Speaker Programs

Our kickoff webinar for the Plants for Pollinators series will discuss how to employ diversity in vertical strata in a woodland garden design using native understory plants and shrubs.  Jean Epiphan, agricultural and resources agent and assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County will be our guide.  Jean will review the best choices of natural and green mulches to restore soil health and support native species.  Jean draws from her experience in local forest research as well as practice in ornamental shade gardening to restore natural processes that fuel healthy native plant community rehabilitation.         Register for the rest of the 4 part webinar series HERE This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, you can register individually for the 3 remaining webinars:  Feb 15, 7-8 PM - Plug in To Native Groundcovers Mar 13, 7-8 PM - Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity Apr 1, 12-1 PM - Plant Sale Overview While this […]

Building a "Jersey-friendly yard" creates a healthy foundation of soil, conserves water, attracts and supports wildlife, and adds beauty and interest to your home landscape. Leading up to our 4th annual online Native Pollinator Plant Sale on April 1, we have secured three nationally recognized and diverse speakers to present at monthly webinars. Scroll to the very bottom and register to attend all 4 programs at once at the click of a button. This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, individual sign-ups are available below. Register for individual programs below: January 18, 7-8 PM: Creating a Woodland Garden with Indigenous Plants & Vertical Structure. Speaker: Jean Epiphan, agricultural resources agent and assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County | Register HERE February 15, 7-8 PM: Plug in to Native Groundcovers. Speaker: John Courtney, owner of Kind Earth Nursery |  Register HERE March 13, 7-8PM: Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity. Speaker: Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist from […]

Come learn the benefits of using native groundcovers in the garden bed. Guest speaker, John Courtney, is the owner of Kind Earth Nursery and the supplier of many of the plugs used in GSWA’s Plant for Pollinators sale program.  John will discuss pollinator-benefiting native alternatives to some of the more traditional non-native groundcovers such as the dreaded vinca vine and pachysandra. John will share how to properly manage these groundcovers for visual and ecological impact. You will also learn more about getting "plugged in” utilizing landscape plugs for a more economical solution to covering large square footage areas of the yard without breaking the bank.       Register for the rest of the 4 part webinar series HERE This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, you can register individually for the 2 remaining webinars:  Mar 13, 7-8 PM - Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity Apr 1, 12-1 PM - Native Pollinator Online Plant Program Overview While […]

Pollinators and other beneficial insects are experiencing drastic and widespread declines making pollinator conservation a national and New Jersey priority. However, we can all play a role in protecting pollinators and beneficial insects and the important ecological services they provide. Join the Xerces Society’s Kelly Gill to learn how you can best support pollinators in your NJ yard, garden, and local landscapes by planting native flowering plants, enhancing nesting and overwintering habitat, and reducing pesticide risk. Kelly will include case studies on pollinators included in this year’s plant kits and focus on pollinator needs throughout the seasons.     Register for the 1 remaining webinars in this 4-part series: Apr 1, 12-1 PM - Plant Sale Overview While this program is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the cost of bringing you this great, nationally recognized speaker.  :-)   Mark Your Calendar: Apr 1, 1:30 PM - Native Plants for Pollinators online sale opens Apr 1 @ 1:30 PM and runs through Apr 19 @ 5 PM. Learn more about native pollinator plants, gardening, and GSWA's online plant sale HERE.

There has been a change in speaker for this webinar. To launch Day 1 of our 4th Annual Native "Plant for Pollinators" sale, GSWA's Education, Land Steward, and Water Quality Associate, Ginger Van Ryzin, will provide an in-depth look at each of the 37 selections being offered as individual species and within six kits suitable for a range of garden conditions.  Ginger will review why native plants are important, cover the new species in this year’s sale, and delve into the various pollinator species these native plants will particularly attract.  Learn more about how to start, add, or amend your growing native pollinator garden.  You’ll leave energized knowing the amazing benefits these 37 different native species can bring to your yard and you'll be ready to shop the sale. We will also walk you through our online storefront, simple ordering process, and amazing online resources on the site. If you’re considering starting or expanding your native pollinator garden, you’re going to want to check this out! You will receive your Zoom link prior to the start of the webinar. While this speaker program series is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the […]