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- Our Work | Reclaim Local Control of Pesticides
Colorado can lead the way in regaining local control of pesticide applications in our communities. Restoring local control enables Colorado communities to determine their way forward based on independent science. NOW IS THE TIME: WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES BY RESTORING LOCAL CONTROL OF PESTICIDES The #1 Most Effective Action You Can Take is to Call Your Legislators Today. Look Up Your Legislator The most effective action you can take is to call your legislator TODAY—both your senator and your representative! They are currently considering Bill HB24-1178 , which would restore limited local control of pesticides and empower local governments with the ability to better protect our children, pollinators, birds, and the environment. Please call TODAY, and find 5 friends to call as well! A phone call takes only a few minutes and is more effective than an email. Contact your legislators to voice your support of HB24-1178 and urge them to bring the bill to the House Floor for a vote! Call and/or email your state legislators to ask for their support of HB24-1178. [personalize with your own words whenever possible]: “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I'm your constituent calling from [Your Location—district, city, and/or county]. I am calling today to express my support for the Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides Bill HB24-1178 . Expanded local control would allow communities to protect water sources, create buffer zones to protect natural resources, and increase protections for vulnerable populations such as children. [Optional: Share a brief personal story or connection to the issue if you have one.] I believe that my community should have the option to adopt local ordinances that could protect unique resources and community health. Under current state law, this is not possible. I urge [Name of Legislator/Local Official] to support the Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides bill and to bring the the bill to the House Floor for a vote. Please ensure that Colorado's diverse landscapes and communities are supported by giving municipalities limited local control to decide what's best for them.” Colorado state law blocks every community from enacting rules to safeguard themselves from harmful pesticide practices. Scientists are warning policymakers that urgent action is needed since the current pesticide regulatory system is broken . The federal pesticide regulatory process is broken. Inaction is harming our children. Inaction is driving biodiversity loss. Inaction will harm our economy. The assumption that EPA-registered pesticides are safe, and that pesticide regulation is based on current science is not only misguided but is leading to inaction. Scientists urge a major overhaul of pesticide regulation due to “aging Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) regulations [at the EPA]." — American Association for the Advancement of Science “Our system for evaluating scientific evidence and making decisions about environmental chemicals is broken. We cannot continue to gamble with our children’s health. We call for action now to prevent exposures to chemicals and pollutants [among] America’s children.” — Environmental Health Perspectives “There is agreement in the scientific community that pesticides are a central responsible factor for the observed terrestrial biodiversity declines.” — Frontiers in Environmental Science Journal According to the World Bank, "Under the current trends in environmental degradation, the risk of ecosystem collapse is ever present and growing, representing systemic risks for economies.” — The World Bank Group's Economic Case for Nature Take Action for Local Control of Pesticide Use! Pesticides & Environmental Justice Pesticides & Climate Change Bill HB24-1178 FactSheet Preemption Primer Myths & Facts On Local Control Addressing Misconceptions More on PPAN's legislative work with the Colorado Environmental Health Coalition (CEHC) . Along with 60 partner organizations, we are working to build capacity and support for a coordinated toxics reduction strategy to protect people across Colorado from chemical toxins that are ubiquitous in our air, water, communities, and consumer products. “Over the next decade, we have a stark choice: to demonstrate the very best of our natures as Homo sapiens – cooperative, innovative, wise, and ethical, to learn from mistakes and create better societies – or to go down with both a bang of conflict and a whimper of bickering, entitlement and self-interest. That choice is ours. The actions or inactions of individual leaders in government, communities and businesses in this decade will be remembered darkly, or hopefully kindly. Everything we know and love is at stake.” — World Scientists' Warning to Policymakers Make Your Voice Heard #1 Call Your Legislators Legislator Lookup #2 Support this Bill Sign On #3 Share Everywhere Share Campaign reclaimlocalcontrol.org peopleandpollinators.org
- Connect on Social Media | PeopleandPollinators
