January Premier: Thriving Transitions: Best Practices in Turf to Native Plant Conversion

Coming January 2025! The City of Lewisville (Texas) is sharing their experience in redefining urban landscapes through the conversion of turf grass into thriving habitats for native plants and pollinators. Your organization can find ways to save time, money, and resources while benefiting the local ecosystem of your community. Learn about the project that is being conducted through meticulous research, comprehensive data analysis, and compelling outcomes that showcase the power of ecological restoration. 

This session will review best practices, how to overcome challenges, and offer insights gleaned from the project's achievements. Discover how community engagement played a pivotal role in fostering advocacy and collaboration among residents and organizational leaders, igniting a movement for sustainable, biodiverse landscapes. 

Recognized with prestigious awards and featured prominently in Texas Monthly, the City of Lewisville stands as a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship. Participants will leave inspired to embark on their own journey towards a greener, more biodiverse future. 

Visit the City of Lewisville's official website to explore our ongoing sustainable initiatives that focus on conservation. Discover a variety of projects and programs designed to enhance biodiversity, promote ecological restoration, and encourage community involvement in our green spaces. Engage with our resources, learn from our successes, and take inspiration for your own conservation efforts! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Design and Implement: Learners will be able to design and implement strategic plans for converting urban green spaces into native plant habitats, incorporating ecological best practices to optimize conservation and biodiversity. 
  1. Advocate and Collaborate: Learners will be able to advocate for biodiversity and conservation projects within their communities and collaborate effectively with local stakeholders to ignite sustainable, community-driven environmental improvements. 
  1. Replicate and Scale: Learners will be able to replicate Lewisville’s successful model in their own municipalities, adapting the strategies to local conditions and scaling up efforts to transform larger areas into biodiverse, sustainable habitats. 

This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

Chris Chastain (he/him/his)

Environmental Preserve and Greenbelt Manager

City of Lewisville

Chris Chastain is a seasoned Parks and Recreation professional with a deep passion for environmental conservation, boasting over 12 years of experience in the field. He holds a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification, underlining his expertise in managing and enhancing public green spaces. As the Environmental Preserve and Greenbelt Manager for the Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department, Chris plays a pivotal role in overseeing the conservation and restoration of the city’s natural habitats. His efforts are focused on implementing sustainable practices that promote biodiversity and protect local ecosystems. Chris's leadership was instrumental during Lewisville's participation in environmental preservation initiatives, where he not only managed but also expanded community engagement and education concerning local conservation efforts. His commitment to ecological stewardship is also evident in his active involvement in developing programs that encourage public participation in environmental conservation.

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