Placemaking Through Nature: Green Infrastructure and Native Vegetation in the Urban Landscape

Conventional landscape practices often default to turfgrass and ornamental plantings, missing critical opportunities to restore ecological function and build climate resilience. This session takes participants on a guided walking tour from the Fayetteville Square to the Upper Ramble, highlighting how nature-based strategies are being integrated into the city’s landscape. Along the route, we will explore green infrastructure practices, natural infrastructure such as riparian buffers, and the role of native vegetation in fostering a strong sense of place. The tour will also address site assessment techniques—such as evaluating soils, hydrology, vegetation, and cultural context—and how those insights inform design decisions and long-term maintenance. This session equips participants with practical insights for implementing and sustaining ecologically grounded landscapes in urban settings.

Participants will:

• Learn how to use site assessment techniques (soils, hydrology, vegetation, cultural context) to guide ecological landscape planning.
• Explore the role of native vegetation in placemaking, cultural connection, and long-term maintenance strategies.
• Understand how green and natural infrastructure mitigate urban heat island effects, enhance wildlife habitat, and support stormwater management.
• Experience real-world applications of ecological design and maintenance through built examples in downtown Fayetteville.