Leave It Wild: Urban & Residential Spaces: Virtual Presentation

A healthy population lives in balance with natural elements. In this virtual event, can find out how actions taken on your front step and in Montana's towns can have a great impact on waterways, biodiversity, climate action, public health, and community. Hear about converting lawns into wildlife friendly and food producing spaces, the cultural and ecological significance of local native plants, the importance of green space in cities, and how your town can transition away from chemical use in public spaces. This event was hosted by Families for a Livable Climate & Stories for Action.

SPEAKERS:

ROSE BEAR DON’T WALK, ETHNOBOTANIST, RECOVERING OUR ROOTS
Rose Bear Don't Walk is an ethnobotanist and a member of the Bitterroot Salish and Apsaalooke Tribes. She speaks with us about honoring cultural connections to place and how we can maintain this connection in urban spaces.

KAREEN ERBE, BROKEN GROUND
Kareen is a permaculture educator on a mission to help you create a regenerative and resilient life for yourself, your community, and the planet by growing your own food. Kareen will provide pointers for all levels of experience to get started in converting lawns to edible food forests, both for residential or community spaces.

NAOMI ALHADEFF, NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
Naomi is the Senior Montana Education Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation. Naomi will speak about the NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat Program, which encourages individuals and businesses to transition yards into habitats that are beneficial for wildlife and people alike.

JAMIE KIRBY, DNRC's URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY
Jamie Kirby is the Montana State Coordinator for DNRC’s Urban & Community Forestry Program. Jamie will share with us the important roles of trees in urban areas, such as public health, energy conservation, and social equity. She will also tell us about some exciting work the program is doing with health care providers across the state and Montana Tribes.

KYRA NAUMOFF, HEALTHY BABIES BRIGHT FUTURES

Kyra is the Program Director for Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a national organization working to reduce children’s exposures to toxic chemicals. Kyra works with cities and towns throughout the US to assist them in reaching environmental health goals, such as reducing herbicides in public spaces. Kyra will speak with us on working with the Missoula Parks & Rec to reach such a goal, as well as share the impacts of chemical use in public and residential spaces, alternatives, and how we can connect with our local officials on this issue.

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