Panel Discussion at Planting Fields: The Intersections of Art, Ecology, and Stewardship

Panel Discussion at Planting Fields: The Intersections of Art, Ecology, and Stewardship
Saturday, August 30, 2025
6 – 8:30pm
Tickets: $35 per person
Location: The Great Hall at the Main House
Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. All tickets final sale. 
Please note: Bela Horvath will now be performing, bringing a fresh and virtuosic interpretation to this performance.

Step into an evening where music meets meaning. Award-winning violinist, Bela Horvath opens with a soul-stirring solo performance, setting the stage for a compelling conversation at the crossroads of art, ecology, and stewardship. What begins in sound will unfold in dialogue, as visionary leaders explore how creativity and conservation can shape a more connected and resilient world.

Panel Discussion
The Intersections of Art, Ecology, and Stewardship will now be moderated by two-time EMMY award-winning News 12 meteorologist and Garden Guide creator and host, Alex Calamia! Alex brings insight and clarity to the conversation, helping guide the evening’s diverse perspectives into a meaningful dialogue, weaving together art, science, and public engagement.

Panelists Include

Gina J. Wouters, Ph.D., President and CEO, Planting Fields Foundation
A leader in historic site preservation, Dr. Wouters brings a commitment to cultural and ecological engagement shaped by her work at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.

Vincent Simeone, Director, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
An expert in horticulture and sustainability and is a published author on landscape and garden practices.

Ronald Phipps, Vice President, Scientific Commission on Beekeeping Economy, Apimondia
An international expert on honey markets and beekeeping economics, he serves as Vice President of the Apimondia Scientific Commission on Beekeeping Economy and is President of CPNA International, Ltd.

Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and Clinical Chief (Director of Clinical Services) of the Nephrology Division at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia.

His work focuses on glomerular diseases, lupus nephritis, hypertension, and intensive care nephrology. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Kidney International Reports and Associate Editor of Kidney International.

Alex Calamia, News 12 Meteorologist and creator and host of Garden Guide

Alex Calamia is a 2x EMMY award-winning meteorologist for News 12 Long Island and the creator and host of the network’s Garden Guide segment. In Garden Guide, Alex shares practical gardening advice tailored to our local climate. The segment airs every Wednesday and Sunday morning on News 12, and his weekly garden videos have taken off on social media. This summer alone, his Instagram content has been viewed more than 1.1 million times.

Before returning to Long Island, Alex spent several years forecasting weather and creating gardening videos in South Carolina and Florida. He’s covered major weather events including Hurricane Irma, and led live coverage during the 2020 Easter Tornado Outbreak in South Carolina.

His gardening coverage has explored topics like improving blueberry production in Florida and spotlighted farms growing olives and avocados in the northern part of the state. Whether reporting on severe weather or seasonal planting, Alex aims to inform and engage viewers through clear, accessible storytelling.

You can watch Alex every weekend morning on News 12 Long Island. Garden Guide segments are also available to watch watch online anytime on News12.com

Together, these voices will reflect on how the arts, science, and public spaces like Planting Fields can inspire action and deepen our collective connection to the natural world.

For questions, please contact Lilly McGurk, Stewardship Director at lmcgurk@plantingfields.org 

Artist is subject to change.

By registering for this event, you consent to Planting Fields Foundation photographing and filming during the event. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, on our website, newsletters, grant requests, reports. As it may not be feasible to identify individuals who may wish to opt out, your registration implies your consent to be photographed. If you have any concerns, please contact us at lmcgurk@plantingfields.org