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Boost Your Wellbeing and Help Local Wildlife: Discover the Amazing Natural World Right Outside Your Door
There’s a sense of peace and calmness that descends upon us when we stop and listen to the birds singing in the trees. Or watch the bees buzzing, butterflies floating between flowers, or fireflies lighting up the night sky.
And that sense of peace and calmness is real. Research shows that spending time in nature can:
- lower blood pressure and heart rate,
- reduce stress and anxiety,
- improve concentration and attention,
- increase creative thinking and problem-solving,
- boost the immune system,
- and benefit us in a whole host of other ways.
The great news is that you don’t have to go anywhere to experience the healing effects of spending time in nature. Because nature is all around us, including the places we live, work, and play.
By creating beautiful, thriving ecosystems in our yards, neighborhoods, schoolyards, corporate properties, and other places we go every day, each of us can take part in something deeply meaningful – helping nature heal while improving our own mental, emotional, and physical health.
In this inspiring keynote, Shannon invites audiences to take advantage of nature’s healing effects by opening their eyes to the natural wonders right outside their doors. Through engaging stories, eye-opening examples, and her simple science-informed HABITAT™ framework, Shannon shows how anyone can easily transform ordinary spaces into flourishing mini-ecosystems.
Audiences will:
- See their surroundings through a new lens of wonder and possibility.
- Learn easy, evidence-based ways to support nature close to home.
- Discover how connecting with nearby nature can boost well-being and focus.
- Leave inspired and equipped to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
This keynote can be adapted to fit either a 60 or 90 minute timeslot. It pairs well with the Design Your Thriving Ecosystem workshop.
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
By creating beautiful, thriving ecosystems where we live, work, and play, each of us can take part in something deeply meaningful – helping nature heal while benefiting our own mental, emotional, and physical health.
But exactly how do you create that beautiful, thriving ecosystem?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this workshop, we’ll dive deep as we walk through our simple, 7-step, science-informed HABITAT™ Framework with you.
You’ll walk out of the workshop with the design for a custom thriving ecosystem that works for your property and meets your goals.
Audiences will:
- Understand what goes into creating a thriving ecosystem where you live, work, and play.
- Design a miniature ecosystem that is customized for their site.
- Leave inspired and equipped to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
4 hours
Notes for the event planner:
- Each workshop attendee will receive 1 copy of Shannon’s Design Your Thriving Ecosystem Workbook.
- Workbooks can be customized to include the event name and any sponsors.
- Depending on the audience, this workshop can be run in one of two ways.
- If the audience consists of multiple individual homeowners, agencies, organizations, or businesses, then we’ll run the workshop so that each person is creating their own thriving ecosystem.
- If the audience consists of only one agency, organization, or business, then we can run the workshop so that it facilitates the creation of a single ecosystem on the organization’s or business’ property.
- Audience members will need to bring pictures (digital is fine) of the site where they want to create the miniature ecosystem.
- Internet access for the audience members will be helpful as they go through the workshop.
- This workshop can be combined with the Pick the Right Native Plants for Your Site workshop to create an all-day workshop. It also pairs well the Boost Your Wellbeing and Help Local Wildlife keynote.
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Would you like to transform your property into a thriving ecosystem that looks beautiful, fulfills your needs, AND attracts pollinators and wildlife? Choosing the right native plants is key to making that dream come true.
But here’s a hint, the right native plants for you may not be the right native plants for someone else because we all have unique properties and unique situations.
The right native plants for you are a customized selection that considers everything that makes you and your property unique. There isn’t a generic, cookie-cutter list of native plants that are perfect for everyone in every situation and every location.
In this workshop, we’ll learn what a native plant is, why they’re so important for creating a thriving ecosystem, and how to use the STAY™ with Native Plants Framework to determine the right native plants for your unique situation.
Audiences will:
- Understand what a native plant is and why they are so important.
- Come away with a simple, 4-step method for filtering through all the possible species to determine the right native plant for them.
- Leave inspired and equipped to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
2 hours
Notes for the event planner:
- Each workshop attendee will receive 1 copy of Shannon’s Pick the Right Native Plant for Your Site Workbook.
- Workbooks can be customized to include the event name and any sponsors.
- This workshop can be combined with the Design Your Thriving Ecosystem workshop to create an all-day event.
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Get customized advice that is specific to you and your unique situation.
This is your opportunity to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I am struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?”
