Presenters at the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference are ready to talk about the most pressing concerns facing the park and recreation field today, including those related to conservation. Be it natural habitat restoration, renewable energy, connecting to nature or fighting the spread of Zika virus, education at this year’s Conference has you covered. Below, we’ve highlighted three sessions in the Conservation track to pique your interest — remember, details can change, so for the most up-to-date education schedule, download the NRPA Annual Conference mobile app.
Solar Farms in Parks: Tap into the Sun and Save Money
Wednesday, October 5
3 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Solar panels on residential rooftops are becoming a common site across America, but have you thought about a solar farm in your parks? Solar projects help offset rising energy costs, reduce an agency’s “carbon footprint” and responsibly balance resources to meet environmental, social and economic needs.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Prince George’s County, Maryland, has completed a “Power Purchase Agreement” with a solar contractor that grants the company the right to finance, design, build, operate and maintain a solar project on park property for the exclusive purpose of generating electricity, which will be used for operations and credited back to the agency’s accounts.
This session will provide the details of this highly innovative approach to utilizing renewable energy sources and generating revenue for your park agency.
Zika: Get the Buzz on Protecting Yourself and Your Communities
Thursday, October 6
1 p.m-2:15 p.m.
This summer, the Zika virus stands to be one of the most covered topics in the media. “Zika Panic” may become a very real phenomenon due to its association with serious birth defects. As a public health emergency, Zika has the potential to dramatically affect park agencies. Fearful residents and elected officials may demand mosquito control immediately. Interestingly, park departments stand at ground zero when it comes to facilities that may be affected by a mosquito-driven Zika outbreak.
This panel-led talk will help you understand many of the issues that face park departments in dealing with the Zika threat. Montgomery County, Maryland, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina park departments will share their strategies, tips and mistakes made while trying to stay ahead of this potential health emergency.
Parks: At the Forefront of Climate Change
Thursday, October 6
2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Park agencies play a unique and valuable role in combating climate change, the greatest challenge of the 21st century. Parks, trails, greenways and open space can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by providing alternative transportation options, sequestering carbon and cooling neighborhoods. Along shorelines, parks can provide a buffer from sea-level rise. Inland, “climate-smart” parks with native landscaping can absorb stormwater and reduce fire risk along urban boundaries. And, no matter where a park is located, it can improve air and water quality, provide habitat for threatened species and increase the quality of life for nearby residents — especially in densely populated urban areas and disadvantaged communities. Parks are also an environmental education tool, teaching visitors the importance of our natural world and that it must be protected.
Many of these benefits can be quantified and are among the most cost-effective ways of reducing carbon in the atmosphere. By working with local communities, park agencies can be at the forefront in the fight against climate change.
— Chris Matthews, Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves and Natural Resources; Jai Cole, Maryland-National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission/Montgomery County Department of Parks; Dr. Ana M. Alvarez, East Bay Regional Park District, Oakland, California; and Joseph P. O’Neill, Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, contributed to this article.