Cocktails and Conversation: Plants, Climate Change, and Community Resilience in the District (On-site Special Program)

Dr. Terri Adams-Fuller, Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology at Howard University; Erin Garnaas-Holmes, Climate Program Analyst at the DC Department of Energy and Environment; Dr. Jeremy Scott Hoffman, Director of Climate Justice and Impact at Groundwork USA; Kate Lee, Director, Office of Urban Agriculture at the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment; Dr. Susan Pell, Botanist and Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden

Experience the magic of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory at night and get inspired by the potential of plants and people. Join USBG executive director and botanist Dr. Susan Pell in conversation with local experts as they discuss the role of plants in resilience, adaptation, and equity related to climate change challenges facing Washington, D.C. You’ll hear first-hand from the researchers and community changemakers leading plant-centered climate change solutions around the District. Come with curiosity and leave with a renewed sense of hope. 

6-7 p.m.: Doors open at 6 p.m. Enjoy a selection of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and delicious Korean-American small plates available for purchase from D.C.’s own Magpie and the Tiger. 
7-7:45 p.m.: Panel discussion begins at 7 pm. 
7:45-9 p.m.: Following the discussion, chat with Dr. Pell, guest panelists, and fellow attendees. You’ll be able to grab another drink and enjoy special access to explore the Conservatory after hours. Doors close at 9 p.m. 

Please note: Attendees of this program must be 21 and older. Food and beverages, as well as seating, will be limited. To guarantee your opportunity to find a seat and enjoy a drink and a snack, please arrive when doors open at 6 p.m. 

This program is offered in collaboration with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden. If you're interested in supporting educational programs through a donation to the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, click here.

Intended Audience: Adult All Levels

Thursday, February 22, 2024
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern
Location: Conservatory Garden Court


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About the presenters

Dr. Susan Pell
Dr. Susan Pell is a botanist, educator, and the Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden. Susan has traveled the world collecting plants for scientific study. Her research has focused on the Anacardiaceae family which includes cashews, sumac, and poison ivy. Through her work at the Garden, Susan furthers our mission of inspiring people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally.
Maya Kosok
Maya Kosok owns Hillen Homestead, a cut flower farm in Baltimore city that specializes in unique flowers and foliage. She is entering her 12th season in operation and sells primarily to florists and DIY wedding customers. Maya is passionate about sustainable agriculture, urban farming, community-building and grassroots change. Maya has spoken at numerous sustainable farming conferences, as well as the Maryland Horticultural Society and various garden clubs, and enjoys sharing her love of flower farming and city growing with others.
Erin Garnaas-Holmes
Erin Garnaas-Holmes leads climate adaptation planning for the District of Columbia with the Department of Energy and Environment’s Urban Sustainability Administration. He coordinates the implementation of Climate Ready DC, the District’s plan to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate, and Keep Cool DC, the District’s extreme heat adaptation strategy.
Jeremy Scott Hoffman
Dr. Jeremy Scott Hoffman is the Director of Climate Justice and Impact at Groundwork USA, establishing science-based metrics for project outcomes across climate and workforce development programs. Before joining Groundwork USA, Dr. Hoffman was the David and Jane Cohn Chief Scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia, where he led award-winning community science, youth, and adult climate resilience programs focused on extreme heat and air quality, including collaborating with Groundwork RVA on several projects.
Kate Lee
The District Office of Urban Agriculture works to increase crop production in Washington, DC and support a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. The Office is a central hub working with the DC Food Policy Council, sister agencies, the University of the District of Columbia, farmers, and community members to support urban agriculture, increase access to fresh, healthy produce, empower communities, and create green jobs.