Learn more about our precious pollinators and the fundamental roles they play in our agricultural landscape. We will discuss and identify beneficial insects, native and flowering plants and alternatives to pesticides.
We will also address climate change, fossil-fuels and their connection to wildfires. We will share insight on the City of Berkeley's ban on gas-powered lawn equipment and demonstrate a variety of electric and battery powered tools offered by the Tool Lending Library. We will also share basic tips for how to protect your home and garden from wildfires.
Gold Finch Designs is an established landscape + floral design company based in Oakland, CA since 2012. We provide garden coaching, design, installation and garden care services.
Alexis Mastromichalis, founder and lead designer shares over 20 years experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture. Growing up between North Carolina and Greece, her work is rooted in ecological gardening practices, natural stone building and edible landscaping. She is deeply passionate about pollinators, growing diverse beneficial habitats and reducing fossil fuel emissions.
She holds a BA in International Affairs and Dance from George Washington University, a certificate of Sustainable Agriculture from NC Central Carolina Community College and a permaculture design certificate from Santa Cruz Permaculture. She has had the pleasure to work for the Edible Schoolyard Project, City of Berkeley Tool Lending Library, The Fox Theater, Rock & Rose Landscapes, Green's Gardens and SEEDS in Durham, NC. She volunteers regularly at the Dahlia Garden in Golden Gate Park, the Gardens of Lake Merritt and Gill Tract Farm in Berkeley. When not gardening, she is dancing with the Cumbia bike-powered band, Bicicletas Por La Paz!
Attendee seating will be socially distanced and masks are required for this outdoor workshop.