Contribute to wildlife conservation while enhancing the beauty of your home gardens. This program describes the role of native trees, shrubs, perennials and wildflowers in transforming home landscapes into useful and beautiful native habitats.

Let’s explore:

• The value of native plants to nature

• How to use their ornamental value in sun and shade, and in every season

• The role of “nativars”, cultivars of native species, commonly sold in nurseries

• How natives can help solve issues, from shady woodland areas, to stream beds and wet swales, to sunny dry slopes

  See the full Speaker Series Program

Chris Ferrero, Gardening Speaker, Writer and Consultant

A retired corporate marketing director who was trained as a Cornell Master Gardener in Dutchess County, NY, Chris now lives in Stockbridge, MA. She has led demonstration garden teams, plant propagation workshops, alternatives-to-invasives coaching, and kids programs, as well as many other teams where she lends special expertise on shade perennials, flowering shrubs and native plants. She has also designed gardens that are recognized by Pollinator Pathways and the National Wildlife Federation. She speaks frequently to groups across the Northeast, and is now on the faculty at the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Celebrate Earth Day!

Environmentalist and Pittsfield-native Jane Winn, executive director of BEAT (Berkshire Environmental Action Team) will be at BAC to discuss the positive things that BEAT is doing in the Berkshires to protect and enhance our environment in light of climate change and biodiversity challenges. Jane will offer tips and ideas on how we can address "Zero Waste" and be a part of this effort in our own lives and beyond.