She studied art and environmental education at Warren Wilson College, where she led the Native Plant Landscaping Crew — selecting wild plants, harvesting seed, and designing habitat. In 2007, she heard entomologist Doug Tallamy speak about plant-insect-bird relationships, and the trajectory of her work sharpened: native plants were not just beautiful — they were the foundation of the food web.

Sadie went on to earn a graduate degree in landscape architecture from NC State University, where she designed spaces that centered human-nature connection. But working in traditional landscape architecture, she saw how the industry prioritized development over ecology — and how environmental policies often fell short of protecting the landscapes they were meant to serve.

In 2019, while conducting a tree survey on the last pocket of green in a sea of grey, she found bobcat tracks — one adult, one kitten — and wondered where they would go. That same year, a landmark study revealed that North America had lost nearly 3 billion birds in 50 years. On a tearful call to her mom, Sadie was asked what she was going to do about it. She was designing a gas station at the time — and it became her first Pitstop for the Birds design.

Today, Sadie leads Pitstop for the Birds from Raleigh, NC, building a model that transforms EV charging infrastructure into habitat for migrating birds — and into places where people can reconnect with the natural world.

Sophie believes people learn best through their hands, through wonder, and through deep relationship with land and community. That belief is woven into Pitstop's stewardship curriculum, where students explore migration, local ecology, and community interconnection through field observations, creative projects, and hands-on stewardship. Sophie's work is how we invite students, elders, and neighbors into the work of restoration in a meaningful, lasting way.

Isaiah is a restoration ecologist working at the intersection of habitat restoration, climate adaptation, and community-based conservation. He leads community-based restoration projects across California that support bird habitat, sequester carbon, and strengthen ecological resilience. With over 15 years of experience advancing climate-smart strategies in riparian, wetland, and upland ecosystems, Isaiah serves on the board of the California Society for Ecological Restoration and the leadership team for the Roots Program, an initiative to restore working lands with a focus on underserved communities.

Emily Belding — Utility and Policy Engagement Associate, IONNA

Emily is a sustainability and transportation professional with deep expertise in EV charging infrastructure, public policy, and government grant programs. At IONNA, she leads utility and public-sector engagement to support the deployment of a nationwide EV charging network. With a background that includes leadership roles at Caltrans and EDF, Emily brings systems thinking and collaborative problem-solving to the intersection of clean transportation and environmental resilience.

Martha Eberle — Senior Landscape Architect, Biohabitats

Martha is a Senior Landscape Architect with Biohabitats, bringing more than 20 years of experience in design and planning focused on the integration of high-performing ecological systems within urban, suburban, and rural environments. Her work spans large-scale coastal resiliency and brownfield restoration to small-scale urban interventions rooted in community character. Martha is passionate about creating high-functioning, equitable, and beautiful places grounded in ecology and community.