Guest Speakers
« Native Plant ConferenceThe Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is excited to host these landscape design experts, horticulturists, conservationists, and leaders who are affecting change for healthier, more sustainable ecological landscapes in their local communities and beyond.
Benjamin Vogt
“Fundamentals of Garden Layers“
Friday, March 21 | 9:15–10:30 a.m.
Benjamin Vogt is the author of Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design and A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future. His work has been featured in major publications like The American Gardener, Dwell, Fine Gardening, Horticulture, Midwest Living, the New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Benjamin owns Prairie Up (formerly Monarch Gardens), where he shares his passion for native plant design with audiences nationwide, advocating for natural landscaping ethics.
Benjamin will speak on how to increase ecosystem function and climate resilience at home in our designed gardens. From the fundamentals of plant succession over the years, to using plant reproduction and habit to fill ecological niches, the right native plant communities make all the difference for beautiful gardens both wildlife and people crave.
** Benjamin will join the 2025 Native Plant Conference virtually to reduce his carbon footprint, a decision that aligns with his deep commitment to sustainability and the environment. **
Patrick Thompson
“Gardeners Mastering Conservation”
Friday, March 21 | 10:45 a.m.–noon
Patrick Thompson has been employed by Auburn University’s Davis Arboretum since 2000. He holds a Master of Science degree from the university’s Department of Horticulture, earned in 2018. As Curator of Special Collections at the arboretum and Coordinator for the Alabama Plant Conservation Alliance, Patrick works to conserve and celebrate Alabama’s native flora.
Patrick is an internationally published author, photographer, speaker, and certified arborist. He is the program director for the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference and the owner of Trees Company LLC, providing various services including habitat management and landscape consultations.
Sarah Carter
“Creating a New Perennial Movement Garden for the South”
Friday, March 21 | 1–2:15 p.m.
Sarah Carter is the vice president of Goizueta Gardens and Living Collections at the Atlanta History Center. She leads the development, curation, and preservation of the Center’s 33-acre campus gardens, collaborating with a dedicated team of horticulturists and agricultural staff to create immersive, meaningful, and ecologically beneficial gardens that represent Atlanta’s unique landscape history.
Sarah has worked in public gardens for over 24 years, from the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University to the New York Botanical Garden. In 2020, the Daughters of the American Revolution honored her with the National Conservation Award for her work at the Atlanta History Center.
Deborah Boutelier
Breakout Session: “Alabama’s Native Herbs: Medicinal & Other Uses”
Friday, March 21 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Deborah Boutelier is an experienced herbalist and gardener with a strong focus on the medicinal and everyday uses of herbs, particularly native varieties. She currently serves as the vice president of the Alabama Master Gardeners Association and was previously the president of the Herb Society of America. Deborah is the owner of Rooted in Thyme Apothecary in Prattville, where she offers consultations and continues to share her passion for herbs with others.
Dana Hazen
Breakout Session: “What About Native Bees?”
Friday, March 21 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Dana Hazen began her career in 1986 as a planner for the City of Newport Beach, California, later joining the planning staff of Jefferson County, Alabama in 1999. Dana received her bachelor of arts degree in social ecology, with a specialization in environmental health and planning, from the University of California, Irvine, and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 2007, Dana helped establish Mountain Brook’s first planning department. Dana oversees long-range planning and inspection services as director of Planning, Building, and Sustainability for Mountain Brook. She played a key role in the city’s acceptance into the Bee City USA program and helped form the city’s first Environmental Sustainability Committee. Dana is passionate about advocating for native habitats and frequently speaks on topics like native plants and bees.
Molly Hendry
Breakout Session: “Taming the Wild: Landscaping With Native Plants”
Friday, March 21 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Molly is a Birmingham native whose training as a horticulturist and landscape architect has taken her across the country and world studying gardens. She spent a year working in some of the top public gardens across the U.K. as the 2016-17 Royal Horticultural Society’s Interchange Fellow. Upon returning to Birmingham, she was a member of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ team for over 5 years helping direct the future development of the Gardens, from new planting designs to aiding in the reimagining of BBG’s master plan. In
2023 Molly founded her own garden design studio, Roots & Ramblings, designing plant focused gardens for true hands-in-the-dirt gardeners. Through her practice she continues to explore how to create meaningful gardens not only through designing beautiful places, but also through cultivating thoughtful gardeners.
Rebecca Stivender
Breakout Session: “Rooted in Community”
Friday, March 21 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
As the Director of Education and Community Engagement at Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Rebecca Stivender leads the Rooted in Community award program, which funds projects that enhance public spaces, support pollinators, and promote sustainability. Under her leadership, the Gardens has expanded its education programs for both children and adults. Prior to her time at the Gardens, Rebecca invested in both public and private schools as a teacher and administrator. Rebecca is a lifelong Birmingham resident who values the Gardens as a space for learning, creativity, and connection.
Keith Turney
Breakout session: “Native Plant Cloning”
Friday, March 21 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Keith Turney serves as senior horticulturist for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. He manages the Kaul Wildflower Garden and has transformed the area by adding a savanna and a bird habitat. A graduate of Auburn University, Keith earned his bachelor of science in natural resources management. Having long been obsessed with the wild places of our state, Keith is incredibly passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers. With his extensive knowledge of Southeastern native plants, studies in human-environment interactions, and fieldwork in both wetland and freshwater ecology, Keith performs a variety of tasks to ensure our Kaul Wildflower Garden continues to thrive.
Dr. R. Scot Duncan
“Gardening for Birds, Bugs, and Biodiversity (And Why It Matters!)”
Friday, March 21 | 3:45–5 p.m.
Dr. R. Scot Duncan serves as the executive director of Alabama Audubon. A former biology professor at Birmingham-Southern College, Scot is an expert in biodiversity, particularly in the state of Alabama. He authored Southern Wonder: Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity, with a forward by Dr. Edward O. Wilson. The book won several awards, including the Reed Environmental Writing Award from the Southern Environmental Law Center. His research and explorations have taken him to Antarctica, New Zealand, Uganda, Central and South America, the Pacific Northwest, and ecosystems across the southeastern U.S. As a conservation advocate and lifelong birder, Scot frequently speaks on topics such as conservation and climate change. His latest book, Southern Rivers: Restoring America’s Freshwater Biodiversity has received national recognition and represented Alabama at the 2024 National Book Fair at the Library of Congress.
Jamie Nobles
Field Trip: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Saturday, March 22 | 9 a.m.– noon
Jamie Nobles is the conservation director for the Jefferson County Greenways, a partnership among Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, and Red Mountain Park. Jamie has been involved in numerous conservation projects, including wildlife studies, invasive plant control, and ecological restorations. He manages native plant propagation and sales, helping to restore and protect the unique habitats in these parks and the community. Jamie is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for local nature.
Charles Yeager
Field Trip: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Saturday, March 22 | 9 a.m.– noon
Charles Yeager is the director of Land and Water Conservation for the Jefferson County Greenways. He oversees land management, conservation planning, restoration projects, and land acquisitions in the diverse habitats of Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Prior to this role, Charles spent over 12 years managing the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. With his expertise in conservation, he ensures the protection and restoration of diverse habitats in these iconic local parks.