Summer Educator Conference: Planting Seeds, Growing Stewards

Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 8 am–4:30 pm
Add to calendar 2024-06-20 08:00:00 2024-06-20 16:30:00 Summer Educator Conference - Planting Seeds, Growing Stewards Natural History Museum nhmla webmaster@nhm.org America/Los_Angeles public
Web header for Educator Summer Conference featuring flowering local native plants and animals

Date

Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 8 am–4:30 pm

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Location

Natural History Museum
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Tickets

$75 per Educator
$50 Title I school staff (teachers & administrators)

Join the California Native Plant Society and the Natural History Museum to discover the educational richness of California's native plants at this year's Summer Educator Conference: Planting Seeds, Growing Stewards! Dive into a day of immersive exploration where educators forge meaningful connections between native flora, students and each other. Tailored for educators of all levels – from pre-K to high school, administrators, homeschoolers, and informal educators – this event offers hands-on workshops, inspiring talks, networking opportunities, and outdoor adventures. Gain practical tools to integrate native plants into your curriculum and foster environmental stewardship among students. Together, let's nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation for California's native plants, cultivating a greener, more connected future.

Program Highlights: 
 

  • Interactive Workshops
  • Free Resources
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Garden Tour
  • Botanical-Inspired Happy Hour & Plant Partners Fair

Schedule of Day: 

8–9 am Breakfast & Check-in

9–9:15 am Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15–9:45 am Keynote Speaker

10–11:30 am Workshop Sessions: Morning

11:30 am–12:30 pm Lunch & Networking

12:30–2 pm Workshop Sessions: Afternoon

2:15–3 pm Closing Pannel & Raffle

3–4:30 pm Happy Hour, Plant Partners Fair & Garden Tour

Our Keynote speaker

Antonio J Solorio
Antonio Solorio, Park Ranger and Youth Program Manager for the National Park Service at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, oversees the SAMO Youth employment mentorship program and advocates for the safe and positive development of diverse youth, so they can become better environmental stewards for parks and our communities.

Conference Sessions

Maya Headshot

Breaking Ground: Starting Your Native Plant Garden! 

 

Want to start a native garden and don't know where to begin? Join Horticulture Senior Program Manager Maya Argaman, from California Native Plant Society staff, in this engaging and informative workshop where we will dive into planning, designing, and growing your garden with native plants.

NHM Headshots

Fossil Flora: Revealing Past Environments Through Ancient Life 

 

Join La Brea Tar Pits Post-doc Researcher Jessie George and Indigenous scientist from the Nawa community of Kwawximalpan, Tekpatl Kuauhtzin. In this session you will learn how earth’s history is dynamic and plants are some of the best storytellers. We’ll dive deep into stories of climate and environmental change from the perspective of ancient fossil plants. We’ll talk through what fossil plants have taught us about life through time in Los Angeles and what methods paleobotanists use when studying fossil plants. Participants will discuss classroom application of topics, take part in hands-on reconstruction of temperature with leaves, and be provided resources to carry out the activity in the classroom .

Broad Headshots

Painting the Way (A dialogue of Tongva Literacy of Environment)

 

Join Lazaro Arvizu Jr. and Desiree Renee Martinez for Painting the Way (A dialogue of Tongva Literacy of Environment). As part of the school/educational programming for The Broad’s Pacific Standard Time project, Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar, this workshop illustrates the recognition of plants, rocks, animals, water, and land as relatives, and their importance in shaping the process of Maxaax or teaching. Imparted by educators from the Tongva community, the workshop includes a lecture followed by a painting exercise.  An online curriculum covering these and additional topics will be available for teachers in August. To receive further information, please sign-up HERE

 

Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar is a Getty-founded Pacific Standard Time project. 

Centering the unique cultural, historical, and environmental context of Los Angeles in partnership with Tongva (Gabrielino) leaders, The Broad is undertaking a public reforestation and reconciliation project inspired by Broad Collection artist and environmentalist Joseph Beuys’s 7000 Eichen (7000 Oaks).

