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What Topics / Speakers for Conference

21 years ago

Hi all!

I am the chair of the 2006 Wild Ones annual conference, being held July 2006 in Naperville, IL. I am getting ready to work on the programs and thought I would throw out the question for suggestions...

What kinds of topics would you like to see at a conference for native plants? Any suggestions for speakers? I believe Sara Stein has spoken at past conferences, but I don't know who else.

Would appreciate all feedback so I can go in prepared when I meet with my committee.

Thanks!

Marie

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Comments (4)

zenda
21 years ago
Ken Druse is the big one that I can think of!
I would like to know more about landscaping with native shrubs that could bew used by developers as replacements for the standard and cliche ones at the Big Box stores. Especially native conifers.
I'd also like to know more about European uses of OUR native plants--they seem to be really excited about our plants that we overlook, and some of the best varieties of our natives are coming back through european hybridizers
Another concern that I have is with the new "ornamental" grasses craze--few of which are natives. Are any of these becoming invasive? Are any of our hybridized "natives" forcing out true species natives?
gord_pa
21 years ago
I allways wanted to know what plants grow in my area before
it was developed, and are there any success stories that
have brought back a weed infested woodlands to resemble what
it might have look like hundreds of years ago.
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We just heard Larry Weaner of Larry Weaner Designs speak at the Long Hill Estate here in Beverly MA. He is a landscape designer out of PA and specializes in natural landscaping. I learned a lot in the two hours he spoke. None of us wanted the lecture to end. The saving grace was the walk we all talk with the grounds keeper and Larry. It was a great learning experience.

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veronicastrum
21 years ago
Local speakers are always a plus because their travel expenses are low. Here's some suggestions:

- Joel Greenberg, author of A Natural History of the Chicago Region
- Steve Packard, Chicago Audubon and one of the leading ecological restorationists (is that a word?) in the area
- Debra Shore, editor of Chicago Wilderness
- Al and Barbara Wilson, co-stewards of Lake-in-the-Hills
- Michael Jeffords, photographer for Illinios Steward magazine

I've seen all but the last at different seminars and they are all capable and interesting speakers. I know that Jeffords does seminars but I've never been to one. His photos are absolutely stunning.

Further afield, Rick Darke is a landscape designer and author based in Pennsylvania who also does some very inspiring presentations.

I've never been to a Wild Ones seminar but isnce it's in the area next year could be a possibility.

V.

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