Locals Share Green Action

What if your wedding dress could carry generations of love and reflect who you are today? In this episode, we sit down with Meranda Crosby, founder of Herstory Bridal and Design and The Shoppe at Hillcrest in Reno, Nevada. Meranda helps brides redesign wedding gowns passed down through generations, transforming heirloom dresses into one-of-a-kind creations that honor the past while celebrating a bride’s own story. Meranda’s love of fashion began early, from designing outfits for her Barbies to obsessively watching Say Yes to the Dress. That passion led her from Reno to Los Angeles, where she studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) and later worked in the costuming department at Disneyland. Ultimately, her love for bridal design, storytelling, and her hometown brought her back to Reno, where she founded Herstory Bridal and Design, a business rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and the belief that every dress has a story worth honoring. By reworking existing gowns, Meranda reduces textile waste while helping brides step into their next chapter with intention. Through her second venture, The Shoppe at Hillcrest, Meranda has also created a community-centered space that uplifts local artists, makers, and creatives, making her work as much about people and place as it is about design. This conversation explores fashion as storytelling, the emotional power of heirloom garments, and how sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand. In This Episode, We Cover How heirloom wedding dresses can be redesigned for modern brides The emotional significance of wearing a gown with family history Fashion as storytelling and legacy Reducing textile waste through bridal redesign and custom work Meranda’s journey from FIDM and Disneyland back to Reno Building community through The Shoppe at Hillcrest Supporting local creatives and inclusive creative spaces About the Guest Meranda Crosby is the founder of Herstory Bridal and Design and The Shoppe at Hillcrest in Reno, Nevada. With a background in fashion design and costuming, Meranda specializes in redesigning heirloom wedding gowns into custom bridal pieces that honor history, sustainability, and personal storytelling. Learn More Herstory Bridal and Design: https://www.herstorybridalanddesign.com/ The Shoppe at Hillcrest: https://www.hillcrest-reno.com/the-shoppe-at-hillcrest/ Follow Meranda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herstorybandd/

In this episode, we spotlight the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank (MARSB) and the critical role it plays in strengthening native plant supply chains, supporting regenerative land management, and protecting regional biodiversity. We explore how MARSB is working to better connect native plant material end users with commercial growers—and why this coordination is essential for successful restoration and conservation efforts. Our guest, Amy Kousch, recently joined MARSB as Outreach Liaison and brings over a decade of experience in regenerative agriculture and native plant work. Her background spans hands-on fieldwork, laboratory research, nursery and farm management, teaching, grant writing, and collaboration with community partners. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Communications, a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension Education, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in plant and soil science. She is deeply committed to the health of the Northeast’s watersheds, plant communities, and broader ecology. A major focus of this conversation is MARSB’s new Online Marketplace, an initiative designed to make native plant material needs more visible and accessible. Amy shares how MARSB is engaging end users through needs assessments and outreach, encouraging longer-term planning, and creating a platform where organizations, practitioners, and communities can post their native plant needs—helping growers plan ahead and increasing the availability of regionally appropriate native plants. In this episode, we discuss: The mission and role of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank Why native plant supply chains matter for restoration and regenerative projects The challenges end users face when sourcing native plant materials How needs assessments and long-term planning can strengthen regional resilience MARSB’s Online Marketplace and how it will connect end users with growers What this new system could mean for the future of native plant restoration in the Mid-Atlantic region Understanding how regenerative growing techniques can enhance how we care for our soil and our native plants To learn more, check out Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank's website: https://www.marsb.org/ Read about the Six-Point Program to Develop a Native Plant Material Supply Chain Throughout the Mid-Atlantic: https://www.marsb.org/marsb-six-point-program

In this episode, we chat with Ally Marielle, the driving force behind “Aydan & Ally’s First Annual Baby & Kids Clothing Swap” in Hillsdale, NJ. Ally took it upon herself to organize this event to help moms in her community swap gently used baby and kids' clothes. After four months of collecting and sorting donations in her basement, she’s ready to make a difference for local families. Tune in to hear Ally’s inspiring story, how she’s bringing her community together, and the impact she hopes this swap will have on moms helping moms. To learn more about hosting this type of event visit Ally's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ally.marielle

In this episode, we reconnect with Basil Camu, the visionary behind Leaf and Limb and Project Pando, two impactful organizations based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Basil shares his journey and insights on cultivating and distributing free native trees for reforestation across urban, suburban, and wild landscapes with less well-known methods that help speed up the success of local reforestation projects. As the author of the inspiring new book From Wasteland to Wonder: Simple Strategies for Healing the Earth in Urban and Suburban Spaces, Basil offers practical advice on restoring natural ecosystems. Join us for an engaging discussion on the importance of reforestation, the beauty of native plants, and the simple steps we can all take to heal the planet.

