By Blake Jackson
The SUNY Adirondack Agricultural Business program will host the Adirondack Native Plants Symposium: Building Resilient Landscapes from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. The event will highlight the role of native plants in supporting biodiversity, improving climate resilience, lowering landscape maintenance costs, and promoting healthier communities.
“Native plants are more than just a landscaping choice; they are part of the ecological foundation that supports pollinators, wildlife and healthy communities,” said Kim London, chair of the college’s Business division and an assistant professor.
“This symposium brings together experts and community members to explore practical ways we can incorporate native plants into our gardens, campuses and public spaces to build landscapes that are both beautiful and resilient.”
The symposium will feature two learning tracks-one focused on home gardeners and small-scale landscape managers, and another aimed at participants interested in broader community and environmental impact.
Speakers will include representatives from University at Albany, the New York State Department of Transportation, University of Vermont, and keynote presenter Shanti Negal, founder of Design Wild.
Discussion topics will include native bee conservation, building a native tree nursery, designing functional native gardens, regenerative agriculture, urban forestry systems, and the relationship between green spaces and mental health.
The event will take place at the Northwest Bay Conference Center. Registration costs $25 for the public and is free for SUNY students, faculty, and staff with ID. Participants are encouraged to preregister and may bring a brown-bag lunch.
Photo Credit: pexels-zartijenni
Categories: New York, General