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOW PPAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA! SIGN THE PLEDGE Create your own Pollinator-Safe Property and get on the map! Pledge to converting your backyard or your business property to pollinator safe habitat! LEARN MORE VOLUNTEER Help maintain our parks for pollinators! We will be planting native plants and weeding in various parks and pollinator gardens around Denver. Work with Parks and Rec Horticulturists and learn about native plants and pollinators while volunteering! LEARN MORE
- Organic Turf Management | People and Pollinators Action Network
Resources for maintaining a healthy, non-toxic, chemical-free lawn that's good for people, pets, and pollinators! ORGANIC TURF MANAGEMENT Visit An Organically Managed Park Near You! Organic Turf Management prioritizes the transition away from synthetic chemicals toward organic methods, with the goal of improving environmental health, reducing chemical exposure, and enhancing community well-being . With our partners, we're making Colorado healthier and safer -- one park at a time! Scroll for more resources and ways to get involved. Check out our partner resources: Boulder Parks & BVSD The City of Boulder is leading the way in safe, sustainable land care—maintaining all 60+ of its public parks without synthetic pesticides. This citywide commitment protects the people who use these spaces every day and supports healthier soil, water, and wildlife. Wonderland Lake Park We’re also excited to be working with Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) to extend this approach to local schoolyards. Because children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of pe Longmont Parks Longmont is one of the first parks that PPAN helped transition. They have one fully transitioned organic turf park: Roosevelt Park. Roosevelt Park Photo from the City of Longmont. Roosevelt Park is a beloved Longmont gathering space that’s now maintained with organic practices. By phasing out synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and focusing on soil health, the park offers a safer, more resilient landscape for the community to enjoy. 📍 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501 Colorado Springs Parks We are in the initial phases of communicating with Colorado Springs to start transitioning a few of their parks to organically managed turf. Be sure to keep an eye out for more information! Do you live in Colorado Springs and want to see organically maintained parks? Let us know and get involved! America the Beautiful Park - photo from Uncover Colorado. Golden Parks The City of Golden is transitioning a few organically maintained parks for you to explore, including: New Loveland Mine Park , Southridge Park , and DeLong Park . New Loveland Mine Park With a well-loved playground and a busy sports field, this park shows how families and athletes can enjoy safe, vibrant recreation while supporting a more resilient local ecosystem. It’s a model for communities looking to protect people, pollinators, and the places we all share. 📍 1309 5th S Lakewood Parks Do you live in Lakewood? Visit the Link Recreation Center Baseball Field , Mountair Dog Park , and Belmar Traditional Park to see organic turf transitions in action. The Link Recreation Center Baseball Field Photo from Natural Grocers. The Link Recreation Center Baseball Field is managed organically, giving the community and youth programs a safe, chemical-free place to play; all while supporting healthy soil, pollinators, and local ecosystems. 📍 1295 S. Reed St., Lakewood Photo credit: Osborne Organics I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. A Step-by-Step Guide to Organic Turf Management PPAN is proud to partner with the City of Boulder's Climate Initiatives Team and Osborne Organics to share this step-by-step guide for homeowners or lawn care professionals on how to make your lawn safe and healthy for people, pets, pollinators, and the planet. Download Guide in English Descarga la Guía en Español Support for School Districts & Parks Departments PPAN partners with Colorado municipalities and school districts to support your team in transitioning to organic turf management. Stay tuned for case studies from pilot projects in Longmont, Golden, Lakewood, Colorado Springs and more in 2025. Reach Out For More Info DeLong Park: Example Pilot Park in Golden Photo credit: City of Boulder Transition Your Lawn to Colorado Native Grasses In an ideal world, the turf we don't replace with flowering pollinator-friendly plants would be replaced with Colorado native grasses! The Native Grass Working Group has created a phenomenal resource for guiding you through the decision making and implementation process of a native grass transition for your lawn. Explore the CO Native Grass Guide More Play, Less Spray Campaign Check out these Rocky Mountain Bio Ag podcast episodes with Osborne Organic's Chip Osborne. Limit Turf in New Residential Development Bill PPAN supported HB25-113 to limit nonfunctional turf in new residential developments (new apartment and condominium developments). This bill is the latest in a series of legislative efforts to reduce turf that is not suited to Colorado's arid climate and demands excessive resources to maintain. Functional vs Nonfunctional Turf Functional turf refers to grass that is used for recreational activities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and golf courses. Nonfunctional turf refers to non-native grass that is not actively used for recreation or other purposes such as turf found in street medians.
