This spring, reconnect with your alumni community and dig into something new at this alumni Field Trip!
Gardening is more than a seasonal pastime — it’s a way to nourish your well-being, reduce your environmental footprint and cultivate meaningful connections. As Calgary’s growing season begins, join fellow UCalgary alumni for a hands-on, insight-packed field trip designed to inspire gardeners of every level.
Whether you’re an amateur gardener or a seasoned green thumb, this event is for you. Hear from alumni experts in gardening and urban ecology, learn about exciting topics like water conservation and vermicomposting and get a guided tour of Calgary’s largest volunteer-run botanical garden.
No matter your level of knowledge, you’ll leave with new ideas and inspiration — just in time for 2026’s planting season!
Note: This is a “rain or shine” event scheduled to take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly. Portable washroom facilities will be available on site.
About the speakers
Jack Goodwin, BSc'09
CEO, Gorilla Gardener and Co-founder, Vacant Lots Farm Club
Jack is a scientist who moved into the fields of practical design and ecological agriculture by the ominous realities of the present world: ecological degradation, climate change and incredible disparity. His love of science, food and holistic design has merged into a career in ecological agriculture, where he has spent the last 10 years starting and supporting both for and non-profit urban agriculture projects in Calgary. Some of his notable work includes The Land of Dreams and Highfield Regenerative Farm, which together represent more than 18 hectares (45 acres) of development space devoted to urban agriculture in the city.
Anne Katzenberg
Lead Gardener, Silver Springs Botanical Gardens
Anne Katzenberg is a retired professor of biological anthropology. After retiring, she completed the Master Gardener Certificate course with the Calgary Horticultural Society, as well as two courses on the identification of woody plants. She volunteered with the society, answering people’s gardening questions online, and also began volunteering with the Silver Springs Botanical Gardens. She continues to work at the botanical gardens, and alongside her duties as a lead gardener, is a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Education Committee.
Lex van der Raadt, MA’15
Executive Director, Green Calgary
Lex formed an interest in the environment from growing up on stories of adventure and exploration — as well as explorations of his own through travel and camping. He has worked in the non-profit space for 15 years, including in the areas of volunteer management, operations, accounting and business development. Lex has a background in communication and marketing with a MA in English from the UCalgary. In his spare time, Lex enjoys culinary experimentation, creative writing and designing games.
Do you remember the joy of taking a school field trip?
From visiting an exciting locale to working with your hands to build something yourself, field trips were the highlight of the school year.
The UCalgary Alumni Association has launched its Field Trips series to inspire a little nostalgia for alumni at any age!
Make sure you’re subscribed to the monthly edition of the Alumni Insider to learn about future Field Trips!
Alumni programs are made possible through the generous support of UCalgary Alumni Association Partners TD Insurance and Manulife.