Oregon once again has been selected to host a major green industry gathering. The International Phytotechnology Society will hold its eighth annual conference Sept. 13–16,2011 at the Doubletree in Portland, Ore., so mark your calendar. The conference is titled “Putting Plants to Work for Practical Ecology.” It is expected to bring together many people involved in working with phytotechnologies – scientists, designers, engineers, builders, regulators and users.

What is “phytotechnology,” you ask? The IPS has the answer:

Phytotechnologies are the use of plants to remedy environmental problems. Plants can be used to clean or contain contaminants from soil, sediments, or water. Planted systems can degrade organic pollutants and extract heavy metals. Plants can be used to restore impacted ecosystems, provide biofuel, sequester carbon, improve air quality, and beneficially impact our environment.

You can read the rest of the answer on their site.

Heavily involved in the conference will be none other than Renee Stoops, director of SPROut, the Sustainable Plant Research and Outreach Center in Silverton, Ore. Organizers are hoping to tap into the expertise the Pacific Northwest has in using phytotechnology, including urban stormwater management, constructed wetlands, sustainable built environments and ecosystem services. For further details, contact Renee at 503-584-7252 or by e-mail.