I have always loved plants and insects, and been curious about all life in the garden. My book "Garden Allies" (Timber Press) gently guides gardening readers to put away pesticides and create a beautiful, thriving landscape. I offer virtual and in-person workshops and presentations about our garden allies. The opportunity to shift my audience's perceptions of life in the garden is a constant motivator. As an educator, my interest in environmental behavior change led me to study conservation psychology in depth. My toolbox for public engagement includes effective and practical approaches to program development and improvement, interpretive and master planning, and citizen science, applicable to any environmental focus, or size of organization. But circling back to the beginning: One of my special interests is how we can use the techniques of conservation biological control (CBC) to increase biodiversity, and to reduce pesticide use in residential, and public landscapes, leading to cleaner water and healthier ecosystems. Translating science into engaging language for the general public is a skill I am always honing. I loved writing the ten-year series of essays "Garden Allies" for Pacific Horticulture magazine, and am excited to have compiled/revised/added to the essays for the Garden Allies book. I recently launched a new series for Pacific Horticulture, Voices of the West; New Science on Life in the Garden, and I am excited to introduce readers to scientists and others conducting garden research in the western US. I have already met with several scientists, and had fascinating, and often surprising conversations. I can't wait to share what I am learning!Specialties: Horticulture expertise includes sustainable and regenerative landscapes, school gardens, beneficial insects, native plants, and food production. Biological science expertise includes general ecology, plant/insect interactions, hedgerows, conservation biological control, and freshwater ecology. Other skills include program development, interpretive planning, conservation psychology, and inquiry- and place-based learning.