- Take Action Close to Home | PeopleandPollinators
Take Action Close to Home There are many ways to get involved with protecting pollinators and safeguarding community health. However, some of the most powerful actions are ones you can do right at home and in your neighborhood! Sign the Pollinator Pledge Show your commitment to pollinator conservation and view a map of all pledges nationwide Plant Natives & Buy Organic Find resources for growing a pollinator garden & learn why organic foods are so important Become an Advocate Get involved with our Pollinator Safe Communities program and lead the charge in your area Join the More Play Less Spray Campaign Learn more about the effects of pesticides and how you can advocate for healthier spaces Engage Your Local Officials Find out who manages public spaces in your area, get their contact info, and let them know you care about these issues Order Pollinator Plates Register to get Pollinator License Plates to raise awareness for pollinator issues and support on-the-ground habitat creation
- Pollinator Safe Businesses | PeopleandPollinators
POLLINATOR SAFE BUSINESSES NoCO Nurseries MD Nurseries Support Pollinators at home: p lant native plants and don't use pesticides or herbicides to provide safe habitat. Find lists of suitable plants to support pollinators at the Colorado Native Plant Society or at XERCES Society's websites below: Colorado Native Plant Society Shop at Pollinator Safe Retailers! Use these Pollinator Safe Businesses and tell them we sent you! What? How are plants not safe for bees? Sadly, it has become an industry-wide practice to preventatively treat nursery plants with systemic pesticides that persist in the plant and soil. A class of systemics called Neonicotinoids (or Neonics) are of particular concern to bees and have become ubiquitous in the industry. Research shows that these toxins can persist in plants from 18 months to 3 years, slowly adding to the toxic load of insects using their flowers for pollen and nectar. As more and more people, communities, and neighborhoods pledge to be “pollinator safe,” consumers want to make sure that the plants and garden products they buy will not harm pollinators. We are continually building our list of Colorado businesses that have pledged to carry pollinator safe plants and products. Nonetheless, it is always important to ask the staff at these businesses whether plants or soil have been treated already with pesticides and whether the plants you are interested in will attract pollinators. You can also ask your favorite nursery for more information and for more transparency about growing practices and plant sources. Please see the lists below of pollinator safe retailers, landscape and lawn care providers, tree care companies, farms, and food companies. We will keep adding to this list! A good rule of thumb is to buy organic. All products labeled “organic” should be free of pesticides. Click the icons below to see our most recent pollinator-safe nursery lists for Metro Denver and Northern Colorado! XERCES.org Arvada Nurseries Echter’s Nursery 5150 Garrison St. Arvada, CO 80002 Giambrocco and Sons Garden Center 14005 W 64th Ave. Arvada, CO 80004 Boulder Nurseries BBB seeds 6595 Odell Pl. Boulder, CO 80301 Growing Gardens 1630 Hawthorn Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 Harlequin’s Gardens 4795 N. 26th St. Boulder, CO 80301 Simply Bee Conservation Serves the whole Front Range Urban Farm 2244 Spruce St. Boulder, CO 80302 Longmont Nurseries Fresh Herb Company 4114 Oxford Rd. Longmont, CO 80504 Flower Bin 1805 Nelson Rd. Longmont, CO 80501 Other Colorado & Online Stores Alpaca Gold Organic Fertilizer alpacagold13@gmail.com | (970) 640-0127 Birdstory Nursery birdstorynursey@gmail.com | Paonia, CO Indian Peaks Ace Hardware 74 Hwy 119 South, Nederland, CO 80466 Urban Garden 619 N 96th St. Louisville, CO 80027 Garden Design, Landscaping & Lawn Care Bee Good Gardening beegoodgardensco@gmail.com | (719) 290-3547 | Colorado Springs ClimateScaping info@climatescaping.com | Front Range Earth Love Gardens aaron@earthlovegardens.com | (720) 295-8582 | Front Range Eco-Designs for Life info@eco-designsforlife.com | (720) 324-6706 | Longmont EcoLogical Lawn and Tree Care info@ecologicallawncare.com | (303) 444-3456 | Boulder Ecoscape Environmental Design admin@ecoscapedesign.com | (303) 447-2282 | Boulder County Edaphic Solutions connect@edaphicsolutions.com | (720) 633-5072 | State-Based Ford Construction and Landscaping ford.janaka@gmail.com | (303) 939-9759 | Boulder Grow Boulder hello@grow-boulder.com | (720) 453-0886 | Boulder Honeywood Garden Design info@honeywoodgardendesign.com | Denver Meadowlark Garden Design jskilby@gmail.com | (970) 260-0355 | Northern CO Meadow Pro curtis@meadowpro.com | (720) 635-9398 | Lafayette Oasis alex@plantanoasis.org | Denver One Earth Landscapers jim@oneearthlandscape.com | (303) 545-9231 | Boulder County Roaming Roots Garden roamingrootsgarden@gmail.com | Boulder and Longmont Timberline Gardens Landscaping shelly.beyer0087@gmail.com | Metro-Denver Area The Barefoot Gardener barefootgardener@gmail.com | (720) 340-8425 | Boulder True Nature Gardens LLC emily@truenaturegardens.com | (970) 430-6873 | Fort Collins Urban Oasis info@urbanoasisdesign.com | (303) 823-2389 | Boulder