New CLARB reading list..

[Kirsten Radomski]

Thanks for starting this group back up by the way..

There is a new book that has been added for Sections 3 & 4 - Sustainable Sites Handbook / Calkins.  Is anyone familiar with this text?  Is it completely new information.. or along the lines of the other recommended readings?  Any insight on what would be best to focus on and what would be repetitive?  I'm specifically studying for Section 4 now, but curious what others think about the new addition... 

Thanks!

[Becky Ellis]

I am curious about this book as well. I am hesitant to spend $100+ if the material is repeated elsewhere.

[Cheryl Corson]

I ordered Meg Calkins' book and expect it tomorrow. When I take a look I will weigh in on its usefulness for Section 3. I think I paid $75 on Amazon. Remember this would be available from a public library too if you didn't want to purchase it. 

[Emily Garavuso]

I got the book from my local library. I'm only about a quarter of the way through. I think it would be a great resource for section 3 but not sure yet how it really applies to 4. Definitely some good info on storm water management. I would recommend getting it from your library or interlibrary loan can get you ANY book. I think some resources work better for different people. That's why they're a little repetitive if you read all the resources for each section.

[Kirsten Radomski]

Okay, I read the book! (Sustainable Sites Handbook..) I have already taken 3 and am studying for 4 now.  

My opinions: 

For Section 3 - probably most of the book is relevant, although a lot is possibly redundant (if you have read Site Planning/Russ...) I was actually surprised it isn't on the list for Section 2 - I had several moments where it prompted topics that specifically came up on that section.   (Disclaimer - I did take 2 & 3 at the same time so maybe it is all running together)

For Section 4 - Not 100% sure since this will be my first time taking 4.  But the parts that stood out to me as being important were the chapters on Water and Materials.. Soils was good as well (especially if you feel weaker in this area - there was emphasis on soil testing and ph issues I haven't seen specifically anywhere else.)  

Let me know what you guys think..

[Becky Ellis]

I ordered the Calkins book from Amazon (Canada) but it is out of stock. I am starting to think I won't get it in time.
The local library can't get a loanable copy through inter-library loan either. 
Can anyone recommend some comparable resources that I could review for section 4?

I can read all about materials in TSS, so I am not concerned there.

[Kirsten Radomski]

Bummer..  I still can't believe that they would change the reading list so close to the exam..  On the other hand hopefully they haven't had time to completely change the test?

I've seen some online retailers offer an e-book version..google play even has a preview of almost the whole first section.  There was additional information on materials that I haven't come across in TSS (more on the comparisons and effects of different types of materials, embodied energy topics and even alternative building materials (earthen construction - rammed earth walls, etc. ) Again, don't know how relevant any of this may be.., I could be completely wasting my time!  Wish I could be of more help.. 

[Becky Ellis]

I didn't even think of the e-book. Holy crap I can just do that.

[Tamara Sorensen]

I just finished the Sustainable Sites book today. I have taken the tests for 1, 2 & 3 and will be taking section 4 in April. I think this would be a great resource to read prior to taking 2, 3 & 4. I felt the information in this book overlaps quite a bit with other books I've read over the last year. It does go into detail at much more depth than with other books so that's a plus. I felt the topics on cisterns, wastewater treatment etc were the most thorough I've read thus far. So if your short on time, definately read the chapter on water (its loooong). But I'd still recommend putting your time into reading chapters from TSS first, and only getting this book if you want to supplement your studies on the tail end of things.