Our Ecosystem and Your Backyard: Earth Day Panel

When you think about the environment it is easy to feel overwhelmed. With this panel discussion, we hope to show you some easy ways you can make a difference right from your backyard.

Do you wonder what permaculture is and how it can help you understand our ecosystem? How to identify native plants vs invasive species? How to create a sustainable lawn/garden? Do you find it challenging to remain hopeful and want to lower your anxiety about our changing world? These are just some of the questions that our panel hopes to address. About our speakers:

Mari Creatini Bell (Norwell Farms)    

 Back in 2009, in an effort to “become healthier,” Mari Creatini Bell was introduced to gardening and eventually to permaculture, a process of designing and growing like an ecosystem. In 2016, she received her Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) and in 2017 her Advanced PDC. Mari joined the nonprofit Board of Norwell Farms in December 2016 and has been involved with many of the educational programs and volunteer opportunities since. Mari is a resident of Norwell, mother of two toddlers, and works as a Preconstruction Manager in the commercial construction industry. 

Todd Breitenstein (The Grateful Garden)

Todd Breitenstein, aka The Grateful Gardener, has dedicated his life to gardening, drawing inspiration from his early experiences in his family garden. With a diverse background in ecology, conservation, and permaculture, Todd is an organic land care professional with a passion for native plants and natural gardens. His profound connection to the earth is evident in his work and teachings, which aim to inspire others to embrace sustainable gardening practices.

Kristen Nicholson (Blue Stem Natives)

Kristen Nicholson is co-owner of Blue Stem Natives along with her partner Britt Drews. Kristen discovered her passion for native plants as a member of Wild Ones South Shore Ma and has dedicated her studies and career to teaching others about the incredible benefits of using native plants in the landscape. Blue Stem Natives is located in Norwell, Ma, and is quickly expanding their offerings of locally native plants, designed to accommodate all from the homeowner to landscaper to town municipalities.

Will Saunders (Conservation Agent for the Town of Norwell)

Will oversees the permitting of the Wetland Protection act and the Town of Norwell Wetland, and Stormwater Bylaws, along with managing approximately 2,000 acres of town land. He graduated from University of Maine with an B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Science, and SUNY ESF with an M.S in Forest and Natural Resource Management. Will spent 6 years as a project manager and supervisor on wetland restoration projects throughout New York State, restoring native habitat.