Waterwise Collaboration: Bridging the Gap in Irrigation Practices for Resilient Water Management

Waterwise Collaboration: Bridging the Gap in Irrigation Practices for Resilient Water Management

June 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET

ASLA Florida Members: $25 | Non-Members: $35 | Student: $10

Learning Objectives:

1.  Attendees will understand how to connect high-efficiency irrigation with project lifecycles, safeguarding resources
2.  Attendees will understand how to play a pivotal role in water conservation by connecting with installers and end-users.
3.  Attendees will learn to align irrigation practices with near-term and long-term water resource management goals.
4.  Attendees will learn to integrate Florida Water Star Program principles into irrigation practices for water savings
5.  Presenters will demonstrate an open forum, facilitating a dynamic discussion on irrigation challenges and solutions

Continuing Education:

This session will provide 1 CEC through DBPR and LACES.

• DBPR: Course # 14980, 1 CEC - Optional
• LACES: 1 CE

**Please be sure to provide your LA license number in your registration if you want to receive credit.**

Meet the Speakers:

Stefan Bortak, PLA,CPIC,ASIC,CID

Bortak.Design

Stefan Bortak, PLA, CPIC, CID is a Florida Registered Landscape Architect and Certified Professional Irrigation Consultant with two decades of expertise in irrigation design, water conservation, and landscape architecture. As the founder of Bortak.Design, he leads innovative and environmentally responsible projects spanning parks, urban streetscapes, transportation corridors, and community master plans. His expertise in sustainable irrigation strategies and water management has contributed to the success of numerous large-scale developments, ensuring a balance between efficiency and ecological stewardship. Stefan serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Irrigation Consultants and is an active leader within the Water Conservation Professional Practice Network of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Julie Zigler, ASLA,CID,CLIA

Hunter Industries, Inc.

Julie Zigler has been in the landscape architecture and irrigation industry for over 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Colorado State University and brings a broad range of experience to her work, including time spent at landscape architecture firms, leading an irrigation consulting firm, managing sales for an irrigation distributor, and teaching irrigation design at multiple universities.

Julie currently serves as the Specification Sales Manager for the Florida region at Hunter Industries, a role she has held since January 2020. Based in St. Pete Beach, she works closely with landscape architects across the state to promote efficient irrigation products and best management practices.

A dedicated member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) since her college days, Julie previously represented the Indiana ASLA Chapter as Secretary, Vice President, and President. In her current role with the Florida Chapter, she contributes to leadership and membership development, helping make it one of the most vibrant chapters in the country.

Julie is passionate about building programs and educational opportunities that support landscape architecture and improve quality of life through thoughtful design. Her commitment to growing membership and connecting professionals is driven by her belief in designing, preserving, and enhancing livable communities.