Warren Byrd Jr.
The Highlands Biological Foundation will continue its highly anticipated Zahner Conservation Lecture series on Thursday, July 11, at 6 p.m.
This upcoming lecture, “Landscape Meanders: Design Ideas for the South Gateway Garden at the Highlands Botanical Garden,” will be presented by Warren Byrd, Jr. FASLA, Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia and Founding Principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects. The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Bryding Adams and Bob Rathburn, Lynda Anderson and Ken Conover, Margie Bauer and Jim Parker, Janet and Scott Clarke, Leslie and Jim Costa, Diane Lennox and Paul Manos, Helen and Russ Regnery, Liz Sargent, and Dollie Swanson.
In his talk, Byrd will explore preliminary design influences and concepts for a new entry garden adjacent to the Highlands Biological Station’s Nature Center.
Working closely with the Station’s administration, Board members, and the Botanical Garden and Grounds Planning and Advisory Committee, landscape architects Warren Byrd, Susan Nelson, and Liz Sargent are envisioning a fully accessible and engaging “Discovery Garden” that serves as an outdoor complement to the existing Nature Center. This garden will interpret the interrelationship between the region’s plant and animal communities, hydrology, and geology. Additionally, Byrd will showcase other built landscape projects from Nelson Byrd Woltz’s portfolio, demonstrating how local and regional influences are incorporated into final landscape designs.
Warren Byrd has over 35 years of experience in landscape architecture, leading numerous significant projects. As founding principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, he has directed projects such as the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA; Citygarden in St. Louis, MO; the Dell stormwater park at the University of Virginia, and the Asia Trail at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The firm’s work has received over 100 national and regional design awards, including the prestigious Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award. Byrd taught at the University of Virginia for 26 years and is now Professor Emeritus. His work focuses on sustainable design strategies influenced by natural systems and plant communities.
HBF invites the public to attend this lecture and gain a deeper understanding of landscape design and its integration with natural systems. A small reception will follow, offering attendees an opportunity to engage further with Byrd and fellow community members. HBF’s Zahner lectures will be held at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road) on Thursdays at 6 p.m. through Aug. 15. To preview HBF’s full Zahner lecture lineup, visit highlandsbiological.org. The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.