Habitat Advocate: Native Garden Design/Build/Steward Workshop

In this workshop, gain the hands-on experience of converting a section of underutilized lawn into viable habitat to support critical wildlife species. We will explore the fundamentals of ecological site prep and plant installation.

This class is the final assessment for certificate students who have successfully completed all of the Intro, Plant/Insect ID, and Ecological Design classes. Note that this class is ONLY for those that have completed all other classes. Upon completion of the Habitat Advocate Certificate Program, students are given a take-home kit: native wildflower seeds, a hori-hori knife, and Conservancy swag. Participants are responsible for providing their own sturdy shoes, sun/bug protection, and refillable water bottle. Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as part of the mid-day break of this workshop.

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres of natural lands, which are critically important to supporting biodiversity. Smaller patches of native habitats spread throughout urban landscapes are also essential to creating corridors of habitat – food and refuge – for wildlife. This is why we are offering our fall 2024 Habitat Advocate Certification program at Tec Centro in Lancaster City.

The cost of the Habitat Advocate classes covers instructor fees. If the cost of this class is prohibitive, please reach out to Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, at [email protected].

Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., is a community collaborator working to rebuild ecological literacy and biodiversity through hands-on ecological gardening experiences in South Central PA. She is certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and Ecological/Permaculture Designer, along with earning an Ecological Gardening Certification from Mt. Cuba Center. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Education, 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification, and participated in Cornell University’s Civic Ecology program.

Elyse works alongside homeowners in a participatory approach to their gardening for wildlife needs, infusing educational opportunities during the design, installation, and stewarding process. She invites homeowners to deeply engage with their land to maximize its potential in enhancing human well-being and supporting dwindling wildlife populations.

Linda Ferich retired from a career in emergency and occupational health nursing in 2013 and became a Pa Master Naturalist. She coordinates the Lancaster Conservancy’s Community Wildlife Habitat program, a partnership with National Wildlife Federation. Through this program, Lancaster County has become the first county in PA to become a certified NWF Community Wildlife Habitat.

Linda enjoys doing property assessments to teach how to develop habitat and control stormwater. Linda studies native plants and designs ecological gardens as a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and student of Mt Cuba Center’s Ecological Gardening program. She and a few conservation-minded friends formed the Lancaster Native Plant Alliance, a chapter of Pa Native Plant Society. The alliance promotes the use of native plants in all landscape settings through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

Note that this class is only for those that have completed all other classes in the Habitat Advocate certification series, and is the final class of the series. Learn more about Habitat Advocate classes and certification .

Attendees ages 16 and over are invited but must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least two weeks before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo: Elyse Jurgen

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

102 Chester St, 102 Chester Street, Lancaster, United States