Please join us for an informative presentation by Nancy Galdo and Laura Ureta of ReGrow the Loop. They will share an overview of their 2026 programs, with special emphasis on the upcoming Brazilian Pepper Removal Initiative, an important effort focused on protecting and restoring our local natural habitats.
Speaker biographies are included below so you can learn more about their experience and dedication to environmental stewardship.
Nancy Galdo
Nancy Galdo lived in Miami and Miami Beach for more than 60 years before relocating to Ormond Beach in 2017. She studied music at the University of Miami and spent eighteen years as a Flight Attendant and Flight Service Administrator with National Airlines and Pan American Airlines.
A seasoned professional in the music industry, Nancy worked for over 15 years with both major and independent record labels, including serving as an A&R Administrator for Island Records. She also applied her strong communication and organizational skills as a producer of numerous large-scale weekend events throughout South Florida.
Nancy and her husband, Joe, have been married for 55 years and raised two children together. Her hobbies include gardening—especially cultivating native plants—cooking, and maintaining an extensive collection of seashells from around the world.
Since moving to Ormond Beach, Nancy has served on the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail National Scenic Byway Board, where she currently serves as Vice Chair. In this role, she works closely with the community on environmental and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the Scenic Loop. One notable project included organizing the replanting and ongoing stewardship of the Tomoka State Park Native Plant Garden by bringing together local native plant and gardening organizations to create what is now a thriving and beautiful space.
The ReGrow the Loop initiative is now entering its third year, with a major focus in 2026 on Brazilian Pepper removal.
Laura Ureta
Laura Ureta graduated from the University of Missouri in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, specializing in animal behavior. She began her career as a zookeeper and animal trainer and also holds an AKC-certified dog training certification.
Laura later worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) as a Plant Industry Inspector for ten years, followed by two years with the USDA focusing on plant disease and pest detection.
She is an ISA Certified Arborist (FL-9936A), Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and Prescription Pruning Certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, and she also holds a Regulatory Pesticide License. Laura has served as the Arborist for the City of Ormond Beach for nearly three years and is a passionate advocate for urban forestry and tree conservation. She is married and the proud mother of a 15-year-old.
We hope you will join us for this engaging and informative presentation and learn how you can support local conservation efforts.
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