Day 1 Schedule

Introduction to the Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition and welcome from Delegate Dana Stein

Paul Wapner, American University:
Wildness in an Age of Comfort

Take a break to check out partner organizations and network!

A Conversation between three businesses: what are they doing to protect the environment, and how are they engaging communities in doing so?
Speakers: Alex Obreight (Race Pace Bikes), Ali DySard (MOM's Organic Market), James Boicourt (Charm City Meade)

A showcase for urban greenspace projects in our backyard and beyond.
Speakers: Brad Rogers (Middle Branch), Samir Dalal (Pennsylvania Hort Society), Carla Johns (Unity Garden and Tree Planting)

How are local organizations and county governments working to increase tree planting efforts across Maryland?
Speakers: David Tana (Chesapeake Bay Foundation), Justin Bowers (Baltimore Tree Trust), Josh Yetterclark (Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy), Megan Mills (Howard County Rec and Parks)

Take a break to check out partner organizations and network!

Who has access to green space, and why? How can we increase equitable access to nature, especially in urban areas?
Speakers: Gaby Roffe (Chesapeake Conservancy), Chantel Jimenez (USFWS Urban Wildlife Refuge), Rose Brusaferro (Bliss Meadows/Backyard Basecamp)

A conversation between young leaders about advocacy, sustainability, and engaging the next generation of environmental stewards.
Speakers: Carlos Sanchez (South Baltimore Community Land Trust), Emma Bisson (Watershed Bill of Rights), Isabel Layton (Chesapeake Conservancy)

Addressing the need for health equity and environmental justice in the context of public health
Speakers: Mia Keeys (American Medical Association), Michelle Kondo (US Forest Service), Nse Obot-Witherspoon (Children's Environmental Health Network)

Join us for a virtual lunch. We'll send you the ingredient list ahead of time, and Monica Alvarado, from Bread and Butter Kitchen, will walk us through preparing a local and plant based healthy meal! Hear about Monica's efforts in community food security in Annapolis.