Debs Headshots

Exploring Monarch Butterfly Conservation on Field Trips 

 

Join Evelyn and Rachel, from the Audubon Center at Debs Park, and together you will delve into understanding the cycles and habitat of monarch butterflies. You will explore life cycles, milkweed, and some other monarch essentials. This session will highlight how we’ve collaborated with community members and organizations to build monarch habitat and integrated community science data collection into our field trips.

1 of 1

Breaking Ground: Starting Your Native Plant Garden! 

 

Want to start a native garden and don't know where to begin? Join Horticulture Senior Program Manager Maya Argaman, from California Native Plant Society staff, in this engaging and informative workshop where we will dive into planning, designing, and growing your garden with native plants.

Fossil Flora: Revealing Past Environments Through Ancient Life 

 

Join La Brea Tar Pits Post-doc Researcher Jessie George and Indigenous scientist from the Nawa community of Kwawximalpan, Tekpatl Kuauhtzin. In this session you will learn how earth’s history is dynamic and plants are some of the best storytellers. We’ll dive deep into stories of climate and environmental change from the perspective of ancient fossil plants. We’ll talk through what fossil plants have taught us about life through time in Los Angeles and what methods paleobotanists use when studying fossil plants. Participants will discuss classroom application of topics, take part in hands-on reconstruction of temperature with leaves, and be provided resources to carry out the activity in the classroom .

Painting the Way (A dialogue of Tongva Literacy of Environment)

 

Join Lazaro Arvizu Jr. and Desiree Renee Martinez for Painting the Way (A dialogue of Tongva Literacy of Environment). As part of the school/educational programming for The Broad’s Pacific Standard Time project, Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar, this workshop illustrates the recognition of plants, rocks, animals, water, and land as relatives, and their importance in shaping the process of Maxaax or teaching. Imparted by educators from the Tongva community, the workshop includes a lecture followed by a painting exercise.  An online curriculum covering these and additional topics will be available for teachers in August. To receive further information, please sign-up HERE

 

Social Forest: Oaks of Tovaangar is a Getty-founded Pacific Standard Time project. 

Centering the unique cultural, historical, and environmental context of Los Angeles in partnership with Tongva (Gabrielino) leaders, The Broad is undertaking a public reforestation and reconciliation project inspired by Broad Collection artist and environmentalist Joseph Beuys’s 7000 Eichen (7000 Oaks).

Exploring Monarch Butterfly Conservation on Field Trips 

 

Join Evelyn and Rachel, from the Audubon Center at Debs Park, and together you will delve into understanding the cycles and habitat of monarch butterflies. You will explore life cycles, milkweed, and some other monarch essentials. This session will highlight how we’ve collaborated with community members and organizations to build monarch habitat and integrated community science data collection into our field trips.

Our Closing Teacher Panelists

Theresa Headshot

Theresa Lujan, M.A, M.S., is honored to serve as an educator and coordinator of the Marine Science Academy at Channel Islands High School within the Oxnard Union High School District. With a career spanning over 23 years, Theresa has dedicated herself to teaching English and Science, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade. Her passion for environmental studies and biotechnology led her to pursue a master's degree in Biotechnology from California State University, Channel Islands. 

 

In 2019, Theresa joined a research project at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where she studied molecular genetics, applying biotechnology to environmental studies. This experience reinforced her passion for native plant conservation and restoration. Theresa's commitment to fostering environmental stewardship led her to develop a skills-based curriculum for the Marine Science Academy in 2020, focusing on sustainability, conservation, and restoration, using native plants as a cornerstone for learning. 

 

Under Theresa's guidance, students at the Marine Science Academy have undertaken the remarkable initiative of operating a native plant nursery and garden. They have produced over 3,000 plants this year, contributing significantly to local habitat restoration projects and the enhancement of their school community. 

 

Theresa's vision extends beyond the classroom, aiming to increase the presence of native plants throughout Oxnard. With her blend of academic expertise and practical experience, Theresa Lujan embodies a pioneering spirit in education, empowering students to make a tangible difference in their environment while cultivating a deeper understanding of science and conservation.