Shannon and Anthony Trimboli, co-hosts of Backyard Ecology, will answer your questions and provide you with customized guidance for taking the next step toward achieving your unique habitat and ecosystem goals.
This is a completely interactive, Q&A-driven session.
Audiences will:
- Receive answers to their questions about how to create or improve their own thriving ecosystems.
- Increase their confidence in their ability to support nature where they live, work, and play.
- Leave inspired and equipped to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
This breakout session can fit either a 45 or 60 minute slot.
Notes for the event planner:
- This is a completely Q&A-driven session. There is no pre-prepared teaching or informational component to this session.
About Shannon and Anthony Trimboli:
Shannon and Anthony are life-long nature lovers who are passionate about sharing their love of nature with others.
Shannon has an M.S. in Ecology (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University). Anthony has an M.S. in Agriculture (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University).
Shannon is the founder of Backyard Ecology™ which she co-hosts with Anthony. Backyard Ecology™ teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding and co-hosting Backyard Ecology™, their combined professional careers included:
- studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife (including common, endangered, and invasive species),
- conducting habitat surveys on public and private lands,
- creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects,
- and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
They have provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, Native Plant Societies, and many other locations.
Shannon has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses. While Anthony’s videos on the Backyard Ecology™ YouTube channel have reached over 5 million viewers.
Let’s see go for a walk. Together we’ll discover and learn about the nature that’s all around you. Every nature hike will be different because you never know what we’ll find.
Audiences will:
- See their surroundings through a new lens of wonder and possibility.
- Experience the calming effects of spending time in nature.
Length:
45, 60, or 90 minutes
Notes for the event planner:
- Best with 20 people or less so that everyone has the opportunity to see what we discover.
- Organizers take full liability and responsibility for participants on the walk.
- Because of the outdoor nature of this event, it is somewhat weather-dependent.
About Shannon and Anthony Trimboli:
Shannon and Anthony are life-long nature lovers who are passionate about sharing their love of nature with others.
Shannon has an M.S. in Ecology (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University). Anthony has an M.S. in Agriculture (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University).
Shannon is the founder of Backyard Ecology™ which she co-hosts with Anthony. Backyard Ecology™ teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding and co-hosting Backyard Ecology™, their combined professional careers included:
- studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife (including common, endangered, and invasive species),
- conducting habitat surveys on public and private lands,
- creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects,
- and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
They have provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, Native Plant Societies, and many other locations.
Shannon has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses. While Anthony’s videos on the Backyard Ecology™ YouTube channel have reached over 5 million viewers.
Gain a new appreciation for some of the common species that we can find in our yards and communities as we explore their fascinating and often untold stories.
Join Shannon Trimboli, founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology, as she shares the stories of:
- an insect which we all know and love that amazed children visiting from Australia,
- a common yard bird that is one of the only species of birds in the world that never cheats on its mate,
- and other common local wildlife whose stories you’ve probably never heard.
You’ll never look at our native wildlife in the same way after listening to this fun and inspiring presentation.
Audiences will:
- See their surroundings through a new lens of wonder and possibility.
- Discover how connecting with nearby nature can boost well-being and focus.
- Leave inspired to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Do you dream of having a yard full of different types of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators?
You might think the solution is to plant a bunch of pretty flowers. That might bring in some pollinators, but just planting “pretty flowers” won’t attract the most pollinators or the greatest diversity.
Join us to learn how to attract and support the greatest number and diversity of pollinators without having to spend a lot of extra time doing it.
And who can say “no” to a beautiful yard full of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators that is also quick and easy to take care of?
Audiences will:
- See their surroundings through a new lens of wonder and possibility.
- Learn the difference between gardening and creating a thriving ecosystem.
- Discover the 2 simplest and best ways to attract the most pollinators to their property.
- Leave inspired to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Think you know how to read a native plant range map? You might be surprised!
Join us for an insightful session as we demystify the world of plant range maps. Learn which online resources are reliable, uncover common pitfalls in map interpretation, and gain the skills to confidently determine a plant’s native status in your area.
Discover the importance of choosing truly native plants and how they benefit your local ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and make informed choices for your garden and beyond!
Audiences will:
- Understand what a native plant is and why they are so important.
- Learn common pitfalls and how to avoid them when reading online range maps.
- Leave inspired and equipped to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Do you dream of having a yard filled with hummingbirds, wrens, cardinals, chickadees, and a wide variety of other birds? Let’s make that dream come true!