In this episode, we sit down with Richard, affectionately known as Rick, whose career in environmental protection and public service spans over three decades. Starting in 1988 with RKR Hess Associates, Rick's expertise in percolation testing and more led him to establish Fisher Environmental Services. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey, from his role as a Sewage Enforcement Officer to managing townships and finally retiring in 2022. This is a conversation about a life dedicated to service, and environmental advocacy.

Samantha Waldron, an unwavering champion of environmental causes and a dynamic member of her community, has woven her passion for nature into the very fabric of her life's journey. Her profound connection with the natural world took root in her formative years, nurtured by the profound influence of her father. This early bond propelled her into the fold of the high school environmental club, where her focus on safeguarding the fragile horseshoe crab populations of Cape May flourished. Recognizing that environmental issues are inextricably linked to broader social and economic inequalities, Samantha embarked on a quest for knowledge. Engrossing documentaries like "The Story of Stuff" and "Plastic: a Toxic Love Story" became her enlightening guides, illuminating the intricate interplay between environmental sustainability and the human experience. During her high school tenure, Samantha's commitment to service bloomed further through her involvement with Rotary International. Assuming the mantle of Interact president, she not only exemplified leadership but also secured a Coca-Cola scholarship—a testament to her dedication and impact. Her academic journey led her to Rutgers University, where she embraced her studies with vigor. However, her commitment to service remained steadfast. This devotion culminated in her receipt of the International Humanitarian Award, a testament to her striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Post-graduation, Samantha's heart remained intertwined with the ethos of service. Her altruistic spirit led her to volunteer in Nepal, extending her impact across borders and cultures. As the Vice President of Rotaract New Jersey, she continues to be a driving force in steering positive change within her local community. Her involvement with Rotary and United Way/United Way of Northern New Jersey underscores her unswerving dedication to forging a brighter, more equitable world. Beyond her roles as a community leader, Samantha possesses the credentials of a certified Environmental Remediation Scientist, harnessing her expertise to catalyze environmental conservation efforts. In every facet of her life, Samantha Waldron stands as a living testament to the power of passion, dedication, and service. Her journey, marked by both individual achievement and collective betterment, serves as an inspiring narrative of what can be accomplished when one person dares to be a catalyst for positive change.

Carla Brown is a creative reuse artist who had a podcast called Trashmagination, where she produced, recorded, and hosted 125 episodes on how to creatively reuse a huge number of different recycled materials. The podcast is on hiatus, but past episodes are still being accessed, and she is actively continuing to post her own artistic reuse creations on social media. Her goal for the Trashmagination podcast was to have it be a creative reuse peptalk. She wants to help people who are on a journey to zero waste. Today she continues that journey to make beautiful, useful items. Her current focus is on creatively reusing t-shirts and turning them into woven rugs and turning upholstery samples into storage containers. Carla offers some great advice to other reuse artists on how to approach projects, choose what and how much to collect for reuse, and find time for your art. Check out her beautiful creations at: https://trashmagination.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trashmagination/?hl=en

William DeMille is a lifelong vegetable farmer. William studied for two years of Horticulture and Agronomy at Northwest Missouri University, Maryville. He holds two certificates in aquaponic engineering and production from Cornell University NY, and from GrowHaus Aquaponics, in CO. He also graduated from Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School. William is a farm consultant who helped establish several agricultural startups in Missouri, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. He is currently the Director of Georgic Development for Monticello College in Utah. In 2021 he started his own grassroots school at his home in Clover Valley, Nevada teaching soil health and vegetable production, which trains people how to grow food without fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides etc. Gardening With William DeMille school includes a 3-day Boot Camp class for all ages and for college-aged students; he teaches an advanced 17-week class each summer to train new farmers in vegetable production. William owns and operates a soil testing laboratory and has a YouTube channel about farming. He is growing his Patreon channel, helping people grow food, and holds a weekly free online Q&A on Thursday evenings. William lives with his wife, Vernie Lynn DeMille, in the snow-capped mountains of Northern Nevada. They homeschooled their 4 children, and have one grandchild. William can be contacted at: www.georgicrevolution.com

Jared and Selena have been married for 27 years and are the parents of nine children and one grandchild. As 3rd generation ranchers, they are managing the operation that Jared’s grandfather and father built in Secret Pass and Clover Valley, Nevada. Jared is a lifelong learner and has not only been using the principles of holistic management, soil regeneration, and biodynamics but is also teaching them to other farmers and ranchers locally and globally. In addition, Jared has mentored many young people seeking to get a start in agriculture. The Sorensens teach onsite and virtual classes and offer internships on the ranch. Learn more at Rubymountainfoods.com Webinar series https://www.agsteward.fyi/webinar Ebook https://www.agsteward.cc/searching-for-home-finding-grace-ebook

