Green Solutions Seminar set for Thursday, October 24

Learn about green infrastructure, sustainable site design, and more

Marlene Feist, Utilities Communications Manager, 509.625.6505


Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 2:35 p.m.


A group of community partners has set a day-long seminar to discuss green infrastructure, sustainable site design, and stormwater management. The seminar will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the lower level of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

The seminar organizing committee includes the Spokane Riverkeeper, AHBL, URS, Spokane River Forum, Spokane County Conservation District, Spokane County, the Spokane Parks & Recreation Department, community volunteers, and the City of Spokane.

Titled “Spokane: Green Solutions,” the seminar will include a talk by Kari Mackenbach, National Green Infrastructure Practice Leader at URS Corp.; a legal overview by Rick Eichstaedt, of the Center for Justice; a look at the City's work to improve the health of the Spokane River, and several panel discussions with new ideas and practical tips. A virtual tour of green infrastructure already in place in the Spokane area also is planned.

“These green approaches and considerations are becoming increasingly more important as we consider how our community—and all communities, really-will develop in the future,” says Len Zickler, a seminar organizing committee member and a Principal at AHBL, which helped the state of Washington develop best practices and guidance around low impact development. “We believe this seminar will benefit many people in our community.”

“Stormwater runoff is the greatest source of pollution in the Spokane River, and we must proceed with this kind of work if we are to improve the health of one of our greatest assets for future generations,” says Bart Mihailovich, Spokane Riverkeeper and another member of the seminar organizing committee.

The Green Solutions seminar is designed to be informative for those involved in site development and redevelopment, engineers, architects, landscape architects, planners, real estate professionals, policy makers, and citizens generally interested in Spokane River health.

The cost of the seminar is $40 and includes lunch and snacks. Any proceeds will benefit the Spokane Riverkeeper. Individuals can register to attend at Spokane Green Soultions. Registration is requested by Wednesday, Oct. 16. Proof of completion is available for professionals to apply for continuing education credits.