HNP Speakers

Dr. Doug Tallamy

Dr. Doug Tallamy

HNP Co-Founder and NYT Best Seller

Talks: In Person
Speaker Fee: Variable + Travel Expenses

Doug is a renowned entomologist, ecologist, and speaker who has given thousands of talks on the vital role native plants play in sustaining wildlife. As the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture at the University of Delaware, he has spent over 40 years studying how insects and plants shape healthy ecosystems. His bestselling books, including Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks, have inspired a movement to restore biodiversity at home. Recognized by Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, and The Garden Club of America, Tallamy is a leading voice in conservation. 

Krista De Cooke MS, MBA

Krista De Cooke MS, MBA

HNP Strategic Partnership and Science Lead

Talks: Virtual, Limited In-Person Availability in SE USA
Speaker Fee: $250 donation to HNP

Krista combines her expertise in ecology and business to drive ecosystem regeneration and biodiversity conservation. She works with diverse partners to promote the planting of native species on private lands, expanding the Homegrown National Park movement and empowering communities to take action for biodiversity. Krista speaks on the biodiversity crisis, the importance of native ecosystems, and how individuals can contribute to restoring nature where they live. Her talks inspire audiences to take simple, impactful steps, emphasizing the critical role private landowners play in reversing biodiversity loss.

Homegrown National Park
Our parks and wildlands are too small and fragmented to support vital native species, putting ecosystems at risk. Homegrown National Park encourages individuals to restore biodiversity by reducing lawns, planting native species, and removing invasives to rebuild ecological networks and protect our planet’s future.

Nature’s Best Hope
With insect populations plummeting and bird numbers declining, our current landscaping choices are failing biodiversity. We can reverse these trends by planting the right species and fostering a more collaborative relationship with nature, as Tallamy shares simple yet powerful steps to restore ecosystems and combat climate change.

Next Steps for Nature: 500 Questions (and Answers) for How to Save Nature in Our Yards
Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces.

A Guide to Restoring the Little Things That Run the World
Insects, essential to ecosystems, are vanishing at alarming rates, yet we rarely acknowledge the crisis. Tallamy highlights the crucial roles insects play and outlines simple changes we must make in our landscapes to preserve pollinators and other keystone species.

A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening
Traditional landscaping prioritizes aesthetics over ecological function, leaving little room for wildlife. Tallamy explains how native plants, which evolved alongside local species, better support birds, insects, and other animals, demonstrating how “living landscapes” can be both beautiful and vital for biodiversity.

The Nature of Oaks
Oaks are ecological powerhouses, sustaining diverse wildlife throughout the year. Tallamy explores their fascinating seasonal cycles, from woodpeckers storing acorns to jewel caterpillars thriving in their branches, offering practical tips on planting and care to inspire us to appreciate and protect these essential trees.

Are “Alien” Plants “Bad”?
Some argue that non-native plants benefiting certain pollinators or birds should be embraced, but what is the full ecological cost? Tallamy presents research comparing the impact of introduced species versus native ones, showing that the latter support far richer and more stable food webs, making a compelling case for prioritizing native plants.

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