Sponsors

      Vendors

Flora Foundry

World Space Consortium, Garden Green

Jost Greenhouses/Live Root Midwest

St Charles County Soil and Water Conservation

Vibrant Spruce Herbals

Speakers

10:30 a.m. Bees, Butterflies, and Other Friendly Bugs: Helping Pollinators Thrive in Your Backyard               Dr. Erin Hladilek, St Charles County Master Gardener Program

Native insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, flies, and beetles play a vital role in pollinating  plants and maintaining heathy ecosystems.  Their populations have declined sharply due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other pressures.  Learn how to create pollinator-friendly gardens that support those beneficial species. 

11:30 a.m. Building Bird-Friendly Backyards                                                                                                                Kaylee Woelfel, Missouri River Bird Observatory   

North American bird populations have been experiencing rapid declines driven largely by anthropogenic factors, with habitat loss as the leading driver.  Urban areas amplify many of these threats as dense infrastructure and human activity disrupt bird natural habitats.  This session will discuss the modern changes birds face, highlight practical strategies to reduce those hazards, and discuss ways to foster bird friendly communities.

12:30 p.m. LiveRoof Midwest: Improving Our world, One Roof at a Time                                              Teresa Hessel, LiveRoof Midwest/Jost Greenhouses  

LiveRoof Midwest/Jost Greenhouses works to restore balance between green spaces and built environments.  We honor all forms of life-air, water,plants, animals , and people- by developing climate appropriate green roof systems, soils and plants grown responsibly and sustainably.  Learn more about this unique roof system and how Jost Greenhouses is bringing it to the midwest.

1:30 p.m. Invasive Plants in Missouri: Threats, Opportunities, and Resources                                    Carol Davit, Missouri Prairie Foundation/Missouri Invasive Plant Council

Nonnative invasive plants are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss.  This fact is sobering, and the presence of bush honeysuckle and other invasive plants on the lasndscape can feel daunting.  However, all is not lost! Missouiri Invasive Plant Council Chair, Carol Davit will emposer attendees with information to take action.