTAL LAWN CARE AND LANDSCAPING:
REACHING
THE CONSUMER
A National “Lawns & the Environment” Stakeholder Conference
When: March 14-17, 2004
Where: Historic Menger Hotel – San Antonio, Texas
Who’s Involved:
q The Lawns & the Environment coalition responsible for drafting the “Environmental Guidelines for Responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping” and planning the San Antonio conference include:
¨ Agronomy and Horticulture Services LLC
¨ Businesses for the Bay/Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
¨ Center for Resource Management
¨ Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
¨ National Audubon Society
¨ National Wildlife Federation
¨ Professional Lawn Care Association of America
¨ Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment
¨ San Antonio Water System
¨ The Scotts Company
¨ The TORO Company
¨ U.S. Department of Agriculture – CSREES
¨ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Conference Objectives and Possible Outcomes:
q Increase communication/cooperation between stakeholders
q Review proposed guidelines for final draft
q Discuss issues and opportunities for collaborative public education and develop outreach strategies
q Formulate cooperative approaches for helping homeowners reduce time, energy, and costs needed to maintain environmentally friendly landscapes
Who’s Invited:
q Representatives from relevant government agencies
q Environmental groups
q Companies involved in services, products, and equipment for home lawn care and landscaping
q Media organizations
q Gardening clubs, native plant societies
q Professional organizations
Conference Sponsors:
q U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
q San Antonio Water Systems
q The Scotts Company
q The TORO Company
q RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)
q Businesses for the Bay/Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Conference
Program and Process:
Sunday, March 14 Registration
Informal Reception (7:00 p.m.)
Monday, March 15 PART ONE – Conference Introduction
- Mayor of San Antonio, Ed Garza
- Keynote Speaker: TBA
- Issues and Stakeholder Perspectives – panel discussion
PART TWO – Developing Consensus-Based Guidelines
- Overview of guidelines
- Review of proposed guidelines – small group breakout sessions
- Tour of San Antonio Water System Demonstration Landscape
- Dinner and sponsor recognition
Tuesday, March 16 PART THREE – Public Awareness and Education
- Consumer attitudes and behavior – National Gardening Association
- Public education practices and programs – panel discussion
- Developing public education initiatives – small group breakout session
Wednesday, March 17 PART FOUR – Strategies for Collaborative Action
- Coalition proposal for public outreach – L&E steering committee
- Closing Comments – Conference Co-Chairs
- Adjourn (12:00 noon)
Conference Registration and Hotel Costs:
Registration until February 27, 2004 is $195.00 (registration form attached)
Includes opening reception, one dinner, two lunches, breaks, transportation to and from the demonstration landscape tour, and conference materials.
Registration after February 27, 2004 is $225.00
Conference hotel rate is $91.00/night for single or double. (This rate will be extended two days prior and 2 days after the conference dates). Call the Menger Hotel, 800-345-9285 or 210-223-4361, ask for the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) conference rate. Rooms and rates available until February 24, 2004. Reservations received after the deadline date will be accepted on a space available basis at a higher rate.
Attire, Misc. Information:
The conference will be business casual. Participants should plan to wear comfortable walking shoes for the landscape demonstration tour.
The temperatures in San Antonio are usually between 50° - 70° during the month of March.
SATRANS airport shuttle is available from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily at a rate of $9.00 one way, $16.00 round trip. (Tickets available at the booth just outside of baggage claim). Taxis and rental cars are also available.