FOUNDER & LEAD DESIGNER

Elyse Jurgen, M.Ed, CBLP, CERP, founder of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., partners with you to turn your rebuilding biodiversity intention into action — with clarity, creativity, and ecological integrity. She helps you rebuild ecological literacy and restore habitat; not just with tools and training, but with experiences that inspire.

Whether you are a homeowner, educator, land manager, or community advocate, Elyse meets you where you are. Ample hikes and observations in nature sparks her imagination, bringing a rare blend of art and science into her practice. Her work deepens your connection to place, and empowers you to take meaningful action. 

You’ll also benefit from her rare blend of credentials and experience:

Master’s in Environmental Education (M.Ed)

Biology (grades 7-12) Teaching Certification

B.S. in Environmental Studies

Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP- Society for Ecological Restoration)

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP)

Ecological Gardening Certificate (Mt. Cuba Center)

NDAL Ecology-Based Landscape Design Intensive Course Series

Certified PA Master Naturalist

Permaculture Design Certificate

Civic Ecology Certificate (Cornell University)

Mov Nat Level 1 Instructor

Qigong Level 1 Instructor (in training)

Want to collaborate to help inspire your community audience? Here’s a snapshot of Elyse’s former speaking events:

Society for Ecological Restoration Worldwide Conference Workshop Facilitator | Denver, CO- 2025

Jenkin’s Arboretum Lecturer | Online- 2024

Garden Wise Master Gardeners Conference Co-Keynote with Rebecca McMackin | York, PA- 2024

Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference Session Speaker | Scranton, PA- 2023 and York, PA- 2024

Mount Gretna Summer Series Lectures | Mt. Gretna- 2023 and 2024

DCNR’s Watershed Forestry Summit Session Speaker | Altoona, PA- 2023

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

Charlie Stephenson serves as the logistical and administrative support for the Waxwing team. He has a Masters in Logistics and Transportation and is a veteran.

He supports the biodiversity building mission by managing the movement of site prep materials and native plants prior to installation. He also assists customers with initial irrigation and hauling when needed. From spreadsheets to chainsaws, Charlie’s contribution to the Waxwing “nest” creates a more easeful experience for all.

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING STEWARD

Rita Tomassetti is originally from the Dominican Republic and now a naturalized American citizen. She’s been living in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children for the past 13.5 years.

Rita has had an interest in gardening since she was a little girl. After being introduced to native plants 5.5 years ago, she has developed a passion for native plant gardening and taking care of this amazing earth we have been blessed with. She loves sharing her passion for native plants and gardening for wildlife with everyone she meets.

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING STEWARD

Riley grew up in the Lancaster area and is passionate about helping endangered plants and wildlife. She also has a deep appreciation for the ways nature can bring people together.

Among other educational pursuits pertaining to native plants, Riley has completed the Habitat Advocates certificate as well as the Ecological Gardener Training Program certificate.

ECOLOGICAL GARDENING AND RESTORATION STEWARD

Marsha is a recent graduate of the Ecological Gardening Training, completed her Habitat Advocate certification, and is a PA Master Naturalist. She enjoys ecological gardening and restoration on her own property where she lives with her family outside Millersville, PA.

Marsha is grateful for the opportunity to work with new and existing Waxwing customers in the community, build biodiversity, and deepen human connections with nature. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, campfires, playing with her kids and spending time with family and friends.