Native Havens: Building Pollinator Habitats
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Heather Holm – a pollinator conservationist, nationally sought after speaker and award winning author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants, 2014, Bees 2017, Wasps 2021 and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States 2022. She is founder and chair of Minnesota Native Bees, an online field guide. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications.
Steve Sass – Co-founder of Indiana Nature LLC, which includes the “IN Nature” educational initiative and the ecological services brand – Ecometrid. Steve’s accomplishments include authoring the City of South Bend’s Natural Resources Management Plan and Invasive Plant Ordinance, amending St. Joseph County Indiana’s rank vegetation ordinance to allow exceptions for native plants and pollinator gardens and serving on the Lepidoptera Task Force for the international organization, Pollinator Partnership.
His current endeavors include finishing a book titled, Botanical Time Bombs: A Historical Look at the Accidental and Intentional Introduction of the Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States, and working with local elected leaders to preserve and protect land for posterity. Under the Ecometrid brand, Steve and his partner Amanda Smith design, manage and maintain restored and recreated Midwestern landscapes. Their clients and partners include state and municipal government entities, churches, libraries and schools.
Will Akin – Co-founder of the local nonprofit Braided Roots, whose passion lies in education and building connections through all forms of earth-centered learning. Will has worked in Forest Preserve Operations for more than 10 years, with a focus on native habitat restoration. He also spent 5 years running a small-scale specialized nursery, focusing on plants that create positive ecological change and support the health of our local community and ecosystems.
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