PSLA students were recognized at the 2nd annual Smarth Growth Forum and Awards Ceremony in Annapolis for winning the MD Sustainable Growth Challenge.
Image Credit: Jay Baker, Executive Office of the Governor
Students from the University of Maryland Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture were awarded first prize in the first-ever Sustainable Growth Challenge organized by the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission. From a pool of 12 university teams throughout the state, the group of Terps was chosen to present before a jury of planners and state agency officials in December in Annapolis.
Their winning submission entitled “Design and Planning for Sea Level Change and Stormwater Issues on Maryland’s Eastern Shore” addresses challenges faced by the town of Oxford, Md. Located on the Tred Avon River and surrounded on three sides by water, Oxford is predicted to grapple with sea-level rise and storm surges in the near future. The team of Terps suggested redesigning an existing park, creating wetlands and sketching efficient evacuation routes as some potential solutions to the town’s water woes.
UMD students involved in the competition include Nancy Britt, Robyn Edwards, Amy Marin, Adriana Mendoza, Elisabeth Walker and Travis Wierengo. Dr. Victoria Chanse, assistant professor in the university’s PSLA Department, served as the team’s faculty advisor.
This was the first year of the student challenge, which the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission hopes will inspire more student planners to consider sustainability. The winning team from UMD will be honored February 5 as part of the commission’s second annual Smart Growth Forum and Awards Ceremony in Annapolis.
