ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER AT THE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR AGENCIES

Join Dr. Doug Feremenga, a Zimbabwean native, a passionate conservation advocate, and Environmental Manager at the Transportation Corridor Agencies - the public agency that built and operates Orange County’s toll roads, on a captivating exploration of the fascinating world of butterflies. His keynote speech, geared towards both novice and experienced gardeners, will whisk you away on a global journey, highlighting the importance of butterflies and other pollinators for a healthy ecosystem, the ongoing conservation efforts in Orange County, the challenges these pollinators face around the world, including habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change, and the importance of local action in making a global impact.

Speaking Topic: “A Shared Journey: butterflies, conservation, and our global connection.”

Get ready to be inspired by the transformative power of creating a butterfly haven in your own backyard and be a steward for butterflies in your own community!

Speaking at: 1:00pm

HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR FROM CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA AND CHOC GARDEN THERAPY ZOOM EDUCATOR

Kristen is a Horticulturist, online teacher and former elementary school teacher who specializes in connecting children to the wonders of nature. Twice a week she teaches Goin' Native's revolutionary virtual therapy gardening classes to the inpatient children at CHOC hospital. The classes cover a range of topics from growing food in space to beneficial insects and every class has the opportunity to create a nature craft or personal garden.

Topic: The Benefits of Children Being in Nature

Speaking at: 1:30pm

FERMANTATION FARM

Dr. Yasmine Mason grew up on a family farm in Nevada understanding the importance of growing organic vegetables and organically raised animals. With a passion for teaching others about proper nutrition and health, Dr. Yas attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in 1996. In 2000, together with her husband, Derek Mason, DC, they started Lifespring Chiropractic in Newport Beach. After many years in practice, she took some time off to start a family. During that time she began to experiment with traditional fermentation techniques to keep her family healthy and make sure that her kids grew up with healthy microbiomes. She immediately had a knack for fermenting her own zingy yogurt, making tasty krauts, and brewing her flavorful and fizzy kombucha. Realizing that there was a real need for healthy fermented foods, she opened Fermentation Farm in September of 2014 with the vision of building a strong community of people who share her passion for these handcrafted, traditional foods and drinks.

TOPIC: “Fermenting Summer Dill Pickles and more.”

Join Dr. Yasmine Mason for an exciting and informative session on making fermented dill pickles! In this workshop, Dr. Yas will:

Explain the science behind fermentation and how it works.

Discuss the amazing health benefits of fermented foods and drinks.

Provide a detailed handout with the dill pickle recipe so you can make your own at home.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and discover the joy of creating your own delicious and healthy fermented dill pickles.

Speaking at: 2:30pm

POLLINATOR GARDEN EXPERT

Leon Baginski, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN at his private practice in Mission Viejo, California. Physician of excellence 2014 - 2024 —awarded by Orange County medical association. Master Robotic Surgeon 2017-present. Over 400 presentations on topics in medicine both local, national, and international. First place award for single family dwelling from the state of California water wise campaign 1994. Over 20 presentations on native plants, insects, and reptiles in Southern California. Avid naturalist, expert entomologist, accomplished native plant gardener, conference speaker and educator.

Speaking at 10:15

Topic: Holistic, organic, and sustainable: butterfly gardens are healthy for everyone with

FOUNDER OF THE GRASS ROOTS NON-PROFIT POLLINATOR PROTECTION FUND (www.pollinatorfund.org)

Laura and her husband have created, and project managed the creation of public Western Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator gardens in Southern California with gardens along the coast from Malibu to San Diego. 

The founding Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Garden is located in beautiful Heisler Park, Laguna Beach and includes uplifting educational signage in English and Spanish. 

All gardens include educational signage as part of the Pollinator Protection Fund’s focus upon education and action. 

Speaking at 11:15 am

Topic: “Gardening for Butterflies: Spread the Joy with Laura Ford from the Pollinator Protection Fund.”

TREE OF LIFE NURSERY

Mike Evans is founder and co-owner of Tree of Life Nursery, the largest native plant grower in California. For nearly 45 years, business partners Mike Evans and Jeff Bohn, along with their expert team, have expressed their passion for natural gardening, by providing inspiration, information, and native plants to the southern California public. For more information, please see www.californianativeplants.com. 

Speaking at 1:15 pm

Topic: “Biodiversity. How to make and keep a functional butterfly garden.”