The Food Group Minnesota is not your typical food pantry. Yet that is where they started originally over 40 years ago. They provide excellent examples of ways that community organizations can take a much larger role in addition to meeting immediate hunger-fighting needs. The Food Group Minnesota grows, harvests, buys and distributes healthy foods with multiple programs. Laura Mirafuentes is the perfect spokesperson for The Food Group. She has worked there for over eight years using her skills in fundraising, program management, and her 10 years of experience working in the food and agriculture sector to make a difference for local food systems and local food justice in the greater Minneapolis, MN area. She has worked with The Food Group since 2014, where she currently oversees fundraising for the organization and spent several years managing Big River Farms, a 150-acre certified organic incubator farm for beginning farmers of color. Laura has served as Project Director with multiple USDA awards and has helped various other organizations successfully attain their own federal grants as an independent consultant. Laura Mirafuentes currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors at Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2009 with a B.A. in English and is bilingual in Spanish. https://thefoodgroupmn.org Podcast sponsored by: GOGREENLOCALLY ORG, 501c3 NV nonprofit Hosted by: Jenny Nichols, Executive Director Edited by: Avery Sigarroa, Communications Coordinator

Healthy Eating Education & Farming - Kerin Gould – Author of “Produce With A Purpose” Kerin Gould has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Health and a PhD in Native American Studies. She has worked with food-related non-profits, but eventually focused on developing her own sustainable, non-toxic, wildlife-friendly farm and exploring a new way to connect vibrant fruit and veggies with those who strive to enhance their health with delicious recipes using farm-fresh produce. She is the author of “Produce With a Purpose” which has delicious recipes specifically geared to people recovering from cancer. By honing in on the nutritional value of various types of produce while taking inspiration from recipes from some of the best gourmet food cultures in the world, Kerin gives hope and knowledge on how attainable it is to produce more abundant health and a greater quality of life, while enjoying delicious easy to prepare foods. All this knowledge helps support the health of her community while supporting local farms farming with nature. B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/produce-with-a-purpose-kerin-leigh-gould/1140626686?ean=9780578327075 Amazon (Kindle and paperback): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KR8H1WB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0ZF9FZJK8EAG2546ZVS9 Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780578327075?fbclid=IwAR3wifQOAlLuNuDtpP-b7zEM1TrJuK_fMn3cojwg-g0MgAI_WwHhVSp9ke0 Bookshop.org (supports local brick and mortar stores) https://bookshop.org/books/produce-with-a-purpose-so-your-doctor-told-you-to-eat-more-fruit-and-vegetables-now-what/9780578327075%20/ Press kit: https://bykerinleighgould.wordpress.com/media-press-kit/ Web site: http://producewithapurpose.net Podcasts: https://producewithapurpose.podbean.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraJWtD7VEwI-zS1mez4Ong/videos Substack: https://kerin.substack.com/ Sacramento residents can find her column in their neighborhood ValCom newspapers and her articles for ValCom is online at https://www.valcomnews.com/?s=kerin+gould

Don Pierce has spent nearly his whole life working to protect the environment. After decades of work as a professional environmentalist, Don concluded that a new approach––one focused on the environmentalist and not just the environment––was needed. When famed conservationist David Brower asked him to write “a piece” to show environmentalists how to persevere, the result was a series of online courses that is good for both environmentalists and anyone seeking happiness and the preservation of nature. This series––the Heartwood Path––helps people to develop spiritually, helps people discover the benefits of communing with nature, and helps people find the abundant, abiding, and authentic happiness that comes from helping others, including natural beings. Don formed his first environmental group––a tree planting club––when he was nine. After that, he was president of both his high school and college environmental organizations. After a few years as a professional river conservationist, he was hired by Brower to be the Midwest Representative of Friends of the Earth. Pierce has led numerous conservation groups, including the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. He was a governor-appointed member of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, a Master’s Degree in political science, and Master’s Degree in social work. When he was not working to protect the environment or guiding people down the Heartwood Path, Pierce––a qualified life coach and mental health practitioner––served those who needed his care––including those who are young, aged, mentally ill, or mentally disabled. Don Pierce has been a professional environmentalist, drummer, printing executive, team-builder, and social worker. He is an avid canoeist and a photographer. He has authored a lengthy guide to attractions along the Missouri River, numerous conservation articles, and his auto-biography (available at Amazon). He loves to walk in nature with his dog. He divides his time between California and Missouri. He has two grown daughters: one, the mother of his two grand-daughters, in St. Louis; and the other somewhere with her husband on a sailboat that is often moored in Santa Barbara. https://www.heartwoodpath.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodpath/ https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodpath