Live Rebroadcast: Restoring to What? Addressing Biodiversity in the Era of Climate Change - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

For over 20 years Jennifer has worked at the interface of ecology, landscape architecture, & conservation planning, leading projects ranging from regional greenways to state and national parks, institutional and educational campuses, and citywide ecological networks merging landscape ecology, climate resilience, and equity strategies with regenerative design. Her practice engages principles of systems-ecology, resilience, biodiversity, and environmental justice, facilitating dialogue and socio-ecological narratives that engage nature in design. Jennifer has published pieces in Landscape Architecture Magazine, PLACES Journal, theEarthIssue#4, The Nature of Cities, and contributed to the book, The Landscape Approach: From Local Communities to Territorial Systems.

As a Senior Associate and the Raleigh Office Director at Andropogon, Martha works with both public and private sector clients to develop creative design solutions rooted in ecology and community. She has worked on award-winning projects throughout the United States and beyond, ranging from large-scale coastal resiliency and brownfield restoration efforts to small-scale urban interventions tailored to community character. In addition to her experience as a landscape architect, Martha draws from past positions as an anthropological researcher, horticulturalist, and public servant working to help small towns develop meaningful cultural spaces. She received her MLA degree from NC State University.

Claudia West is a leading voice in the emerging field of ecological planting design. Known for her passionate advocacy of plant-driven design, Claudia is a widely sought out speaker and consultant who applies the technologies of plant systems to bring essential natural functions back into our cities and towns. She has worked on all sides of the green industry—as a designer, a grower, installer, and land manager—grounding her innovative work in pragmatic solutions that address the realities of our urbanizing world. She is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Planting in a Post-Wild World.

María is a licensed landscape architect and horticulturist who designs public landscapes where ecological function and community access are inseparable. Raised in Patagonia and Buenos Aires, Argentina, she learned early, and in her body, how nature sustains well-being, health, and social cohesion. After leading award-winning work at esteemed design firms, she founded SUR Landscape Architecture in Kansas City, where her practice centers on native plant design, urban watershed restoration, and accessible public space. She teaches visual communication to planning and urban design students at UMKC, serves on ASLA’s Biodiversity & Climate Action Committee and as VP of Advocacy for its Prairie Gateway Chapter, and leads Missouri Stream Team #7112. Across design, horticulture, and advocacy, she challenges assumptions about what urban landscapes can be, crafting places with health, prosperity, and joy at their core.