About Us
Meadowscaping for Biodiversity (MS4B) is dedicated to bringing students outdoors in nature; empowering them to take positive steps to restore biodiversity in their communities; and helping them to develop life and career-readiness skills.
MS4B promotes “intentional gardening” — gardening with pollinator-friendly, perennial native plants — with the intention of building healthy, resilient communities. We do this through after-school and summer programs for youth, as well as by providing topical presentations on biodiversity, climate action, and native-plant gardening; one-on-one consultations on curriculum development with teachers; and specialty landscaping services — using native plants — for property owners.
We inspire youth from all backgrounds to address the rapidly increasing, real-world challenges to the environment and our society presented by the climate crisis. Working in teams outdoors, students learn about nature and ways to balance the world. Youth use creative ways to teach the community that the future is in their hands. Increase biodiversity, pollinator and wildlife habitat to build community resilience in the time of rapidly changing climate.
Our Team
Founder / Director
Barbara Passero
A native of the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Barbara Passero has been active in public outreach, environmental education, and environmental advocacy since she moved to Boston in the 1970s.
Barbara earned a B.A. in English from Hiram College and an M.L.S. degree from the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science. After moving to Boston, Barbara directed the Marine Resources Information Center for the MIT Sea Grant Program. She has worked in publications and information service for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Environmental Science Department, Newton Public Library, Biology Department of Suffolk University, and other organizations. She served as editor and board member for the Massachusetts Marine Educators and as Communications Officer of the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT. Barbara is a member of the Environmental group of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.
Barbara treasures the natural world and brings students outdoors to learn about biodiversity and environmental careers. MS4B presents workshops, zoom, and other programs about functional gardening and native plants.
Design / Illustration
Liliana Folta
Liliana Folta was born in Argentina. She is a multimedia artist, working on socio-environmental projects, and a native plant advocate to help raise awareness about pollinators and the ecosystems.
Her most recent art/science installations were presented at the Berlin Science Week at the Humboldt University of Berlin – Thaer Institute; Foundation François Schneider Centre d’Art Contemporains, France; United Nation 75: Global Conversation 2020; Global Group 3000 Gallery for Sustainability Art, Berlin Germany.
During the spring of 2021 Liliana was inspired by Meadowscaping for Biodiversity and joined the opportunity to research and learn more about the importance of planting native plants for pollinators, so they can continue the natural process in their habitats.
This practice is urgent and she would like to invite you to be part of a better future for our Planet, by challenging city parks, corporate and private sectors, college campuses and church to make use of sustainable gardening in their land.
Fragmented habitat may be too small to meet the survival needs of pollinators and urban community effort is needed.
Liliana can help you to select the plants and illustrate the area you wish to have your native garden.