Join us to learn some simple steps you can take to attract and support the greatest number and diversity of birds on your property.
We’ll also discuss how to keep your birds safe while they are visiting your yard and strategic ways you can use feeders to enhance your backyard birdwatching experiences.
Audiences will:
- See their surroundings through a new lens of wonder and possibility.
- Discover simple ways to attract more birds to their property without putting up a birdfeeder.
- Learn how to safely and strategically use birdfeeders on their property.
- Be inspired to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Fireflies and lightning bugs are a magical part of summer nights in the eastern U.S. What we often don’t realize is that there may be a dozen or more species lighting up our night skies during the peak firefly season.
Join us to discover some of the different types of fireflies you can find right where you live, ways to identify them, and ways to make your property more attractive to fireflies.
Audiences will:
- Rediscover the wonder and awe of fireflies and lightning bugs.
- Learn techniques for identifying common firefly species
- Discover simple ways to attract more fireflies to their property.
- Leave inspired to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Moths may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the animals you want to attract to your pollinator or wildlife garden. But moths play extremely important roles in the backyard ecosystems we are creating.
Join us to learn about moth diversity, the important roles they play in the ecosystem, how to attract them, and some fun ways to observe them.
Audiences will:
- Discover the surprising and often overlooked value of moths.
- See moths through a new lens of wonder.
- Learn simple techniques for attracting and observing moths.
- Be inspired to make a real ecological impact – starting with where they live, work, and play.
Length:
45 minutes + additional time for Q&A
About Shannon Trimboli:
Shannon has always enjoyed exploring nature, learning about different plants and animals, and sharing her passion with others. Her formal education includes a B.S. in wildlife biology (Murray State University) and an M.S. in biology with an emphasis in Ecology (Western Kentucky University).
She is the founder and co-host of Backyard Ecology™ which teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding Backyard Ecology™, Shannon’s professional career included studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife, creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects, and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
Shannon has provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, and many other locations. She has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses.
Shannon and Anthony Trimboli are available for guest appearances on podcasts and other forms of media.
Some of the media outlets that one or both of them have previously appeared on include:
- local TV stations,
- local radio stations, and
- the Native Plants Healthy Planet podcast.
Common topics Shannon speaks on:
- Inspiring a love of our fascinating native plants and wildlife (aka general geeking out about nature)
- Shannon loves all nature, but has a special love for hummingbirds, songbirds, bees, butterflies, and fireflies.
- Attracting pollinators and wildlife to your property (she has a special love for birds, bees, butterflies, and moths)
- Creating thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play
- Growing native plants, especially native wildflowers
- Interactions between native plants and the pollinators or wildlife that use them
Common topics Anthony speaks on:
- Inspiring a love of our fascinating native plants and wildlife (aka general geeking out about nature)
- Anthony loves all nature, but has a special love for amphibians, reptiles, and beetles.
- Attracting pollinators and wildlife to your property
- Creating thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play
- How to identify trees and shrubs (with and without the leaves)
- Growing native plants, especially native trees and shrubs
- Invasive species and their threats to our native ecosystems
About Shannon and Anthony Trimboli:
Shannon and Anthony are life-long nature lovers who are passionate about sharing their love of nature with others.
Shannon has an M.S. in Ecology (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University). Anthony has an M.S. in Agriculture (Western Kentucky University) and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology (Murray State University).
Shannon is the founder of Backyard Ecology™ which she co-hosts with Anthony. Backyard Ecology™ teaches people about the native plants and wildlife found in the eastern U.S. and provides coaching and training on how to create beautiful, thriving ecosystems where you live, work, and play.
Before founding and co-hosting Backyard Ecology™, their combined professional careers included:
- studying a wide variety of plants and wildlife (including common, endangered, and invasive species),
- conducting habitat surveys on public and private lands,
- creating and facilitating citizen science or community science projects,
- and holding multiple nature-based educational positions working with k-adult learners.
They have provided presentations and trainings at Warriors’ Path State Park (TN), Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the Georgia Pollinator Symposium, Kentucky Master Gardeners’ State Conference, local chapters of the Wild Ones, Native Plant Societies, and many other locations.
Shannon has also published 2 books, 5 workbooks, and multiple on-line courses. While Anthony’s videos on the Backyard Ecology™ YouTube channel have reached over 5 million viewers.