Hapless or happy? Plant responses to extreme hydrological variation in urban green infrastructure systems

Joshua Caplan, PhD

Research Associate in the Landscape Architecture & Horticulture at Temple University

Abstract:

Green infrastructure has become a vital tool in the management of urban stormwater runoff. Though unassuming, the plants green infrastructure systems contain contribute to key processes like infiltration, water quality improvement, and evapotranspiration. However, virtually all green infrastructure requires planting vegetation in settings that are highly variable hydrologically. While plants are typically selected and placed after considering their presumed flooding and drought tolerance, there are often mismatches, leading to diminished performance and plant death. This research sought to assess the physiological and growth performance of a number of plant species in Philadelphia's green stormwater infrastructure, particularly in the context of varying hydrological conditions. Large differences in plant performance were observed across species, micro-topographic position, and time.

Speaker Bio: 

Joshua Caplan is an ecologist who specializes in plant physiological responses to human modification of the environment. He recently joined the Temple-Villanova Sustainable Stormwater Initiative, having previously been affiliated with Rutgers University, Bryn Mawr College, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Josh received his PhD from Portland State University in 2009, where his dissertation focused on the water relations of invasive plants.

Engineers:

This seminar does qualify for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH). A Certificate of Attendance will be available on site for AWRA-PMAS members only. The meeting price for non-members who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance for the PDH is $10.00 ($3.00 for meeting + $7.00 for certificate). 

Please note: all lunch orders will close by noon on the day before the presentation. In addition, all lunch orders will need to be paid for online by this time. We are unable to refund the cost of lunch or meeting fees because they are paid ahead of time based on number of registrations.

Thank you!