Please join us for BRIT’s free informal lectures….
Registration is not necessary, parking is free and donations are welcomed!
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet with visiting scientists or to learn more about local and national conservation issues from a variety of speakers. The lectures are mainly (but not always) scheduled in the late afternoon to be more accessible to professionals, teachers and students. As always, we offer free off-street parking. Come spend an afternoon with our botanical staff and friends. We all have something to learn.
Texas Tough:
A Glimpse into the Life of Plant Explorer Benny Simpson
by Steven Chamblee, Chief Hortoculturist, Chandor Gardens
4:30PM, BRIT's Main Office, 500 E. 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX (map)
Mr. Chamblee will discuss the life and legacy of Benny J. Simpson, co-founder and former president of the Native Plant Society of Texas and respected leader of the native plant movement in Texas. During his 40-year career as a research scientist for Texas A&M Extension Service, Simpson pursued plant investigations and field collecting, primarily in the Trans-Pecos and far West Texas. His studies lead to nine formerly wild species of native plants being introduced into commercial production as ornamentals under Texas A&M trademarks. Simpson left behind a legacy of invaluable information about Texas native plants.
Steven Chamblee is the Chief Horticulturist at Chandor Gardens and serves as Consulting Editor and writer for Neil Sperry's GARDENS magazine, and authors a monthly e-newsletter column entitled "Native Son." He earned an MS degree in Public Horticulture Administration in the Longwood Graduate Program, has more than 20 years experience in public gardens, and is an Adjunct Instructor for Weatherford College. Steven gives presentations statewide, using his trademark "Texas road trips" to study native plants, visit gardens, and meet fellow gardeners.
Sustainable Sites:
Guidelines for Sustainable Landscape Design
by Brooke Byerley, Ph.D., Associate Texas Botanist, BRIT
4:30PM, BRIT's Main Office, 500 E. 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX (map)
BRIT's new campus will be one of the first projects in the United States and abroad to demonstrate the application of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009. Developed through a partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden, these guidelines promote the attainment of recommended sustainable landscape design practices. BRIT is participating in the two-year pilot program during the building and occupation of its new facility at University Drive and Harley Avenue in the Fort Worth Cultural District. Dr. Byerley will discuss the objectives and requirements for a SITES rating and share the measures being implemented by BRIT to achieve the prerequisites and credit points required.
