Our History
On August 13, 2022, environmental advocates Pam Skripak and Carole Nemore from Bethlehem Tomorrow, native garden landscape designer Kate Brittenham of Front Stoop Gardens, and native plant propagator Rhonda van Heuveln of Capital Native Plants connected while tabling at a native plant sale in Delmar, NY. In short time, we realized we share a passion for pollinators, native plants, climate action, and a safe, biodiverse, and regenerative environment for all. Four days later, over breakfast at Manory’s in Troy, Pam, Kate, and Rhonda hatched a plan to bring their combined knowledge, skills, and passion to as many others as possible. Soon, Kristi Shepler from WildOnes Capital Region NY joined the planning team. A vision was taking shape!
In March 2023, Pam, Kate, Rhonda, Kristi, and Carole collectively, with the invaluable guidance of Land Design, Inc., proprietors Laura and John Kelly and the collaboration of over 75 dedicated volunteers and dozens of environmental groups and businesses, produced the first ever Ecological Landscapes Exhibit at the 2023 Capital Region Flower and Garden Show. Nearly 17,000 attendees strolled through the 4,500 square foot exhibit, engaging with environmental experts and master gardeners at eight educational stations on topics such as Why Plant Natives, The Importance of Pollinators, The Soil Food Web, Home Composting, Vegetable Gardening, Sustainable Practices, and Environmental Justice. Home Earth Alliance was launched!
One year later, we returned with an even more expansive exhibit. In April 2024, we launched IMAGINE Native Plant Farm to ensure the greater Capital Region has access to native plants from and for our surrounding eco-regions.
Today, co-Founders Pam Skripak and Kate Brittenham, with a sterling board and advisory team of area experts, advocates, and volunteers, are working to grow and scale our work. We are excited to see what the future brings.
Please feel free to reach out to us for more information. You are always welcome to schedule a visit to our nursery and, of course…. you will find us at the next Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo in March! Join us! We are always looking to build our community!
From left to right: Kate, Pam and Rhonda.