Native Plant Symposium: Celebration of the NCNPS 75th Anniversary

Join us for a day-long celebration of North Carolina's native plant heritage, honoring the 75th Anniversary of the NC Native Plant Society. This collaborative event brings together the NCNPS SoutheastChapter and N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County for an inspiring day of expert presentations, guided exploration, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist, a home gardener, or a family looking to connect with the natural world, this symposium offers something for everyone. Presentations will cover topics in native plant ecology, conservation, and applied horticulture, delivered by regional experts in the field. Kids' activity sessions in the afternoon provide an engaging, age-appropriate introduction to native plants and local ecosystems.

The event takes place at the beautiful New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington, NC. Space is limited to 70 attendees for presentations, so early registration is encouraged.

Ticket proceeds benefit N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County Consumer Horticulture programming.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 9th | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Location: NHC Arboretum - 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC
• Tickets: $5 per person | No refunds
• Capacity: 70 attendees (presentations)
• Door Prize: Copy of Beautyberry painting by artist Mari de Moya

Event Schedule

9:00 AM | Controlling Invasives by Duane Truscott

Invasives, what are they and why their elimination is important. What makes a plant an invasive. Will show the most common invasives and how to get rid of them. And, what natives we can use to replace the removed plants.

10:00 AM | Plant Uses & Importance by Roger Shew

Southeastern North Carolina is part of the 36th Biodiversity Hotspot, the Cape Fear Arch, and the site of numerous valuable Natural Heritage Sites that have high biodiversity and healthy natural communities. Protection of these areas in the face of rapid development and a changing climate is critical. But to protect, we need to know some of the values and services offered by these communities. In this talk, we take a look at individual plants as well communities of plants to illustrate their aesthetic, economic, mental, and recreational values/services.

11:00 AM | Landscaping with Native Plants using Coastal Landscapes Initiative Design Templates by Amy Mead

Many gardeners want to incorporate more native plants into the landscape, but putting them together in a cohesive, attractive way can be challenging. Join Amy Mead, County Extension Director, to explore the Coastal Landscapes Initiative Native Design templates, a series of design layouts created by NC Sea Grant and partners. Learn how to take the guesswork out of landscaping by using these templates to create beautiful and ecologically functional gardens that support insects and wildlife. Amy will also present ways that Cooperative Extension Agents and resources can help you reach your garden goals.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break

Enjoy sandwiches (vegetarian options available) with chips and light refreshments.

1:00 PM & 2:00 PM Sessions | Youth Activity: Draw & Discover Journaling

In this one-hour session, participants will explore the New Hanover County Arboretum while learning to observe and document nature like a scientist and an artist. Activities include guided plant observation, drawing exercises, and creative journaling prompts.

All tickets are non-refundable. The rain date for this event is Friday, June 19th.

Questions? Contact Gabriella de Souza, Consumer Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Gabriella de Souza, [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.

Duane Truscott - Controlling Invasives | 9:00 AM Presentation

Duane Truscott is originally from Key West, Florida where he discovered his love for all plants. He has worked maintaining landscaped properties throughout the coastal plain. Along the way, he discovered his love for native plants in their natural environments. This led him to start and run a native plant nursery in the Wilmington area. You can find him today growing native plants from seed, collected locally, and leading walks and conducting talks on our native plants.

Roger Shew - Plant Uses & Importance | 10:00 AM Presentation

Roger Shew, a native of Brunswick County, has been educating UNCW students and the community for decades about our wild spaces, their importance, and the threats to our regional ecosystem. He works in the community to preserve these habitats, including his self-described "natural treasures" of the coastal plain in southeastern North Carolina. Our community is at a critical stage with development and pollution endangering our natural ecosystems, including our natural treasures and the species that call them home. He has been involved in many efforts to monitor, restore, and preserve sites such as the Green Swamp, Ev-Henwood, Black River, Eagles Island, and the Flossie Bryan Tract.

Amy Mead - Enchancing Your Landscape with Extension | 11:00 AM Presentation

Amy Mead serves as the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension and Director of the New Hanover County Arboretum. Amy’s expertise includes coastal plant ecology, water quality, and sustainable landscaping, developed through years of hands-on work and research. As the County Extension Director for New Hanover County, she assists municipalities, professionals, HOAs, and residents in the areas of stormwater pond management, aquatic pesticide licensing, aquatic W**d management, and coastal landscaping. In addition, Amy is an ISA certified Arborist and is passionate about native trees, urban forestry, and proper tree maintenance.

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County