GREEN ROOF EXPERTS TO SPEAK IN DES MOINES NOVEMBER 19, 2002


Roofs covered with plants will be the subject of a public forum sponsored by
the Des Moines Founders Garden Club on Tuesday, November 19, 5:30-8 p.m. at
Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street.  The event is free.  Attendees must
register in advance by calling 515-277-2183.

The experts who will speak are Georgia landscape architect Linda S.
Velazquez, founder and publisher of Greenroofs.com, a portal for  green roof
technology, and Canadian Kaaren Pearce, experienced designer and installer of
green roofs.  There will be additional participation from the Chicago mayor's
office about their City Hall rooftop garden.

Ms. Velazquez will present an overview of green roof technology and its
application internationally.  She has studied green roofs in Europe and
recently lectured on green roofs at the University of Malmo, Sweden.  Ms.
Pearce will focus on North American green roof projects.  She will describe
her experiences with different green roof systems, discuss research findings,
preview upcoming systems, and provide plant information.  Attendees are
invited to share comments, questions and information.

Green roofs are not a new idea -- early Icelandic homes were roofed with
grass -- but it's an idea of growing interest, as communities search for
environmentally, socially and economically sound ways to develop.  The
benefits of green roofs can include less energy used by buildings, reduction
of the 'urban heat island effect' (the overheating of cities in summer due to
building materials like asphalt and concrete which absorb the sun's heat),
reduction of storm-water run off, cleansing the air of particulate matter,
providing aesthetic and recreational amenities for those who live and work in
cities, and providing new habitat opportunities.

Since the new Des Moines Public Library, designed by London architect David
Chipperfield, may have a green roof, the Des Moines Founders Garden Club has
organized this forum on the subject to promote educated discussion and
decision-making at all levels in our community.  Additional financial support
has been provided by Barb and Dave Hurd, Georgia and Robert Helmick, Kay and
Bob Riley, and the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Landscape
Architects.  In-kind assistance has been provided by the Downtown Community
Alliance and the Marriott Hotel.  To register for the event call Marie Louise
Kane at 515-277-2183.




Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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