From landscape architecture to conservation agriculture | Thomas Woltz | TEDxCharlottesville

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Landscape Design
Thomas Woltz is the principal and owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW) with offices in New York City, Charlottesville VA, and San Francisco CA. During the past 19 years of practice, Woltz and his staff have forged a body of work that integrates the beauty and function of built form and craftsmanship with an understanding of complex biological systems and restoration ecology yielding hundreds of acres of reconstructed wetlands, reforested land, native meadows, and flourishing wildlife habitat. Currently NBW is entrusted with the design of 8 major public parks across the US, Canada and New Zealand. The firm’s work has been recognized with over 80 national and international awards and published widely.
In 2011, Thomas Woltz was invested into the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows, among the highest honors achieved in the profession, and in 2013, named Design Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal Magazine.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@arniepanlaqui2084]

"This is where landscape architecture stands, at the intersection of civil engineering, horticulture, conservation biology and agriculture."

[@jonathanknight8702]

Thomas Woltz is the landscape architect every landscape architect wants to be. He is just the coolest, most humble, down-to-earth dude you'll ever meet and his oration skills are wonderful.

[@walkersreserve6289]

Landscape Architecture needs more of this so badly.

[@bonsummers2657]

He looks great too. Great imagery/image. You know it,… but you didn't say it, because it's not 'socially correct' to say that. smh Say it.

[@designerjuly2437]

landscape architects are not paid well, even poorly. I am one of them@@walkersreserve6289

[@modelleg]

It should be abundantly clear that we can make the Earth into a Garden of Eden using Science, Art and Humanity.

[@savedfaves]

Regenerative farming and all of its facets (KZbin: Darren Doherty), nature and holistic management to help us make more sensible decisions with proper context.

[@daw3s]

Great line

[@nonaveedale9721]

They are undoing humanity's destruction, not creating.

[@fusion9619]

During this pandemic, I've had too much unfree free time, which I've used to learn about permaculture, soil biology, nutrient cycles, and fungi. I've only scratched the surface, but I'm am 100% sure that we can restore the Earth to the Eden it once was.

[@nonaveedale9721]

@@fusion9619 sounds like the right amount of time

[@newsviewstoday5689]

I wept with joy & relief when I saw this, We are either a part of the solution or we are a part of the problem. What an inspirational project & group of innovative tuned in brilliant people. Wow. Just awesome. sniff sniff shed a tear. What heights humanity "could" soar to if collectively & individually we would try.

[@l.a.4904]

I cried a little too

[@rosstemple7617]

Regenerative Agriculture Permaculture Harvesting Rain Water This is the future, we either get of our collective azaz and do it, or we are headed for food shortages, famine, sickness and mass death. Those of us who are aware have been trying to get this done for years. My journey started just by looking into a self sufficient homestead and realized I could actually make a living.

[@B30pt87]

I cried too.

[@laurarussell9236]

Honestly me too, I cried at the end. To see wild places being restored. I wish one day to play such an important role.

[@ChaiLatte64]

This is Permaculture on another level 👌🌳🌷💚

[@jellainedelcampo5695]

Wow, watching this made me teary eyed. What a beautiful and respectful project!

[@girijabhaskar4227]

i did not want this talk to end:)

[@jomariroxas3474]

Another Inspiration for me as A Landscape Architecture Student. 😊💜

[@samguapo4573]

And added responsibility for us developers :) but a necessary one.

[@samansepehrpartopooy]

Look up Permaculture too. You might like it

[@shopkedai]

Million thanks to the land owner/owners who are prepared to give back what nature had given him, his life on this beautiful earth..

[@syedalishanzaidi1]

One of the best Ted talks I have ever listened to.

[@javierpacheco8234]

This is amazing. There are good people in this world and this actually made my day. Thank you for doing this.

[@ckmy9314]

Such an inspirational talk, especially with the majority's misconception of what landscape architecture is !

[@sanjeevkulkarni6835]

This talk should not have ended at all ! Simply GREAT. You have made more human. Thank you.

[@hatekills8912]

God this needs so many more views!!! Lovely work! Absolutely no words to give it justice just breathtaking unbounded beauty!

[@monkeymanwasd1239]

you know a video is good when you go to like it and you already did

[@B30pt87]

Yes! Yes,yes,yes! I'm so glad I watched this.

[@clayspace6416]

Thomas did an extended version of this talk at our state chapter's ASLA Annual Conference and it was a huge success. Great talk, Landscape Architect and work!

[@trevorkerber3914]

This work is amazing. The combination of landscape architecture with civil engineering and conservation biology is so inspiring. The rebuilt island ecological system also reminded me of a much better done Jurassic Park

[@TheVigilantStewards]

Probably in the top 5 ted talks I've ever heard. That was great. I want more Thomas Woltz

[@jejojose8698]

Some of those things that put a smile on your face without an effort.... Beautiful presentation too.

