Keynote Speaker Lyndon Penner - Author and Naturalist
March 30, 6 p.m.
Native Plants of Southern Alberta: What could be better adapted to the growing conditions in your yard than plants that actually evolved where you live? Once dismissed as little more than roadside weeds, Alberta wildflowers are now being recognized by many gardeners for both their beauty and landscape value. Join us for a wonderful exploration of some of our most fabulous native species and how to include them in your garden!
March 31, 6 p.m.
The Birds and the Bees: An Introduction to Pollinators- Pollinators are finally beginning to get some of the respect and recognition that they deserve! This diverse group of creatures includes bees (there are so many species!), butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and even flies and beetles! Pollinators are responsible for much of the fruit set and seed production that allows healthy ecosystems to develop. Come find out how you can attract and support these marvelous little garden guests!
April 1, 6 p.m.
Oh, Deer! Deer are an increasing problem in many urban settings, including Lethbridge. They can be very destructive to both public and private property and can create health risks for both people and pets. Is there a way to keep deer from devouring your front yard? Are there things you can plant that they won't eat? Join us for an examination of just why deer pose a threat and what we can do about them in our yards and gardens!
April 2, 11 a.m.
The Drought Resistant Garden. Using Water Wisely- Water is perhaps the most precious resource that we have yet it is often wasted and treated with an enormous lack of respect. We live in a windy, dry environment and water should be used carefully and valued. How do you plan a garden that is both water-wise and beautiful? Can you reduce the amount of water that your yard is using? Extended periods of drought and increasing temperatures are being predicted by many climate scientists. Can the plants in your garden adapt? Are there plants that actually like drought? Join us for a vibrant conversation about this and what we can all do!
Api’soomaahka (Running Coyote) – William Singer III
March 30, 5:30 p.m.
Native plants. The benefit and purpose that empowers communities.
William Singer III is a member of the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Named after his great, great, great uncle who was a Blackfoot warrior, Api’soomaahka carries on his legacy through stewardship and maintaining the Blackfoot worldview. His main profession is as an artist/illustrator with over 40 years of experience and his work is deeply rooted in Niitsitapi history and uses painting to teach.
Along with his art, He devotes a lot of time being an entrepreneur, an educator, volunteer and an environmental and political activist, utilizing Blackfoot Ecological Knowledge and protocol. Other areas of interest include food security and sovereignty, Blackfoot science and physics, watershed health and grassland restoration. Api’soomaahka has been involved in many spiritual, cultural events and activities and has always been an advocate for First Nations rights, knowledge and wellness. He currently operates Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank and is a member Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association (KEPA) and the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC).
Kathleen Sheppard
April 2, 1 p.m.
Green Your Everyday: Local Sustainability Initiatives In Lethbridge
Join Kathleen Sheppard, Executive Director with Environment Lethbridge for a look at local sustainability initiatives in Lethbridge and how you can incorporate green activities in your daily life. Kathleen will discuss Environment Lethbridge's programs and provide tips and information about topics such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and local food.
Kathleen has more than 25 years experience with nonprofit organizations in BC and Alberta, including past experience in land conservation and social planning and policy. Kathleen holds a BSc in Geography and Biology from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Voluntary and Nonprofit Sector Management from Ryerson University. Previously, Kathleen was the Environment Sector representative on the board of Economic Development Lethbridge and the Sustainability Director for the Lethbridge 2020 Alberta Summer Games.
Wes Carroll
April 1, 5:30 p.m.
How to Home Renovations
Wes Carroll has owned and operated Empire Home Renovations for the last 14 years. He sat on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association for 7 years and in 2014 he was the president. Empire Home Renovations has won awards with BILD Lethbridge with best renovation over-all and best Ensuite in 2021 and years prior. He is a registered Renomark Renovator.
The Property Twins
March 31, 5:30 p.m.
Real Estate Trends in the Lethbridge Region
Whitney and Kirby were born in a small farming village, Lomond, about 50 minutes North of Lethbridge. They both pursued their post secondary educations at the Lethbridge College, and The University of Lethbridge. Kirby earned her Interior Design Certificate, and Whitney her Bachelor of Management degree.
Whitney and Kirby have both spent the last 20 years working in various roles in the construction and new home industry here in Lethbridge. Whitney sold windows for All Weather Windows for 7 years, before moving on to sell new homes for Ashcroft Master Builder for 7 years. Meanwhile, Kirby was over at the competition for the last 20 years! She started out selling at Daytona Homes, before moving in to the show home at Galko, and then on to the Sales Manager position at Galko. These two know homes!! They were both awarded Salesperson of the year over the course of their careers in New Home Construction, and played important roles in several award winning designs as well. They sold spec homes, investment properties, and their specialty, custom homes that required their very detailed eyes. They know how to make things functional AND pretty. Kirby also channels some of her creativity in to stunning, one of a kind art at her own Fairview Gallery.
In 2020 Whitney decided to make the switch to RE/MAX Real Estate as a Realtor. She finished her second year being awarded #1 at the whole Brokerage in 2021, and was just recently voted Best of the Best for all the realtors in Lethbridge in 2021. Kirby got her Real Estate license in February, and they now have a team, The Property Twins, with the two of them, and one other Realtor, Spring Merrill, as well as two unlicensed assistants and a marketing coordinator.
Whitney and Kirby are so passionate about what they do. They combine their experience, their love for their community, their knowledge of the construction industry, and their unmatched passion, and bring it to everything they do. Everyone around them is often amazed at the trail of glitter they leave behind as they turn everything to gold. These two love giving back, hosting events to bring people together, and they believe in this community. You will not find two better people who are more dedicated to going above and beyond, and doing the best job for their clients.