Ecological Landscape Planning and Design Major

Program Overview

Ecological Landscape Planning and Design (ELPD) is a degree that provides a foundation in the natural sciences and design skills with an emphasis on the application of ecological principles to the management of natural and human landscaper. Disciplinary synthesis is attained through advanced courses in soils, plant identification and management, and advanced design.

Concentrations

• Horticulture 

• Landscape Planning and Design 

These concentrations allow students to specialize in the management of plants and landscapes or the design of those spaces using an ecological framework.

Curriculum

The ELPD major is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in natural sciences, including plant science; soil science; plant identification and management; ecology; and drafting and design. The curriculum includes a progression through 1000-level introductory courses in first and sophomore year; a series of 2000-level core knowledge courses in soil science, weed ecology and management, entomology and pest management, plant pathology, and plant physiology; and 3000-level course taken by juniors and seniors in ecological landscape design, global design, and landscape construction. Elective courses relating to specific crop production systems, soil science, and landscape management are available at all levels, and differentiate the majors into separate Horticulture and Landscape Planning and Design concentrations.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. Ecological Landscape Planning and Design Program, students will have skills to:

• Apply ecological principles to the planning, design, and management of multifunctional landscapes at a variety of spatial scales.

• Demonstrate a quantitative and qualitative ecological perspective applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a given design challenge.

• Understand the foundations of biology, ecology, and soil science to support the planning, design, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes that respect local ecology and existing site conditions .

• Gain an understanding of the functional uses of plants in the landscape and be able to use plants both functionally and aesthetically to meet the goals of a landscape design project .

• Develop professional drafting and visual presentation skills to effectively communicate landscape data and designs.

Career Opportunities

The need for graduates trained in fields in agriculture, landscape, and environment is universal across local, state national, and international markets. Food is a universal need, we interact in human-built spaces that must integrate into a natural world, and the study and protection of that earth at a global down to a local level are paramount to our survival. The disciplines and topics covered across ALE programs have universal appeal and strong demand. Some examples include:

• In a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, landscape architects had median income of $73,210 in BLS data with an expected 1% increase in available jobs over the next decade.

• Another BLS report found Environmental scientists had median income of $76,480 and are forecasted for a 6% increase in job numbers.

• The Vermont Farm to Plate (F2P) Strategic Plan highlights numerous critical needs for landscape planning and conservation and opportunities for graduates of the EPLD program, e.g., “Map Vermont’s agricultural land base and production capacity, including geographic data about predicted climate change impacts, aggregation and distribution infrastructure, and regional dietary needs. Disseminate this information to communities to help inform land use decisions and prioritize use of state funding and incentives. Potential partners include UVM, the Vermont Center for Geographic Information, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.” (p. 168)

More

Ecological Landscape Planning and Design is the art and science of creating and restoring landscapes that function as healthy, thriving ecosystems while meeting the needs of people and communities. Ecological Landscape Planners and Designers will help us build resilience and cultivate tomorrow by future-proofing our communities to thrive in a changing world. ELPD majors can pursue projects of interest from design that addresses critical environmental challenges to design that supports biodiversity, habitat loss or the sequestration of carbon.  

Courses focus on creating healthier communities by improving water quality, planning for extreme weather, soil conservation, mitigation of heat island effects, promotion of native plant communities, and better pedestrian access to human scale infrastructure.  Project planning focuses on encourage human health through the creation of ecologically sound green spaces, urban oasis, and the creation of parks that encourage outdoor activities to reduce stress. 

The field is an interdisciplinary one with a basis in ecological science, and a creative, problem-solving aspect.  With the increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, there is an ever-increasing demand for professionals who are skilled in this field.. Most cities and communities are looking for ways to become more sustainable, and those who have the skills to implement those plans will be in high demand. There are many diverse career opportunities available for graduates.  Ecological Landscape Planning and Design work can be done for private firms, government entities, or non-profit organizations.