List of Resources

Knowledge is power. Our growing library of resources will help you make sound decisions. If you have an online resource you would like to share, please email us at info@melaweb.

The Right Tree for the Right (Urban) Place:
We all know the importance of “the right plant in the right place.” It seems a relatively simple principle of sustainability. When we’re planting trees in urban settings, however, it may not be as simple as it seems. Sustainable urban tree planting, in fact, requires conscientious site selection, preparation and plant choice. For a comprehensive list of trees, including information about the best trees for urban planting, check out the Chicago Trees initiative list.

Cheaper, Faster, Sustainable Snow and Ice Removal:
We all know the downside of using salt to remove snow and ice on roadways and driveways. For alternative methods being developed by MELA member Tim Caldwell, check out www.liquidicemeltsolutions.com

To read more background about the products Caldwell has developed, see www.melaweb.org/green-how.html

Design and Planning:
The Sustainable Sites Initiative is an interdisciplinary effort by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the United States Botanic Garden to create voluntary national guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction and maintenance practices.

Green Roofs:
The City of Chicago's Department of Environment has compiled some useful information regarding green roofs.  Be sure to check out on line the green roof on top of city hall.  There is also a list of green roof providers and green roofs in Chicago.

Pest Management:
Safer Pest Control Project is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and promoting safer alternatives in Illinois. Their website has information you may find helpful.

Plant Selection:
The Chicago Botanic Garden is frequent host of the Mela Conference and is a great resource for information regarding landscape plants of the Chicago and Illinois region.  Check out their plant information resource page.

Research:
Case studies on trends in the industry can be useful tools to help make business and management decisions.  The University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences conducted studies on industry trends that suggest ecological minded decision making is becoming important.  Check it out for yourself on their Illinois' Green Industry Associations page.

Soils:
The USDA has some very useful information regarding soils and soil management.  The site has various types of resources, but be especially sure to check out the information regarding soil biology on their Soil Biology page.

Please note that MELA does not endorse or support the content of linked sites or sponsoring organizations.