Nature’s Best Hope Screening Event Great Success

Despite a couple of downpours and a fallen tree blocking River Road, a dedicated crowd gathered at Washington Crossing State Park on May 20 to learn about the importance of native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.

BCFA Director Robin Hoy opened the evening with an engaging presentation highlighting our efforts to strengthen a sustainable, chemical-free local foodshed. Her remarks were accompanied by beautiful slides that helped illustrate the connections between healthy farms, healthy communities, and healthy ecosystems.

Attendees then enjoyed a special screening of Nature’s Best Hope, a presentation by Dr. Doug Tallamy that was recorded during his appearance at Delaware Valley University in April 2025. The quality of the recording was so impressive that it felt as though Dr. Tallamy was speaking live from the stage. His presentation reminded the audience of the many simple actions we can take to support native ecosystems and emphasized the importance of preserving the evolutionary relationships between native plants and the insects and wildlife that depend on them.

Following the screening, Delaware Valley University Professor Dr. Jackie Ricotta moderated a panel discussion featuring Tyler Kovacs of Heritage Conservancy, Katie Fisk of Katie’s Native Garden, and Santino Lauricella of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The discussion was lively, informative, and filled with enthusiasm. Dr. Ricotta guided the conversation with thoughtful questions, while audience members contributed many excellent questions of their own. The panelists shared their extensive knowledge in a way that was accessible to both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Many attendees left with practical ideas and new inspiration for their own landscapes.

Robin Hoy, Tyler Kovacs, Santino Lauricella, Katie Fisk, Dr. Doug Tallamy

The event also had a festive community atmosphere, with local organizations tabling in the lobby outside the auditorium, providing additional resources and opportunities for connection.

Native Gardening Take-Aways:

• Plant native species. Native plants generally require less water and maintenance while supporting a wide variety of birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
• Include keystone plants. Certain native plants support exceptionally high numbers of insects and other wildlife. Incorporating these keystone species can greatly increase the ecological value of your garden.
• Plan for season-long blooms. Choose plants that flower at different times throughout the year, including early spring and late fall, to provide continuous food sources for pollinators.
• Support all insect life stages. If you want butterflies, you need caterpillars too. Select host plants that provide food and habitat throughout an insect’s life cycle.
• Create “landing pads” beneath trees. Many insects drop from trees and overwinter in leaf litter. Leave planted areas around tree bases to provide safe shelter.
• Leave the leaves. Allow fallen leaves and perennial stems to remain through the winter. In spring, wait until temperatures consistently reach about 50°F before beginning garden cleanup to protect overwintering insects.

For more information, resources, and recommended plants, visit our Native Plant Resource Page.

For more information and resources, check out our Native Plant Resource Page.