National Experts Gather at Phipps Conservatory for a One-Day Forum on Plants, Landscapes and More

For Immediate Release: Mon., Oct. 14
Contact: Joe Reed ǀ Director of Marketing and Communications
412-622-6915, ext. 3801 ǀ jreed@phipps.conservatory.org  

National Experts Gather at Phipps Conservatory for a One-Day Forum on Plants, Landscapes and Our Role as Environmental Stewards
Phipps brings together industry leaders to share expertise at Native Plant and Sustainability Conference

Pittsburgh, PA — In its continued commitment to sustainability education, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens invites landcare professionals and recreational gardeners alike to attend the annual Native Plant and Sustainability Conference on Sat., Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Topics this year include how to build beautiful landscapes that support pollinators, herbivores, detritivores, predators and parasitoids that run the ecosystems we depend on. The event will take place in Phipps’ Special Events Hall and includes presentations, lunch and a book sale.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Douglas Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home. His talk, titled “A Guide to Restoring the Little Things that Run the World,” kick starts the conference with a meaningful conversation about the decline in insect populations, the essential roles they play in the environment and simple changes we must make in our landscapes and attitudes to keep insects on the ground, in the air and on our plants.

Additional topics of this year’s conference include:

• Native Perennials of Pittsburgh: Roxanne Swan will discuss how utilizing native plants in the landscape can contribute to a more eco-friendly community.
• Program Spotlight: Stormworks, a Program of Nine Mile Run Watershed Association by Andrea Haynes
• From Roots to Fruits: Native Plants in Your Diet: Darrell Frey explores the many edible native plants of the Appalachian forests and fields, and how conscientious foraging and wild craft gardening can help us to regenerate our landscapes while enhancing our culinary adventures.
• New Aesthetics for Public Parks: Ching-Fang Chen will share about her work with county parks where she weaves imaginative design into recreation, conservation and environmental education.

Registration is required to attend the Native Plant and Sustainability Conference. Reservations can be made by calling 412/441-4442, ext. 3925 or by visiting phipps.conservatory.org/Native. Registration costs $105 for Phipps members and $120 for nonmembers. Registration includes morning coffee and light breakfast items, as well as a lunch buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

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About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, PA is a globally recognized green leader with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Encompassing 15 acres including a historic 14-room glasshouse, 23 distinct indoor and outdoor gardens and industry-leading sustainable architecture and operations, Phipps attracts nearly half a million visitors annually from around the world. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.