WaterSHED watershedlandscape@gmail.com | (303) 668-9201 | Longmont Wild by Design mimi.elmore@wildbydesignhabitats.com | (303) 823-0856 | Lyons Wild Harvest Company samantha@wildharvestcompany.com | (720) 743-4633 | Denver Wild Rose Landscaping ellie@wildroselandscaping.com | Denver Tree Care Bees and Trees Inc. Chad Street, Arborist | info@beesandtreesinc.com | (303) 669-9520 Berkelhammer Tree Experts Fred Berkelhammer | fred@berkelhammer.com | (303) 443-1233 Colorado Tree Care Will Pittenger | (303) 499-3722 Steven Pfeiffer, Arborist (303) 449-3349 Pollinator Safe Farms & Food Companies Aspen Moon Farms 8020 Hygiene Rd, Longmont, CO 80503 Bee Squared Apiaries Berthoud, CO Black Cat Bistro & Farm 1964 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302 Cure Organic Farm 7416 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80301 First Fruits Organic Farms 40565 O Rd, Paonia, CO 81428 Honeyacre Enterprises Ltd. 8052 Co Rd I, Wiggins, CO 80654 Oxford Gardens 10145 Oxford Road, Longmont, CO 80504 FOE Bee-Friendly Retailer Card If you want to take the pledge to be pollinator safe and have your company appear on this list, email joyce@peopleandpollinators.org
- Sunny Bug Farmette Habitat Grant | People and Pollinators
Growing Community Gardens in Memory of Sunia Sunia Baker-Breningstall was a lover of nature—especially birds, insects, snakes, and all manner of creatures whom she befriended in her mother's garden, The Sunny Bug Farmette. She would often sit quietly for hours, sketchbook in hand, observing and drawing what she saw. The Farmette is located in Observatory Park in Denver, and is a historically preserved half-acre that has been lovingly transformed into multiple gardens that feed people and wildlife alike. There are raised beds for food cultivation, a wild meadow, a small orchard, crevice gardens and lots of pollinator-friendly perennials, including mostly native and xeric regionally adapted species. "Sunny Bug" was one of Sunia's nicknames, a perfect reflection of her spirit. Both Sunia and her mother, Donna Baker-Breningstall, have been instrumental in community garden projects for many years, including establishing a pollinator garden at Denver Academy, where Sunia attended high school. Donna is a long-time Colorado Master Gardener whose urban oasis produces bushels of food for community food pantries while creating an abundance of native plant habitat for pollinators. She is a former Board Member of Sprout City Farm and a current Board Member of Slow Food Denver, as well as a supporter of Grow Local, and many other worthy causes. Donna's philanthropy in memory of her wonderfully kind and creative daughter has taken root in helping to expand PPAN's Habitat Grants Program in 2024 and 2025. We are thrilled to be partnering with her to honor Sunia's gentle, generous spirit by enabling new public pollinator garden projects to thrive. Sunia passed away in 2020 at the age of 28. Through the Sunny Bug Garden Habitat Grant, her careful attention to the wellbeing of the smallest creatures and her generous spirit will continue to inspire visitors who may never have known her. Please come explore some of the projects funded in Sunia’s memory. Sunny Bug Grantees Montessori Children's House of Denver (MCHD) With these funds MCHD will transform 8,800 square feet of land into a thriving pollinator habitat. Serving students aged 1 to 12, this habitat will offer an interactive learning space to teach students about biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystem. FrontLine Farming FrontLine Farming will use these funds to expand its pollinator habitat at Majestic View Farm in Arvada, CO, doubling their dedicated pollinator area, and supporting four beehives as well as providing essential habitat for native pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This project aligns with FrontLine Farming’s mission of food justice, community education, and ecological stewardship. Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership (SCRGP) This project will enhance SCRGP’s existing pollinator garden in Commerce City, CO, a traditionally underserved part of the Denver Metro area with minimal greenspace. The garden is located at a site previously used as a construction dumping ground and has since been converted into a recreational trail and open space area. Increased biodiversity at the site will benefit the surrounding ecosystem and the human communities who use the space, providing unique opportunities for youth and adults to learn about the importance of pollinators and take part in the creation of pollinator habitat. Back To All Habitat Fund Grants
- Coalitions | PeopleandPollinators
