Sustainable Landscape Festival Speaker Series Registration

11 am: Sharon Baum: Establishing a Native Landscape

Presentation Description: Learn how to set the stage for a successful native garden by assessing microclimates, addressing soil conditions, and using practical, sustainable techniques that work with both your landscape and your budget.

Speaker Bio: Sharon Bailey Baum has had dirty hands forever. A student of Horticulture since 1980 at a vocational school and then earning a BS in Ornamental Horticulture/Landscape Design from Virginia Tech. Most of her career focused on high-profile landscape design, but she stepped away when she had an opportunity to work in stormwater management and permeable solutions. After the company was sold, she completed a short internship in Blacksburg, then joined the Newport News planning department as a Landscape Planner, where she has enjoyed applying her experience and knowledge to support the well-being of Newport News residents.

Noon: Megan Tierney: A Healthier Garden Starts Here: Easy IPM for Home Growers

Presentation Description: Grow smarter, not harder! Join our engaging 30-minute Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop and learn how to protect your garden using eco-friendly, effective strategies. Perfect for home gardeners who want healthier plants, fewer chemicals, and bigger blooms!

Speaker Bio: Megan Tierney holds an M.S. in Management from Troy University and a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ornamental Horticulture from Christopher Newport University. With more than 25 years in the horticulture industry, she brings deep practical knowledge and a passion for connecting people with the natural world. Originally from Northern Virginia, Megan has made Hampton Roads her home since college. She’s an outdoor enthusiast who finds inspiration in the beauty and ingenuity of plants, insects, and wildlife. Her love of nature fuels her commitment to conservation, creativity, and the three R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle. Since 2008, Megan has served as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Virginia Cooperative Extension. She currently covers York/Poquoson. She connects residents with resources from VCE, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, local partners, and volunteers, all in support of education and the stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources.

1 pm: Kendall Topping: Is My Tree Dangerous? How to keep your tree safe during extreme weather

Presentation Description: While trees provide important benefits to the community, we can't ignore the threats they can pose. Storms can make your tree's demise and resulting damage feel unavoidable and unpredictable. However, more often than not, tree failure can be predicted and even prevented! This talk will cover how to keep your trees storm-resilient by learning how to monitor your trees, what to look for, and when to call a professional.

Speaker Bio: Kendall Topping is an ISA-certified arborist at the Green Infrastructure Center. She works with Virginia localities to help preserve and expand urban tree canopies. She works on ordinances, canopy assessments, plantings, and community outreach to ensure the steady growth and protection of urban forests. Her expertise is in tree resilience, stewardship, and species selection.