Patrick Newman, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Igniting Lady Bird’s Legacy: Fire ecology at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Fire has played a key role in the formation of most grassland ecosystems in North America and across the globe. In fact, the majority of scientific evidence regarding fire points to the value of and need to restore fire regimes within conservation programs. For the better part of two decades, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has been employing fire to achieve desirable conservation and horticultural outcomes. Doing so at the wildland-urban interface and in the middle of a botanic garden is not without its challenges, but the benefits and efficacy of doing so simply cannot be ignored.

About our Speaker

Patrick Newman is Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. He joined the Wildflower Center in 2016, but he has worked in public gardens since 2006. Previously, he was Director of Programs at the University of Utah’s Red Butte Garden & Arboretum where he supervised education programs and more than 300 volunteers. He also served as the interim director of development and cultivated financial support from current and prospective donors. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s of public administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management.

Learn more at wildflower.org.

Agenda:

6:50am - Coffee & Networking 

7:10am - Breakfast Buffet

7:25am - Introductions & Announcements

7:50am - Speaker Introduction

8:20am - Q&A

8:30am - Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Directions and Parking to UT Club

Breakfast Fees & Policy