Speaker Series
Wendy Caldwell
Executive Director at Monarch Joint Venture
Wendy brings nearly 15 years of experience and passion to conservation work. She has successfully grown the Monarch Joint Venture to lead a network of more than 100 partners, ranging from volunteer-led groups to federal agencies to create meaningful and impactful change to benefit monarchs, other pollinators, and all of us. Wendy will share more about the status and conservation of the beloved North American monarch butterfly.
Dr. Eric Strauss
President’s Professor of Biology at Loyola Marymount University and Executive Director of the LMU Center for Urban Resilience (CURes)
Why Should We Care About Our Native Pollinators?
Dr. Strauss will focus on the driving forces of urbanization that shape our landscapes into habitats that are hostile to pollinators. The forces of habitat fragmentation, light pollution, climate chaos, plus non-native plants and wildlife collectively depress the historic communities of butterflies and other native pollinators. He will also discuss positive interventions that can help transform our neighborhoods into wildlife friendly ecosystems.
Scott Logan
Graphic Artist and Wildlife Photographer
Scott Logan will talk about the numerous species of pollinators that can be attracted to our urban gardens and why these animals are so important to a healthy ecosystem. Southern California supports rich biodiversity in both endemic flora and fauna and is recognized as one of the 34 Biodiversity Hotspots of the World. So often bees are what come to mind when thinking about pollinators, but they are only one piece of the magnificent puzzle!
Susie Vanderlip
Expert on Monarch Butterflies and a Renowned Engaging Speaker
What’s Up with Western Monarchs in OC and across Southern California this season?
The Western Monarch population has declined 98% since the 1990’s. Monarch population is influenced by what we plant in the garden, habitat loss, pesticides, and global warming. Monarch butterflies have a complex life cycle which we will quickly review then look at what IS happening to our western monarchs in Southern California in 2021? The good, the bad, the hopeful, and how can we be helpful!
"As the Southern California 'Conservation Specialist' for Monarch Watch and 'Champion Contributor' to Western Monarch Advocates, my goal is to keep YOU informed."
Katie Newman
Sales & Marketing Manager, Tree of Life Nursery
Butterfly Plants for the Garden & Kitchen!
Katie will be doing a tutorial on her favorite mocktails and cocktails using California native plants that have the dual benefit of attracting native California butterflies to your garden. She will also bring other resources for you to learn more about habitat gardens and cooking with native plants. When we garden for pollinators we also garden for ourselves and the health of our local habitat. Check out the Tree of Life Nursery booth to purchase books and plants after the talk.
Laura Camp
General Manager, Tree of Life Nursery
Native Gardening for Butterflies - and Hummingbirds, too!
Laura will bring the experience of Tree of Life Nursery and her own gardening, teaching the essentials for creating a successful butterfly garden (for monarch butterflies especially!) with California natives, including details on specific plants and how to grow them. Hummingbirds and adult butterflies need nectar and nutrition from flowering plants like native sunflower, sage, penstemon, and buckwheat. Laura will discuss techniques to attract and support these incomparable flying entertainers in your home garden. Tree of Life Nursery will be exhibiting and selling plants and more resources, and you can visit our San Juan Capistrano nursery Monday through Saturday.