Gibson Woods Wild Ones 10th Biennial Native Plant Symposium
Schedule
Sat Oct 17 2026 at 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
St. John Township Community Center | Schererville, IN
About this Event
This event includes Continential Breakfast, 3 Speakers, Boxed Lunch, Silent Auction, Book Sale, Door Prizes & More!
Attendance is limited, so get your registration in
Agenda
π: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration & Continental Breakfast
π: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Jewels of the Undergrowth
Host: KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Kevin Wiener, All Bugs Go to Kevin
Info: Did you know that the majority of all animals on Earth have six or more legs? Prepare to have your perceptions transformed as we explore the fascinating life cycles, behaviors, and ecological significance of these often-overlooked inhabitants of our planet β the arthropods! Have you ever stopped to consider the intricate dance between a bee and a flower, or the silent work of decomposers breaking down leaf litter. Join Kevin Wiener as he explores how insects, spiders, mites, millipedes, and their kin contribute to pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, and provide food for many animals.
π: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Oak Savanna Garden Design: Going Beyond 'Prairie-Style' Pollinator Gardens
Host: Mike Weis, Dropseed! Native Gardens and Ecological Resto
Info: Oak Savannas are ideal models for βhyper-productive keystone species,β crucial for supporting local food webs, as noted by entomologist Douglas Tallamy. Many urban yards suit Oak Savanna gardens, yet prairies and forests are more common models. Native garden designer Mike Weis explains the value of oak savanna ecosystems, their benefits to wildlife, and practical steps for creating your own native garden inspired by these resilient landscapes. Restore oaks and help transform your yard into a wildlife habitat.
π: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch, Socializing, and Shopping!
Info: Lunch Menu:
Assorted Wraps β Turkey dijon, Steak & ranch, Buffalo chicken (gluten free wraps available).
Very Berry & Grain β Seasonal berries, walnuts, tomato, cucumber & feta cheese.
Harvest Veggies
π: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Small Group Discussions: Thinking Outside the Box
π: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Soil Food Web β The Food Chain Beneath our Feet
Host: Rebecca Koets, Purdue Extension
Info: The soil food web is a systems way of understanding the life in the soil. Learn about tiny complex food chains, micro-organisms, invertebrates, and how to boost the health of our soil. Learn how to identify healthy and less healthy soil and how to help. Identify soil organisms and begin to learn about bio complete compost.
π: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Silent Auction Results
Where is it happening?
St. John Township Community Center, 1515 Lincoln Highway, Schererville, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 44.52 to USD 55.20