0111 | Native Plant Symposium

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Educational Programs

Growing and protecting native plants is important for many reasons. They celebrate our state and region, they are well-suited to our region’s growing conditions and they are the foundation of the complex ecosystem that supports insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Join us for this year’s Native Plant Symposium for an overview of native trees and forest ecosystems, with a focus on forest health, conservation and stewardship. The program will highlight current challenges and research shaping the future of our forests, while offering insight into tree health and forest restoration across the state.

This event is in partnership with the Garden Club of Georgia.

Course Outline

9-9:15 Welcome & Announcements
State Botanical Garden of Georgia team
Diane Hunter, president, Garden Club of Georgia

9:15-10 Key Ways to Recognize and Protect High Value Trees and Greenspaces
Kathryn Kolb, executive director, EcoAddendum; Master Naturalist

10-10:45 Trees, People and Communities: Understanding Benefits, Threats and Opportunities
Ignazio Graziosi, assistant professor, Tree Biology and Health, UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

10:45-11 What’s for Sale at the Plant Sale?
horticulture & conservation departments, State Botanical Garden of Georgia

11-11:45 Break & Plant Sale

11:45-12:30 Restoring Longleaf: An Ecosystem Approach to Building a Resilient Forest
Carol Denhof, president, The Longleaf Alliance

12:30-1 Lunch & Certificate in Native Plants and Plants & Pollinators Specialization Graduation Ceremony
Terrace room, Garden Club of Georgia Headquarters

1-1:30 Plant Sale & Free Time around the Garden

1:30 – 2:15 Stories Exploring Thompson Mills Forest with Mr. Bill
Bill Lott, former director, Thompson Mills Forest and State Arboretum
Brad Smith, assistant forest resource manager, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources

2:15-2:45 Postcards
Certificate in Native Plants and Plants & Pollinators graduates will share how their experiences in the programs not only increased their botanical literacy but also developed community connections through conservation and restoration projects.

2:45-3:30 Tree Care Prescriptions for Community Enhancement
Edward Morrow, ISA certified arborist, Tree S.T.A.R.S.

3:30 Closing Remarks & Adjourn

3:30-4 Optional Native Tree Walk
$10 Add-On, Limited Spots Available

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Certificate in Native Plants : Certificate in Native Plants Electives