Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA)

Celebrate Pollinator Week 2025 with the University of Maryland Bee Campus Committee, Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, & University of Maryland Office of Sustainability, join us for a tour of the Bredan Iribe Center for Computer Science & Engineering, where we will explore rooftop gardens, including the penthouse, pollinator gardens, stormwater gardens, other conservation gardens, and UMD's Environmental Science and Technology Department's Edible Garden along the Paint Branch Trail behind AV Williams.

Note: One Zoom link will cover all four sessions.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact the educator, Dr. Henley, on or before May 8th, 2025, at shenley@umd.edu

Join us as we celebrate our graduates at the AGNR Spring '25 Commencement Ceremony at Reckord Armory, Gymnasium. A live stream will be available via our YouTube channel. 

The university will host its 2025 main commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The ceremony at SECU Stadium will feature remarks from President Darryll J. Pines and distinguished guests.

This presentation explores whether landscape architecture’s ongoing neglect of ecological planting design—despite its growing importance in addressing urban environmental challenges—warrants the creation of a distinct professional discipline. As cities grapple with climate change, biodiversity loss, and stormwater management, the need for resilient, ecologically sound planting strategies has never been greater. However, traditional landscape architecture often prioritizes aesthetics and spatial planning over ecological function. Should ecological planting design be elevated into a specialized field with its own standards, training, and professional identity? This inquiry aims to assess the viability and necessity of such a shift within the profession.

Join the Environmental Science & Policy program for an in-depth discussion on artificial intelligence and nuclear power with an emphasis on clean energy solutions, data center demands, and the future of energy in Maryland and beyond. The event will take place from 9:30-11:30am on Thursday, April 17 at the Prince George's Room in The Stamp. 

Achieving 100% Net-Carbon Free Energy
Paul Pinsky, Director, Maryland Energy Administration

The Role of Nuclear in Meeting Data Center Demand and Securing a Reliable, Clean Energy Future
Melissa Zimmerman, Director Data Economy Strategy, Constellation Energy Corporation

Energy Generation Infrastructure and Data Centers: Regional Planning and Siting Perspective
Morris Schreim, Senior Advisor, Maryland Public Service Commission

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors:Challenges and Opportunities
Dr. Mohammad Modarres, Director, UMD Center for Risk and Reliability

Data Centers and Energy Use in Maryland: Legislative Update
Kristen Harbeson, Political Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters
 
Panel Q & A and Discussion
Moderated by Anna Saderholm, Legislative Director for Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo

This presentation explores alternate project delivery methods utilizing the award winning work of Floura Teeter. Examples of Design-Build (DB), Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Progressive Design-Build (PDB) and Public-Private Partnership (P3) are showcased. One example is the transportation sector with her work on large-scale infrastructure, heavy construction, and transportation projects, which are historically engineer-driven and resistant to design thinking. Joan’s work encompasses millions of square feet of outdoor recreation areas, roadway improvements, and transit system hubs, including work on suburban Maryland’s $1+ billion Intercounty Connector, the senior housing project Brightview Grosvenor, and Purple Line projects. Floura Teeter, celebrating 25 years, is one of the largest single-discipline landscape architecture firms based in Baltimore, Maryland with offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1053870100
Directed by Ian Cheney for the Wonder Collaborative
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Film Background: At the height of the pandemic, many scientists were concerned about how their work had become so divisive and how public trust in science had eroded. At the same time, many admitted that the very things that first drew them to science—the joy of discovery, the awe of understanding the world, the endless curiosity—had been overshadowed by the pressures of grants and career demands. With that in mind, the producers wanted to make a film that speaks to this moment and honors science in a way that reconnects it to the broader human experience?

They set out to celebrate an activity essential to both research and humanity itself: observation. The goal was not to lecture but to invite dialogue, to honor scientific inquiry without demanding that there is only one path to knowledge. In short, this is an experiment, in science filmmaking at some level, but more generally in creating community around the instincts that guide us all. And that’s why Observer does not end with the final credits. Part of the experiment is finding new ways to take it out into the world to learn from all of those willing to share their powers of observation.

The film screening will be followed by a brief, guided group activity in which viewers become the Observers.

Join us for an engaging panel featuring UMD alumni working across diverse sustainability and environmental fields. Gain valuable insights into their career journeys, backgrounds, and current roles in areas such as policy, environmental planning, science, and consulting. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences and explore potential career paths!

Light food and refreshments will be provided. This panel is brought to you by the Office of Sustainability, the University Career Center @ AGNR, and the Alumni Association.

Turn your passion for wildlife into a fulfilling career by joining us for an inspiring and informative panel event. Discover the diverse opportunities waiting for you in the world of wildlife conservation, research, and management. Panelists will share their professional journeys and advice for working in the wildlife field.