Join us at A Garden Affair and learn about sustaining biodiversity, common tree mistakes, adapting to climate change, water conservation and container gardening with natives.
Gardening Lectures
Learn about sustaining biodiversity, common tree mistakes, adapting to climate change, water conservation and container gardening with natives.
Vendors and Food Truck
Meet local horticulturists and and visit local vendor booths or grab a fantastic lunch from Oscar’s Street Tacos food truck.
Plant Swap & Prizes
Swap your seeds or plants with other area gardeners and register for a chance to win door prizes (must be present to win).
Keynote Presentation
Sustaining Biodiversity
Preserving and Regenerating Plant Species in the Cross Timbers Region of Texas through Soil Health and Wildflower Propagation Efficiency
Dr. Lisa Bellows – Thomsen Foundation
Dr. Lisa Bellows is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of environmental science, with a keen focus on sustainable development and conservation. Holding a Ph.D. in Science Education with an emphasis on ecosystem sustainability, she has dedicated her career to advancing our understanding of complex ecological systems and finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Learn More About Dr. Bellows
Dr. Bellows’ academic journey began at a young age, fueled by a passion for the natural world. She completed her undergraduate studies in Molecular Biology at Texas Woman’s University, where her outstanding academic achievements earned her numerous accolades and scholarships. Her commitment to excellence continued as she pursued her Master’s degree in Science Education and Molecular Biology, delving into the intricate relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Earning her Ph.D. in Environmental Biology marked a significant milestone in Dr. Bellows’ academic career. Her doctoral research, which centered on the impacts of local to global ecosystem processes. Her work garnered widespread recognition and contributed valuable insights to the scientific community. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she actively engages in public outreach and education, translating her research findings into actionable initiatives for environmental conservation.
Dr. Bellows’ professional journey extends beyond academia, as she collaborates with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international bodies to shape policies promoting sustainable practices. Her interdisciplinary approach and effective communication skills have made her a sought-after expert at conferences and symposiums worldwide.
Thomsen Foundation, a nature preserve in the Cross Timbers Region, has been instrumental in land stewardship for over 40 years, emphasizing education and research and inspiring others by the practices implemented on Thomsen’s 600 acres. Currently, Dr. Bellows serves as Executive Director for Thomsen Foundation where she has led the preservation and regeneration efforts for 20 of those years. Dr. Bellows leads a dynamic team dedicated to finding innovative solutions for mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment.
Her expertise and passion align seamlessly with Thomsen Foundation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Through her tireless efforts, Dr. Bellows exemplifies the values and vision of the Thomsen Foundation, driving positive change for a better, more sustainable future.
Featured Presentations
Changing Climate, Changing Gardens
Senior Meteorologist Jeff Ray – CBS 11
Looking back in time to the last 125 years of weather history, what has changed, and how we can adapt our gardens to these changes.
Learn more about Jeff Ray
Jeff joined CBS 11 and TXA 21 in December 2010. He is the senior Meteorologist on staff and can be seen covering various shifts across the week or on the weekend evenings. You will rarely see him during severe weather coverage but often hear his voice; he is operating the radar behind the scenes. When not covering weather, Jeff is often visiting area schools to talk about the science of weather. An avid gardener, you can catch his weekly Gardening 101 series on Fridays on CBS11.
