FOOD FOREST GARDEN SERIES: KEYNOTE ADDRESS & COMMUNITY PANEL; PART 3/3
THURS. 6/15/2023 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION: HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN
COMPLIMENTARY

Take a broader look at our urban forest and natural systems (including prairie and native grasses) and the importance of restoring the entire ecosystem with Jaime Gonzalez, Director at The Nature Conservatory in Houston. To grow food, establishing the native forest in mimicry of nature with upper canopy, mid-story shrubs and ground covers enables the incorporation of a healthy system for thriving food gardens to be integrated and co-exist.  

This is the third and final part of the Food Forest Gardening Series in partnership with The Houston Botanic Garden.  Jaime will share why urban forests are critical to the health of Houston because dynamic ecosystems provide critical benefits to people and wildlife. Urban forests help to filter air and water, control stormwater, conserve energy, and provide animal habitats and shade. They add beauty and structure to urban design by reducing noise and providing places to recreate. Urban forests strengthen social cohesion, spur community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities.  

PRESENTER: 

Jaime González, M.Ed. Healthy Communities Director, The Nature Conservancy in Texas Jaime González is an award-winning conservationist, educator, and communicator who works with communities, governments, corporations, health professionals, and other nonprofit partners, to co-create healthier, more climate ready, more equitable, and more wildlife-friendly places using nature-based solutions. He also serves as the board vice chair for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), which sets national standards for environmental education excellence. 

Mr. González earned a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction-Science Education and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston. He has also earned certificates in civic ecology, environmental education, environmental communications, and climate change and health from Cornell, Duke, and Yale Universities. Jaime has won numerous awards for his work, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Prairie Champion Award from the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, and the Elizabeth Hull Abernathy Award from the Garden Club of America for outstanding contributions to the environmental education of youth. 

Panel: Jaime Gonzalez -The Nature Conservancy, Natalie Jones - Trees For Houston, Kim Perry - Urban Harvest, Houston Botanic Garden, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 

(After registration you will receive two emails, one is a receipt and the other will be sent 3 days prior to the class with event details that include zoom link and contact information. Contact education@urbanharvest.Org for questions.)