Built to Last: Working with Nature to Design a Resilient Landscape

Presenters for the program will include Jenny Evans, SCCF Native Landscapes and Adult Education Director, and Leigh Gevelinger, PLA, LEED AP, ASLA, founder and lead landscape architect of Coastal Vista Design. Bob Moore, Chair of SanCap Resilience, will introduce the program.

The presentation will start with context about how to make nature work in your favor when designing a landscape. “Living on a sub-tropical barrier island, we have unique ecosystems that need to be considered,” Jenny Evans explains. “Depending on where you live on the island, you’ll have different opportunities and challenges for creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape. The trick is to make choices that put nature to work in your favor versus trying to work against nature to achieve a certain aesthetic.”

The presentation will then turn to real-world case studies. Leigh Gevelinger will review specific examples of what worked and what did not in the aftermath of recent storms, offering homeowners practical solutions to consider when planning their own designs. According to Ms. Gevelinger, “storms and storm surge are going to cause damage to landscapes. But if designed properly, damage can be minimized and recovery accelerated. By mimicking natural systems — for example plant diversity, clustering, and intertwining root systems — landscapes can be made more resilient and designed to be beautiful as well.”

This program is made possible by sponsorships from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the Florida League of Mayors City Catalyst Grant.

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Host or Publisher SanCap Resilience