Key topics of the book include:
The concept of ecosystem services is extensively developed in this book, including biological treatment of stormwater and wastewater, opportunities for recreation, urban agriculture and emersion in a naturalistic setting. It defines planning and design processes as well as the political and economic facets of envisioning, funding and implementing green infrastructure networks.
The book differs from others on the market by presenting the technical issues, requirements and performance of green infrastructure elements, along with the more traditional recreation and wildlife needs associated with greenway planning, providing information derived from environmental engineering to guide planners and landscape architects.
Gary Austin is a landscape architect who studied under John Lyle and taught at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has practiced in the public and private sector and has taught landscape architecture at the University of Washington and the University of Idaho. His teaching and research focus on community revitalization, urban biological diversity and treatment of wastewater and stormwater for water quality improvement.