Tony Headshot

Tony Tubbs was born in California and has lived here for 58 years. He resides in Trabuco Canyon with his wife, Kari. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. Tony has been a high school Physical Education and Science teacher for 33 years. He is currently teaching Biology and Environmental Field Studies at Tesoro High School in Las Flores. He is also the Ecology Club Advisor. After many years taking classes out to the environment that surrounds Tesoro, which primarily consisted of non-native weeds and grasses, Tony and his students decided to embark on a native plant restoration effort. Their goal was to not only increase the biodiversity of species around the school, but also to educate others regarding the value and importance of planting natives. Tony loves to get as many people as possible involved in Tesoro’s restoration efforts. Biology and Field Studies students, sports teams, school clubs, feeder school students, scouts, and community members all lend a hand in constructing Tesoro’s three distinct native plant areas: the California Native Plant Garden, the Nature Trail, and the Sustainability Garden, which includes an outdoor nursery.

Kyoko Headshot

Kyoko is a speech therapist at a public school in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. She enjoys volunteering in her school's gardens and learning about native habitats.

1 of 1

Theresa Lujan, M.A, M.S., is honored to serve as an educator and coordinator of the Marine Science Academy at Channel Islands High School within the Oxnard Union High School District. With a career spanning over 23 years, Theresa has dedicated herself to teaching English and Science, ranging from sixth to twelfth grade. Her passion for environmental studies and biotechnology led her to pursue a master's degree in Biotechnology from California State University, Channel Islands. 

 

In 2019, Theresa joined a research project at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where she studied molecular genetics, applying biotechnology to environmental studies. This experience reinforced her passion for native plant conservation and restoration. Theresa's commitment to fostering environmental stewardship led her to develop a skills-based curriculum for the Marine Science Academy in 2020, focusing on sustainability, conservation, and restoration, using native plants as a cornerstone for learning. 

 

Under Theresa's guidance, students at the Marine Science Academy have undertaken the remarkable initiative of operating a native plant nursery and garden. They have produced over 3,000 plants this year, contributing significantly to local habitat restoration projects and the enhancement of their school community. 

 

Theresa's vision extends beyond the classroom, aiming to increase the presence of native plants throughout Oxnard. With her blend of academic expertise and practical experience, Theresa Lujan embodies a pioneering spirit in education, empowering students to make a tangible difference in their environment while cultivating a deeper understanding of science and conservation.

Tony Tubbs was born in California and has lived here for 58 years. He resides in Trabuco Canyon with his wife, Kari. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. Tony has been a high school Physical Education and Science teacher for 33 years. He is currently teaching Biology and Environmental Field Studies at Tesoro High School in Las Flores. He is also the Ecology Club Advisor. After many years taking classes out to the environment that surrounds Tesoro, which primarily consisted of non-native weeds and grasses, Tony and his students decided to embark on a native plant restoration effort. Their goal was to not only increase the biodiversity of species around the school, but also to educate others regarding the value and importance of planting natives. Tony loves to get as many people as possible involved in Tesoro’s restoration efforts. Biology and Field Studies students, sports teams, school clubs, feeder school students, scouts, and community members all lend a hand in constructing Tesoro’s three distinct native plant areas: the California Native Plant Garden, the Nature Trail, and the Sustainability Garden, which includes an outdoor nursery.

Kyoko is a speech therapist at a public school in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. She enjoys volunteering in her school's gardens and learning about native habitats.

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

  • We encourage you to carpool or use public transportation to and from the conference. The Natural History Museum is easily accessible by Metro! Hop off the Expo Line at the Expo/USC or Expo/Vermont stations and walk 5 minutes to the museum entrance.
  • Free parking will be available first come first served to attendees who arrive before 9 am. Overflow parking will be available for $15 in the Expo Park Blue Lot.
  • Breakfast and lunch will be provided with registration. Help reduce waste at this event by bringing your own reusable water bottle and/or hot beverage cup!
  • While we love welcoming your families to our museums, this specific program is intended for formal and informal educators who are adults (18+).
  • In-person events are subject to cancellation due to low registration, inclement weather, or other changes in safety measures. 
  • This event will take place indoors and outdoors. Participants will be asked to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. Please come prepared with appropriate walking shoes and sun protection.
  • We aim to make NHM an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any questions about this event and the accommodation services we offer, contact our Call Center at 213.763.3466 or info@nhm.org. We ask that any requests for special accommodations be made at least 48 hours in advance.

This Educator Summer Conference is presented by the California Native Plant Society and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County