[@amtv3823]

the real Landscape Architecture works with outstanding collaboration!

[@Track2Training]

This can be replicated... Good work

[@aliasifchowdhury3419]

I am breathless and astounded at the sheer wonder of the contents of this video....in the environmental crisis one important aspect is land management to address environmental health....at last i have found a sector that can really do something about climate change and environmental health..here is a sector where people from multiple diverse disciplines,many of which are considered to have no job prospects,can not only find jobs but also contribute to helping the environment thus this sector(landscape architecture)has multiple potential benefits both human and environmental... many thanks to TED and this speaker

[@srishtibhardwaj4370]

Hard Work + Patience... this is mind-blowing.

[@WorldisArt]

This is the greatest thing I have seen in a GOOD. WHILE. Yes.

[@fifioshi]

Everyone needs to see this. Bravo

[@kasparsparfenovics3257]

Unbelievable!!! The greatest proffesion!

[@heidimac9101]

Applause!!!!! This is what I am working on in local and other areas!!! I am so excited for your success! ;)

[@xyzsame4081]

Excellent speaker, fascinating topic.

[@lewamidgechip]

WOW good to know people who care for the earth. thank you

[@artisticbuilding6852]

Wow, I never paid much attention to landscaping but this is amazing

[@ameliar6374]

Trying to figure out what career path I want to take and have been thinking about landscape architecture. The last quote... all areas that are highly interesting to me. Animals, agriculture, the history/culture in general of the region where you’re working, the diversity of projects you potentially can work on, getting to be outside a lot, the artistic aspect to it? A mesh pot of things I love!

[@sensei_poo]

Hello, i would love to know what your are currently doing as a proffesion since i am also into things which you mentioned above. Precisly everything.

[@teresaflores5220]

superb work, all the countries should copy these ideas

[@LandscapeArchitectureTV]

Shared on Landscape Architecture TV. Thanks very much.

[@l.a.4904]

Incredible.

[@josephineosagie848]

The beginning of this landscape architectural lecture is wonderful and sweat ad will like to continue later because ...... .

[@shaikbabjee4437]

Thank you for starting to save the planet and hopefully all huge Agricultural regions are really ecofriendly .

[@ahmadbenbelamuzakalzawawi3757]

Hats off!...how inspiring the job that they have done, how tremendous the role they have played to carry out the project to meet the objective successfully... i was like...waw!... it shows how effective a Landscape Architect could do in dealing with nature,with environment,with people,with other professionals and blend them together for the betterment of the earth. #proudlandscapearchitect

[@madangopalray6367]

AHMAD BENBELA MUZAKAL ZAWAWI ll

[@madisoncaines6366]

This is incredible

[@Julie-bp1zf]

Faith in humanity restored

[@melt4769]

Wow, just WOW!

[@brycenew]

So wowed to discover this is back in my first home, Aotearoa. What a project; what people (regardless of where it is)!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@haoruchen4216]

design finds a way to connect our tradition, culture, arts, to economy, science, farming of the future!

[@epicgrimm8233]

New year.. new views... love it :) Ty TED creators for helping spread ideas :)

[@Jessmetmeister]

This is such absolutely, and entirely, brilliant work. I want to work with you. This way of seeing and thinking through interpersonal, and cultural relationships between and the broader ecological context is the future.

[@MrGrapha]

Beswaarlijk is een belangrijk woord en ik zeg ook dat aanstoot een enorm belangrijk woord kan zijn elk met zen eigen kracht van betekenis en dan de wil die daar achter zit dat recht te trekken dat de aanstoot eigenlijk bepalend is voor of het te doen of het te laten

[@gardenfornutrition6373]

Love what you are doing. New Zealand definitely needs this kind of restoration. The only thing I was confused about was the use of fire instead of animals to restart the growth cycle. Would like to see a more in depth explanation of the choice of fire over grazing and trampling animals. You may be right.

[@hrushikeshdesai8404]

just amazing....

[@DamianoIndy]

Great job! And great talk! Thank you, Damiano

[@alexanderdurauer5587]

So beautiful, thank you so much for doing this.

[@thepiratebey]

Great piece that goes into the different entities necessary to re-develop the land

[@anime-music-news]

amazing!!! this is really inspire me... I love agriculture and landscape architecture.. and now I can say that I can do both..😊😊

[@user-vb7mf5cb3k]

one of the best talks

[@anythingorigional]

superb effort. very inspiring. My whole farm used to be a wetland also I believe. It was drained. It has been a grain cropping farm, a dairy farm. It is currently a sheep farm. I would like to see it turn into a food forrest, with some silvopasture/agroforrestry on the side. Its a bit over my head at this stage

[@stoweclan4385]

why am i so emotional watching this...!! I wanna be a landscap architect so bad...clawing there closer and closer, thanks for keeping me inspired

[@renielrocaberte7894]

What a wonderful speech you’ve made Arch Thomas Woltz, I was really inspired with this concept of rebuilding the Interconnected systems for 12 years you’ve a such excellent and amazing project. As Agricultural Engineer I was inspired about those details in making a wonderful scenery and to be able to conserve the entire area that was equipped with modern innovation. Congratulations also to all of your team for making such a excellent job for our environment.😍❤️❤️❤️

[@casheddy8922]

great & beautiful work!!