Coalitions Coalitions are one of the many ways we collaborate with other groups, businesses, and non-profits to move the needle on pollinator conservation, ecosystem recovery, and public health protection. We are proud to have co-founded the Colorado Environmental Health Coalition, Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition, and Colorado Pollinator Network, as well as to be members of the Cool Boulder Campaign and Regenerative Recovery Coalition. 01 Colorado Environmental Health Coalition The CEHC is working to build capacity and support for a coordinated toxics reduction strategy to protect people across Colorado from chemical toxics that are ubiquitous in our air, water, communities, and consumer products. We are leveraging the diverse expertise of this network of legislators, academics, health and environmentally-focused organizations, and agencies through education, research, and advocacy. Unfortunately, Colorado has few laws protecting people, wildlife, and natural ecosystems. At a time when a toxic-free environment is critical to good health, particularly in disadvantaged communities, the CEHC is developing solutions and strategies to address this gap—interested in joining? Contact info@peopleandpollinators.org ! 02 Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition The Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition (CNLC) is a growing coalition of mission-aligned organizations working in collaboration to advance policies that will transform landscaping across Colorado. 03 Colorado Pollinator Network The Colorado Pollinator Network is a collaboration of organizations making a positive impact on the health of pollinators. We share best practices, research, resources, and knowledge to support education, habitat conservation, creation and restoration initiatives. 04 Cool Boulder Campaign Cool Boulder is a long-term campaign to create partnerships between the City of Boulder, the people of Boulder, and local partner organizations to implement natural climate solutions. 05 Metro Denver Nature Alliance Metro Denver Nature Alliance (Metro DNA) is a growing coalition of more than 60 non-profit, government, academic, and private sector members aligned around the mission of championing more equitable access to nature and promoting healthy people, communities, and natural places in the metro Denver region.
- Who We Are | People and Pollinators
The People and Pollinators Action Network’s staff and leaders bring deep knowledge of and experience with pollinator protection, community development, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, and habitat management. WHO WE ARE ABOUT US The People and Pollinators Action Network’s staff and leaders bring deep knowledge of and experience with pollinator protection, community development, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, and habitat management. Staff and Board members work closely to forge strategic wins for people, pollinators, and the state of Colorado. VIEW OUR APPROACH OUR TEAM JOYCE KENNEDY PPAN Executive Director Joyce is the Executive Director of PPAN, and a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. In her multi-faceted role, Joyce directs organizational development and project implementation. She leads PPAN’s advocacy work, helps to build our grassroots constituency, and develops community outreach and municipally-based programs. She has worked as an environmental professional for more than 20 years for consulting firms, nonprofits, and the National Park Service. Prior to her work as a pollinator advocate, Joyce’s environmental work focused on rivers in New England, where she was also involved in establishing Connecticut’s statewide ban on pesticides on K-8 school grounds. EMILY KENCAIRN Director of Communications & Development Emily is a Colorado Native Plant Master and certified Pollinator Advocate . She tends a pesticide-free home habitat with over 100 species of plants as well as a large school demonstration garden in her hometown of Boulder, CO. Emily has worked in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors for 25 years focused on fundraising, grantmaking, and movement-building. She is devoted to cultivating biodiversity as a critical component of successful nature-based climate solutions and brings her passion as an artist, writer, and mother to realizing PPAN's vision of a world where both humans and our more-than-human kin thrive in perpetuity. ANNA-GRAY ANDERSON, MENV Community Engagement Manager Anna-Gray is passionate about environmental justice, community resilience, and finding the power and joy in food. She has her Master’s of the Environment from CU Boulder, with a specialization in Sustainable Food Systems. Before moving to Colorado, she earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, with minors in social and economic justice and global American studies. Her work with PPAN is focused around engaging with community members, collaborating with PPAN’s organizational partners, spearheading events, and managing PPAN’s outreach and education programs. When not talking about pollinators, Anna-Gray works with the Boulder County Climate Justice Hive, helping to strengthen justice-based organizing efforts. BRET TURNER, MPH Contract Public Health Specialist Bret works as a Hazardous Materials Specialist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Colorado School of Public Health with a concentration in Global Environmental and Occupational Health, and his undergraduate degree is in Environmental Resource Management from Penn State University in 2015 with concentrations in Environmental Engineering, Environmental & Renewable Resource Economics, and Watershed and Water Resource Management. Bret helps to facilitate the Colorado Environmental Health Coalition and works on PPAN's healthy schoolyards campaign. MADY SEEBER Intern Mady is a graduating senior at Fort Lewis