We took a couple of weeks off from This Week in Review for the holidays, and we're back with our first "This Year in Review Video."

Our host, Anjuli Velazquez, takes a quick look at some of the recent, important, new stories as usual and then highlights some of our favorite Greenroofs.com- specific happenings of 2010. From Project of the Week to international conference treks to even a Historic Greenroof Wedding here in Atlanta, you can review what we've been doing and see who we're thanking for all their contributions and support, too.

We certainly hope you have all been enjoying the holidays with family and friends, and wish you much joy and prosperity in the coming New Year ~ Happy Greening in 2011!

DEC Accepting Applications for Urban Forestry Grants: Tree Plantings, Green Infrastructure Can Reduce Pollution, Improve Urban Quality of Life. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced it is making grants available to support urban forestry projects across the state. The Urban and Community Forestry grants will enhance New York's urban landscapes with healthy trees and provide numerous environmental, health and economic benefits. Eligible projects include tree inventories and management plans, tree and shrub planting and maintenance, and green infrastructure projects such as green roofs and rain gardens. [12.8.10]

Green Roofs for Stormwater Runoff Control - Urban development has led to large areas of impervious surfaces such as parking lots and building roofs, and runoff from these areas is causing problems for many urban and suburban communities. Green roofs have been suggested as a means to reduce the stormwater impact and test results indicate that green roofs are capable of removing 50% of the annual rainfall volume from a roof through retention and evapotranspiration. [12.7.10]

EPA's bay blueprint
Washington Post, by Staff
In working with states to revise their plans, the Environmental Protection Agency added more stringent goals. The final plan includes these measures...Reducing storm-water pollution by increasing green roofs, tree plantings, pervious surfaces and street sweeping...Also read: EPA unveils massive restoration plan for Chesapeake Bay.  [12.30.10]

Publisher:

Read what I've been blogging about in my latest Sky Gardens posts:

Reflections of Fall 2010 Greenroof Conferences: Mexico City, Part 1.
Late Fall 2010 was quite a whirlwind of international conferences for us, and I'm just a little late blogging about our wonderful experiences!  With the Winter Solstice and Christmas just behind us, and the New Year looming near, it's still better late than never!  During the past three months I've presented the Greenroofs.com "2010 Top 10 List of Hot Trends in Greenroof & Greenwall Design" in three different and each spectacular cities. Better late than never!

The 2010 Winner of our Yearly Premium Listing from Vancouver, B.C. is...
Congratulations to Annette Environmental inc.!  Headed up by two very competent and talented individuals who have been working in this industry for a few years now, we learned this is a new venture for them and that the consulting company will have two headquarters - Washington, D.C. and Toronto.

Guest Feature Articles:

CitiesAlive! 2010
By Janet Faust. Janet feels that this whole greenroof conference thing gets better every year.  Like a fine wine, they have gotten better with age.  She would evaluate this vintage as "Very attractive, full of body, deep flavor on the palette.  Very good - lively, well balanced with a hint of nuttiness.  Persistent and complex, finishing dry and crisp."  Very impressive for an 8-year classic!

Contributing Editors:

Green Roofs, a Civic Award of Excellence, and a Lifetime of Memories
By Kelly Luckett.
Read Kelly's experience of receiving this respected industry recognition in Vancouver, B.C at CitiesAlive! He says he's simply overwhelmed with gratitude and honored to be included in the group of truly inspirational people who have received this award before and will carry this experience with him for the rest of his life.