April 20, 2023
Speaker: Willoughby Arevalo
Topic: "Gardening with Mushrooms" (with an outdoor cultivation focus)
Willoughby Arevalo is passionate about the ecology of fungi, the ways they shape our world and the ways we shape theirs. His lifelong friendship with fleshy fungi has led him down a mycelial pathway – from a start in field identification and mushroom hunting, branching into cuisine, DIY cultivation, farming, education, writing and eco-arts. In his over thirty year relationship with fungi, he has spent the last decade sharing mycology with people in communities across North America. This has manifested in numerous presentations, art projects, teaching tours, collaborations, gatherings, and his book, DIY Mushroom Cultivation, published by New Society Publishers.
Willoughby will be bringing copies of his book DIY Mushroom Cultivation for sale. Cash preferred.
Originally from Arcata, California (Traditional Wiyot and Yurok Territory), he lives as a grateful guest on Unceded Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver, BC. His work can be seen at Mycelial Connections and Art and Fungi.
May 18, 2023
Speaker: Tasha Murray
Topic: "Invasive plants, and other pests that are relevant to gardens"
Tasha holds a B.Sc. (Ecology & Environmental Biology) from Thompson River University and a M.S.T. (Masters of Science in Teaching) from Portland State University. Her research involved the assessment of student learning, environmental education programs and science curricula, using a diversity of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Tasha has been involved in conservation in the Pacific Northwest for over fifteen years and has worked extensively to manage invasive plants. She previously worked as the coordinator of the Vancouver Aquarium's River Works program, an aquatic stewardship initiative focused on volunteer-based restoration projects. She has worked for the ISCMV since 2008. As the Executive Director she is currently leading the ISCMV team. Her passions at the ISCMV are the outreach & education program and running behind-the-scenes of the society.
She lives in Burnaby with her family on a small acreage with a large garden, chickens and plenty of invasive plants to tackle. Tasha also volunteers with the local elementary school PAC, UBC 4-H Community Club, Girl Guides of Canada and BlockWatch.
June 15, 2023
Speaker: Ana Dushyna
The topic:"All season Herbal (Apothecary) garden"
Ana is a Botanical pharmacology specialist, Master of science in pharmacy, Speaker, certified Landscaper and Herbal garden designer. She devotes her expertise to encourage people across Canada to grow and use European and other well-researched Medicinal plants from around the world.
She’s actively engaged in native plants restoration projects to help North America’s native plants to survive and thrive (Dart’s Hill Garden club Native Plants Group, Semiahmoo Fish and Game club), serves on Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society environmental organization Board; collaborates with North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford Garden. Her photos are available via Instagram at Ana herbal apothecary and Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society.
September 21, 2023
Speaker: Reinier van de Poll of Van de Poll Gardens
Topic: Creating a Patio Escape
Reinier van de Poll has a unique mix of practical and theoretical experience. He has worked for several horticulturists, garden centers, and landscape design firms. He is a graduate of the Landscape Design and Horticultural program at BCIT, and has also studied under Britain’s leading designer John Brookes. Over 20 years ago, Reinier started Van de Poll Garden Design and the firm’s accomplishments have led to many accolades such as Gold Ribbon at Van Dusen Show and a listing amongst the country’s top designers in Canadian’s House and Home’s Gardening Life. Reinier is a frequent lecturer at garden clubs and Vancouver Master Gardener’s Program, and is presenting at the BC Home and Garden show in March 2023.