Social Justice in Horticulture presented by Shaw Series + STLCC Meramec Botanical Society

Registration is no longer open via eventbrite. Email rob.kennedy@mobot.org with any questions or inquiries.

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Welcome industry partners, students, alumni, educators and other guests! We have an amazing line up of speakers to raise awareness about social justice issues surrounding equity, diversity and inclusion in the green industry.

We do have a full afternoon planned. We realize that everyone may not be able to be at the entirety of the event, but please do register if you would like to attend any portion of the days activities.

Agenda & Speaker Lineup

CEUs will be offered! APPROVED FOR 3 PDH’S BY LACES AND 3 LU’S BY AIA.

Please register by Tuesday, March 3rd. This event is FREE, but registration is required so we have enough food and drink available.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: ****Green Teen Alliance****

In the spirit of actively tackling social injustices head-on, we are inviting you to participate in a donation collection to support Green Teen Alliance. This is not mandatory, but we hope you will consider making a gift. What is Green Teen Alliance you ask?

Green Teen Alliance is a coalition of area organizations. Their collective goal is to grow the future of the green workforce by engaging youth from historically marginalized communities in environmental work. They provide paid job opportunities for 75+ youth every summer, ranging from working in community gardens, to organic farming, to restoring natural habitats, to doing environmental research. The programs are more than just summer jobs. The coalition is committed to creating employment pathways for St. Louis youth to explore careers in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and related research. Developing the next generation of conservation-lovin' environmental researchin' farmers and foresters will take time and intentional, multi-year programming.

TRAVELING ALONG THE PATH TO RACIAL EQUITY

Environmental justice, food justice, and racial justice are linked. The coalition hires teen crews that are racially diverse, to elevate the voices of historically marginalized people, build real community between racial groups in St. Louis, and to train our next generation of staff. The coalition is not afraid to start hard conversations about why few people of color work in our organizations, and the history of racism that continues to create land-based trauma in people of color today. Agricultural and environmental jobs are some of the whitest in America, from farmers and ranchers to foresters to environmental scientists. The coalition wants to give those stats a run for their money, but to do that, they have to talk openly about racism and injustice within our fields.

Since Green Teen Alliance is a coalition of area partners, it is not set up as a non-profit directly. Therefore, your donation will be given to Forest Park Forever with instructions to support Green Teen Alliance projects.

There are 2 ways to donate:

1. Bring CASH only on the day of the event.

2. Donate online at forestparkforever.org/donate and in the comment box indicate "For Green Teen Alliance on behalf of Social Justice in Horticulture Conference 2020".

For more information regarding our non-profit partner, Green Teen Alliance, please visit their website:

http://stlgreenteens.org/about

HOST SPOTLIGHT: ****STLCC Meramec's 11-acre Garden Classroom****

Did you know that STLCC Meramec's Horticulture Program is the largest in the Missouri? Not to mention the only one in our St. Louis region? And the department has big plans in store for its 11-acre outdoor classroom. That's right. Eleven acres of the 78-acre campus is managed by program staff and student volunteers as part of the hands-on experience of a career and technical education. A master plan for the Garden Classroom has been developed to elevate the student experience, align the students' working environment with current industry needs, and to ensure the garden is accessible to the entire community.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of this amazing outdoor classroom and learn about the program's master plan, including rain gardens, native plant gardens and more! Then ask how you can help to prepare the next generation of talented individuals for the green industry.

Two 45-min pre-show tours are scheduled at 11:00AM and 12:00PM. Please select which tour time you would prefer when you RSVP. Space is limited!

(In the event of inclement weather, a presentation will be viewed.)

***Please note that lunch will NOT be provided. However, if you arrive to campus early you may purchase lunch in the cafeteria (located in the Student Center). Snacks and drinks will be available during scheduled breaks.***