Cocktails & Conversations: Soil Solutions and the Future of Food (On-site Special Program)

Dr. Susan Pell, Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden; Foster Gettys, Farm Production Manager at Common Good City Farm; and Lisa Garfield, Research and Million Acre Challenge Director at Future Harvest- The Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture
Experience the magic of the 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 how regenerative agriculture practices can support soil health, increase climate change resilience, and contribute to food access in and around the District. You’ll hear first-hand from the researchers and community changemakers leading plant-centered climate change solutions. Come with curiosity and leave with a renewed sense of hope.

6:30-7:15 p.m.: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a selection of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and delicious small plates available for purchase from local D.C. chef Kendra Hazel.
7:15-8:00 p.m.: Panel discussion begins at 7:15 p.m.
8:00-8:30 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 8:30 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 6:30 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.

Dr. Susan Pell

Executive Director

U.S. Botanic Garden

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...(read more)

Foster Gettys

Farm Production Manager

Common Good City Farm

Foster Gettys discovered their love of farming as an Environmental Science major at the University of Maryland-College Park. After leaving UMD, Foster managed a local native plant nursery in Alexandria, VA, for four years before jumping into farming full time ...(read more)

Lisa Garfield

Research and Million Acre Challenge Director

Future Harvest - The Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture

Lisa Garfield has a dozen years of farming experience, primarily as the owner/operator of Calliope Farm, a diversified vegetable farm on the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland. In 2014, after hosting several university research projects on her farm, she pursued an...(read more)