Private Mid-Atlantic Regional Group

• Your name
• The state you live and/or work in
• The garden setting where you connect with kids
• What you'd like to get from participating in this group
• Anything else you want people to know about you

I'll get us started!

My name is Carissa Tirado-Marks and I'm the Lead for this group. I look forward to connecting and helping you navigate the organizations, networks, and resources available in the Mid Atlantic region. This group is open to anyone but particularly relevant to members in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Virginia, and bordering states.

I live in Silver Spring, Maryland and I currently work as the Garden Lead at the Green Farmacy Garden in Columbia, MD. I hold a B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Indiana University and am nearly finished with my Master's of Applied Entomology from University of Maryland. I am a certified Master Naturalist in the state of Maryland and am particularly passionate about helping people connect with nature in the unique ways that make sense to them. My background is in sustainability, food systems, food security, and community outreach.I've spent more than a decade working in outreach and nature education in school and community garden spaces, mostly in Washington, DC and Maryland (and although not relevant to this group, in Indiana). I love foraging and exploring nature, I am a Gemini, I love science fiction, my favorite author is Octavia Butler, my favorite band is Fleetwood Mac, compost is so cool, and figs fresh off the tree are the best. :)

I'm excited to connect and learn alongside all of you. Thank you for being here!