College, based in Durango, CO. She has been studying Environmental Conservation + Management & Regenerative Food Systems, and has always found herself drawn to the protection of our natural environment– especially our water resources. When she's not on campus, Mady is usually guiding groups of FLC students through their backyard, the San Juan Mountains, and taking them on multi-day rafting excursions down the Southwest's rivers. Her role is to teach them all about the world around them, to teach each student to love their natural world and protect it. Mady brings her passion from her studies and her work to PPAN every day and loves being an intern here! BOARD OF DIRECTORS REBECCA DICKSON, Ph.D., PPAN BOARD CHAIR Instructor, University of CO & Co-Chair, Sierra Club, Indian Peaks Chapter Rebecca has a doctorate in English literature and teaches in the University of Colorado’s largest undergraduate program: Writing and Rhetoric. She has published on many topics and served as editor of various Sierra Club publications. She has won regional awards for her work as an activist focused on climate change and the protection of pollinators including PLAN-Boulder County’s environmental award; the Sierra Club-Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Networking Award; and the Charlie Oriez Environmental Award for her political activism. Rebecca is a founding Board Member of PPAN and also serves as co-chair of the Sierra Club-Indian Peaks Group. SUE ANDERSON, PPAN BOARD CO-TREASURER Philanthropist & Non-Profit Executive/Board Member Sue has served as executive staff and on boards for the non-profit sector for 30+ years, primarily in the areas of social justice, the environment, and civic engagement—both in the U.S. and abroad. A deeply engaged and strategic philanthropist, Sue is a founding member of People & Pollinators Action Network and is on the national advisory board of the Union of Concerned Scientists. She also brings her experience as a former regenerative farmer to PPAN’s habitat and policy work, and tends a diverse pollinator habitat at her home. JILL ST AUBIN KING, PPAN BOARD CO-TREASURER Co-Owner, Urban Blum Strongly committed to "zero-chemical" gardening, Jill has built a professional career in organic landscaping beginning in 2004. She is currently co-owner of Urban Blum, which provides natural alternatives to landscape management for commercial mixed use properties. Jill is a dedicated hobbyist beekeeper and works to protect and support her hives and native pollinators by providing a safe habitat in her home garden and the landscapes she maintains. Jill is also the proud mother of three, and when not tending to plants or bees, she can be found outdoors soaking up Colorado's natural beauty or enjoying live music with friends. BETH CONREY Owner, Bee Squared Apiaries Beth previously served as president of the Western Apicultural Society—a one-year stint for the conference host—as well as a six-year term as President for both the Colorado State Beekeepers Association and the Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association. In addition to being a founding Board Member of People & Pollinators Action Network, Beth is Treasurer of the Pollinator Stewardship Council and operates Bee Squared Apiaries, a chemical-free 175-hive beekeeping business in Berthoud, CO. Bee Squared is a 4-time Good Food Award-winning honey producer. Bee Squared is also a Certified B Corp, a proud member of 1% for the Planet, plastic-neutral certified by RePurpose Global, and has received the Slow Food Snail of Approval. LOUISE TURNER CHAWLA, Ph.D. Professor Emerita, Environmental Design, College of Architecture & Planning, University of CO Louise is a Professor Emerita in the Environmental Design Program at the University of Colorado. Her work focuses on the benefits of access to nature for children, the development of active care for the natural world, and participatory methods for engaging youth in design and planning. She serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Children and Nature Network. TIM PLASS, J.D. Lawyer, former City of Boulder Council Member Tim is a long-time Boulder resident, enthusiastic backyard gardener, advocate for a sustainable, local food system, and a community activist. He has served on the Boulder City Council, the City of Boulder Planning Board, and the Landmarks Board. A lawyer by training, Tim received his undergraduate education at Harvard University and his law degree from the University of Denver. His advocacy for sustainable, local food systems and pollinator conservation are invaluable to our community. LIANA STREET Liana and Chad own and operate Bees & Trees, Inc., a family-run business that provides native bee/wasp identification, structural honey bee hive removal and relocation, bumble bee nest relocation, and full service tree services including plant health care for trees that is safe for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Liana spends a lot of her time tabling at community events, attending local farm events and doing school presentations about the importance of pollinators. Through her business and her work with PPAN, Liana educates our community about native bees, honey bees, wasps, and other invertebrates; how to create safe, non-toxic habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife; and the importance of adding native plants and trees to our landscapes. She has been involved with PPAN since 2017 and with Don Murray, co-leads PPAN’s Boulder County chapter. JULIE MORRIS, Ph.D. Full Teaching Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver Julie is a Full Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Denver. Her work focuses on biology education and outreach, especially environmental education and strategies to improve engagement and learning effectiveness in large introductory and non-major’s biology courses. She is passionate about preserving biodiversity and is actively involved in several sustainability initiatives on campus and in the surrounding community including managing DU’s community garden. ROBERT GREER, J.D. Tenant-Defense Attorney & Native Plant Enthusiast Rob is a tenant-defense nonprofit attorney by day and a native-plant advocate by night. His favorite native plants include western sand cherry, bee balm, and prickly pear, and he grows thousands of native plants each year for our local plant swap and for Indigenous groups. Rob takes a special interest in the public health benefits of urban native plants: shade, water conservation, local food, storm runoff, and temperature moderation. He also values their benefits for native fauna, as well as for their sheer beauty. Rob is an alum of U.C.L.A. and the University of Chicago Law School, and lives in Denver with his wife and two young children. DON MURRAY NOAA Meteorologist & Beekeeper Don is a meteorologist working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on issues related to climate change and renewable energy. He stopped using pesticides in his yard and started planting flowers for pollinators in 2007, started keeping honeybees in 2013, and became a leader in local pollinator protection in 2014. Don worked with the Boulder County PPAN chapter to encourage the City of Longmont to reduce/eliminate the use of pesticides on city property and frequently works outreach events and teaches kids about pollinators at a summer Yoga Arts Camp, because he believes children to be the future in the fight to save pollinators and planet. Don and his wife, Diana, operate Buddha And The Bees, producing pure beeswax candles, all-natural personal care products, and honey from their chemical-free hives and gardens. LORRAINE DIXON-JONES Policy Advisor, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Lorraine has served as a policy advisor for over 25 years at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where she was involved with the regulation of healthcare facilities. Before that, she worked as a policy analyst at the Colorado State Legislature as well as at the National Conference of State Legislatures. She has a B.A. in International Studies from Allegheny College and a Masters in Sociology from UC Denver. VANESSA ARMSTRONG Consultant and Project Manager, Osborne Organics Vanessa has been advocating to reduce and eliminate synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in her community since 2010. Her vision is to create social change towards a healthier future for our children and planet by creating awareness, legislative action, and market shifts. Originally from CA, where Vanessa had many pesticide wins, she's now based in Colorado and ready to continue the work. She works with the national leading expert in organic landscapes to help facilitate municipalities transition from conventional to organic landscape practices. Vanessa believes that healing the soil with organic practices will have a positive impact on human and environmental health. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University, Long Beach, a Permaculture Design Certificate from The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP). ADVISORS AMY LEWIS Chief Executive Officer, The WILD Foundation Amy is an award-winning nonprofit leader and scholar of environmental policy. Her research as a social movement scholar explores the relationship between democratic decision-making and policies that benefit the environment. She is currently Chief Executive Officer of the WILD Foundation, where she is committed to building global support for the protection of ‘Half of Earth’s lands and seas’ while also strengthening and expanding the land tenure of Indigenous Peoples, nature’s best guardians. WEBSITE DESIGNER IDELLE FISHER Website Designer, Graphic Designer, & Gardener Idelle is an avid gardener and runs an organic community garden in Denver where she's worked with the members to create pollinator habitat featuring many native plants. Idelle also has a large organic landscape and garden at home and recently replaced her front lawn with a native plant bed. She volunteers with PPAN and Front Range Wild Ones at native plant swaps and in Denver Parks to help take care of the city's pollinator beds . Idelle grew up in Thornton, Colorado and is a DU Alumni. In addition to gardening, she paints watercolors, sketches, and loves taking photos of gardens, homegrown veggies and pollinators. She runs her own business offering Website Design and Graphic Design, and loves working with green clients that are helping to change the world for the better. Check out her website at: picklewix.com



