Biodiversity

THUR-C02: Plants Are Not the Problem: Designing Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles County

Thursday, September 17, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM PT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

Speaker(s)

Elisa A. Read Pappaterra, ASLA, PLA

Landscape Architect, Principal
studio pappaterra
pasadena, California
Clark Stevens

Architect, Director of Resource Design
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mtns
topanga, California
Isaac T. Brown, Dr.

Principal Scientist
McMillen
La Mirada, California

Explore ecologically grounded, wildfire-resilient landscape strategies in Los Angeles County—home to one of the nation’s most significant urban biodiversity hotspots. This session shares research- and practice-driven approaches to plant selection, Firewise design, and biodiversity-informed planning, demonstrating how rigorous science can produce defensible spaces that are both beautiful and biodiverse.

Learning Outcomes:

Analyze fire ecology, wind patterns, and biodiversity factors affecting landscape design at the Wildland–Urban Interface.
Evaluate plant selection and spatial zoning strategies to reduce wildfire risk while enhancing habitat and ecological performance.
Apply research-based Firewise and biodiversity-informed design strategies to resilient landscape projects.
Translate wildfire resilience and habitat strategies to diverse ecological and community contexts beyond Southern California.