[@hamedhussain7562]

I love this guy

[@DavisMarques]

Very inspiring. Great work!

[@OhJustCommenting]

this is wonderful...

[@RJCooper2]

Like a breath of air

[@lynnxwilkinson3927]

Amazing!

[@marazulization]

Speechless !👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@billdanosky]

Wow, that guy is a total hero!

[@FrashOnTV]

what a great speaker

[@isidoreaerys8745]

I love this guy. Wow

[@ajack6421]

Outstanding!

[@sunnysealz3546]

Amazing

[@shahanawazahmad6548]

Best efforts ..

[@MsGnor]

Sublime xx

[@IthatengMokgoro]

Fantastic!

[@wildopeneye1634]

Excellent!

[@nickaa121212]

Incredible

[@danielasonksen4475]

YES!!!!

[@hethanghangsing1307]

Much more beautiful than Dubai 👌

[@gregthayer2347]

Really interesting stuff. After I get my horticulture degree, I want to get a degree in landscape architecture.

[@AdamGaron686]

That was EPIC #superhuman

[@juhalaakso5835]

I studying enviroment design university of applied sciences and this act is very intreresting...

[@Kexkrummel]

I would really enjoy seing a follow up, of how this renaturated part of new zealand is thriving today

[@netosrx]

This is how all farms should be working... by law!

[@MrSozcumber]

Outstanding 👍🌏✅😎

[@user-rd6vf7xk1x]

This guy just became my idol architect

[@DavidWilliams-ju2ln]

There seem to be several winners in this project. Foremost of all was the land and the habitat. How did the indigenous tribe benefit in this undertaking. They were mentionoed as collaborators here and there. Did I miss something. Great Project!

[@lisve]

Wow!!!!!!

[@OchoWins]

A little motivation for an environmental science student to get through his chemistry class

[@ebybeehoney]

I wish we could do this kind of restoration along the Mississippi. I would love to see the River free from levees. But I doubt that would ever happen.

[@buggyridge]

Thomas: you need to familiarize yourself with TR-55 and urban hydraulic calculations. Urban areas with lawns contribute much more non-point and point pollution to our watersheds. Agriculture is very bad but the ratio is closer to 60:40 with urban on top. Lawns are our 3rd biggest "crop" in the USA. Faulty septic systems also create huge pollution potential. I retired from the agency formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service and a CAD designer, watershed specialist and civil engineer. I farm full time now. 100% pasture based.

[@BRIANJAMESGIBB]

inspiring :)

[@selvagemlatino7050]

Primeira vez que assisto o vídeo. 25marco2020,quarta-feira, 14h32min,🇧🇷.

[@relaralte2391]

Wow

[@chipthomas4169]

I have grown switchgrass for years and certainly appreciate native tall grasses, but if you took all the fescue, what does the farmer use for winter grazing now?

[@MrSpringfellow]

This is what should be a PHD. degree holder in my place.

[@stephelisabeth3143]

Everything is connected. Holism.

[@JimQuinlanEnergyFinance]

Can you give numbers on cost, source of funds, and benefits to the community?

[@b_uppy]

Hopefully they planted a great diversity of plants not just one or a few. Less diversity is more vulnerable to disease.

[@fusion9619]

My dream is to acquire a huge tract of degraded land, then restore it to an abundant Eden.

[@gavinbrinck]

what's the best way to help with this work ? How can a suburban person manage their yard ? what is the best way to connect to your organization and other networks doing this and similar work ? tysm *peace*

[@dariusbottorff3472]

Great project! Was monoculture considered within the reforestation of the project? Diversity of plants and trees is crucial as it decreases the chances of diseases spreading

[@savedfaves]

2:40 Burning the farm every three years is no longer needed if you include any number of ruminants available and good management (this is key). Burning also releases huge quantities of greenhouse gases and doesn't do the soil biology much good longterm. Holistic management is an option worth serious consideration, where your decisions are run through a filtering process to help you make better decisions based on a deeper and more complex context. Healthy soils take care of the methane problem (Wikipedia: Methanotrophs). And carbon pumping via good grazing management helps get the carbon out of the atmosphere and build that soil organic matter: resulting in healthier soils in greater qualities and cleaner air in the process. Nature provides the solutions. Mimic nature!

[@victoriamercado7771]

This is amazing! Does somebody know where I could start learning about this kind of landscaping, I'm an agronomist trying to lead my career in that direction but I dont know where to begin. Thanks!