The year 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the Highlands Botanical Gardens and in celebration of this special occasion, the Highlands Biological Station will resume its annual Native Plant Symposium on Sept. 16 and 17 at two locations in town.
Guided by the theme, 60 Years of Conservation Gardening, the event will highlight the Highlands Botanical Gardens and the importance of conservation efforts.
On opening day, participants are invited to the kick-off celebration at the Highlands Biological Station, 930 Horse Cove Rd. with drop-in tours of the Highlands Botanical Gardens from 4-6 p.m. to learn about unique plants of the region.
Following the tours and reception, a lecture will be given by Dr. Jim Costa.
Dr. Jim Costa
The second day, the Native Plant Symposium will be held at the Highlands Community Center, 869 N 4th Street, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Presenters include renowned entomologist and author Doug Tallamy, whose book Bringing Nature Home has become a centerpiece in the native plant movement, Patrick McMillan former Director of the South Carolina Botanical Gardens and Emmy-Award winning PBS host, and Justin Robinson of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Justin Robinson
A live native plant fundraiser auction is also planned.
Early-bird registration is open and priced at $150 per person, with catered lunch provided. Students are invited to register at a reduced rate of $20 per person.
All proceeds go directly to funding conservation initiatives at the Highlands Biological Station.
For additional details and registration, click HERE.
The Highlands Botanical Garden is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University (WCU).