HORThappenings

Turning a New Leaf Conference 2022

The biennial Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council’s Turning a New Leaf Conference (CCLC TNALC) brings together agricultural and horticultural luminaries from all over the Chesapeake Bay area. As one attendee put it, a lot of “heavy hitters” and important people are working toward diversity, equity, sustainability, and inclusion in our region. Social justice is core in our struggle with climate uncertainty and creating a more equitable society—we need a future with more gardens, and that means more young people involved with gardening. The talks at the 2021 conference took place online in early December, followed by in-person field trips to local sustainable landscapes. The first session, “Meaningful Collaborations in Sustainable Landscaping = Plant Virginia Natives Marketing Initiative Growing in All Directions, Local Government and Residents, A Social Justice Model for Employees,” was an incredible start to the conference. Lauren Wheeler, founder and principal designer at Natural Resources Design, Inc.; Rod Barnes, town of Edmonston administrator; and Virginia Witmer, outreach coordinator at Virginia Costal Zone Management Program, were the three speakers. Each representative gave their perspectives on strengthening water quality and habitat in the Bay region, “a statewide partnership to promote the use of native plants in Virginia.” Discussion centered on native plants, and how local governments can collaborate with constituents and create a social justice model for employers. In session 2, “Equity in Landscape Design,” Akiima Price and Erin GarnaasHolmes discussed working with Black and Brown communities to make sure that their needs are met, the overview said. “Creating a Forest Garden,” during session 3, had Christine Simpson, a landscape architect, and Lincoln Smith, the owner of Forested, talking about how forest gardens produce or create food while trying to preserve the ecosystem. They explained the features and principles of forest gardening and used Smith’s company to show examples. “Plant It Forward: Helping Others Help Wildlife Through Conservation Landscaping” featured deputy director of the Audubon Naturalist Society Alison Pearce. Her talk was about now the society transformed their headquarters into a space that could benefit wildlife and the ecosystem. The third talk of session 3, “Landscapes for Pollinators” had Penn State Professor, Harland Patch, speaking. Covered topics included understanding a pollinator’s lifecycle, and how ecosystems can help better inform landscape design. “Green Mulch: Plants to Cover Ground and Reduce Maintenance” concluded session 3, with Darlene Robbins, RainScapes program planner. She talked about how green mulch saves time and money, and boosts ecological function. Each year, the Chesapeake Stormwater Network recognizes outstanding landscaping projects with the Best Urban BMPs in the Bay (BUBBA) awards. Three projects were recognized in 2021. “Inspiring BMPS: A Selection of 2021 BUBBA Award Winning Projects = Just add water - A different approach to ‘fixing’ drainage, Mount Oliver Stormwater Retention project, Wild at Heart in Accotink Creek Watershed,” celebrated BUBBA Award winners and gave them the chance to share their projects. David Wood, stormwater coordinator for the Chesapeake Stormwater Network, moderated the session. First to present was Chris Moore of Welspryng LLC. Moore shared photos of his project, highlighting the use of native plants and site design. He said he wanted to encourage his clients to “keep an open mind” when it came to stormwater and drainage. Aileen Craig of the Nature Conservancy shared photos of her project, again emphasizing the use of native plants and maintenance of the site. One of the biggest things she wanted her clients to take away from their experience was that, “by doing this project, they’re helping the environment.” Adele Kuo of Deco Footprint shared photos of her project and also discussed the importance of native plants, homing in on the benefits of conservation landscaping, especially in regard to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This session was visually engaging, with beautiful photos of projects. Each speaker had great insight and tips for an at-home gardener looking to make their yard or garden more supportive of the watershed. Engaging more people in the industry and the agriculture community is a priority for many gardeners. The speakers at the conference’s seventh session exemplified ways to involve young people and incarcerated people in the industry and community and in doing so, provide employment opportunities. In the session on “Growing the Workforce, Connecting with Youth = Conservation Training in Correctional Settings, Working with Youth and the CBLP-A Program, & Connecting with Youth at Diakon Wilderness,” three speakers discussed community outreach and conservation. Kim Patten of the Wilderness Greenhouse at Diakon Youth Services, Antonia Bookbinder of the Prince George’s

CCLC Field Day attendees tour sustainable landscape updates at the Audubon Naturalist Society, Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD.