Second Annual Three Rivers Urban Soils Symposium Returns at Phipps Conservatory

For Immediate Release: Mon., Oct. 28
Contact: Joe Reed | Director of Marketing and Communications
412-622-6915, ext. 3801 ǀ jreed@phipps.conservatory.org   

Second Annual Three Rivers Urban Soils Symposium Returns at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Nationally acclaimed experts, professionals and community practitioners come together to explore urban soils and their relation to agriculture, rainwater management, habitat and climate

Pittsburgh, PA – On Thurs., Nov. 21, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens opens its doors for the second annual Three Rivers Urban Soils Symposium (TRUSS) in partnership with Allegheny County Conservation District and members of the Pittsburgh Urban Soils Working Group.

TRUSS brings together acclaimed experts, professionals, community leaders, students and anyone interested in Pittsburgh’s soil for a discussion of urban soils and how they relate to many other environmental factors, such as agriculture, rainwater management, trees and parks, and climate change. Community and residential concerns will also be addressed. Presenters include nationally recognized experts in addition to the research and community-based efforts of regional academics, students and professionals, with presenters from institutions as diverse as the Rodale Institute, Heritage Farms, the EPA, the New York City Composting Program and several other universities and nonprofits.

In Pittsburgh, as in other post-industrial cities, understanding both the limitations and potential of urban soils is essential to address current and future environmental challenges. According to the United Nations, it’s estimated that nearly 90% of America’s population will reside in urbanized areas by 2050, and the challenges they will face are prominently represented in Allegheny County. TRUSS will discuss how to address these challenges.

TRUSS will be held on Thurs., Nov. 21 from 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m., and is followed by a reception from 5 – 6:30 p.m. with refreshments provided by Great Lakes Brewing and A Few Bad Apples. Registration is $35 on or before Thurs., Oct. 31 and $45 afterwards. Registration includes morning coffee, light breakfast items, a lunch buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and admission to the reception.

To register or learn more, visit phipps.conservatory.org/Soils.

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About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA is a globally recognized green leader with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Encompassing 15 acres including a historic 14-room glasshouse, 23 distinct indoor and outdoor gardens and industry-leading sustainable architecture and operations, Phipps attracts more than half a million visitors annually from around the world. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.