Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

35th Annual Design Symposium:

Landscape, Ecology & Culture

Registration is now open!

January 10 –11, 2024 • PA

January 17–18, 2024 • CT & Virtual

Founded in 1990 by Larry Weaner, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.

This program is produced in partnership with New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Morris Arboretum & Gardens, and Connecticut College Arboretum. CEUs available.

Less Lawn Lecture Series

All Less Lawn lectures have been approved to carry LA CES CEUs for Landscape Architects and ISA CEUs for Registered Arborists. Two lectures also carry NJ BTE CEUs.

Referencing Wild Plant Communities (ONLINE)

11/21 • 7 – 8:30 pm

Ryan Drake, McCausland Natural Areas Manager, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Case Studies & Next Steps

11/28 • 7 – 8:30 pm

Lucy Dinsmore, Owner, Plant Lady Lucy LLC

Making Woodland Restoration Possible

12/2 • 10:30 AM – 12:30 pm

Andrew Conboy, Founder, Colonial Canopy Trees

Living in the Liberated Landscape (ONLINE)

12/5 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Larry Weaner, Founder & Principal, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates

Creating Connections— Design-Centered Conservation

12/11 • 6 – 7:30 pm

Andrew Kirkpatrick, Director of Stewardship, Willistown Conservation Trust

Key Insect Pests in the Landscape and Urban Forest

Wednesday 11/29 • 9 am – 4 pm

Richard Buckley, Manager, Plant Diagnostics Laboratory, Rutgers University

This one-day course focuses on the insects and mites that pose the greatest threat to trees and shrubs in the urban forest. You will learn about the most common insects in our region and discuss how to identify and control them.

This course has been approved to carry 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists and municipal specialists (s=2, p=2, m=2) as well as pesticide update credits from the PA Department of Agriculture.

Veteran Tree Care

at Awbury Arboretum

Thursday 11/30 • 1 pm – 3:30 pm

Steve Pascavitch, Arborist, Awbury Arboretum

This course will include a walking tour of the heritage and veteran trees on the Awbury Arboretum grounds, and an overview of their care and management. We will discuss current research and preservation practices for the care and preservation of older trees.

This class has been approved to carry 2.5 CEUs for ISA Certified Arborists and municipal specialists (s=1, p=0.5, m=1), and 2.5 LTE/LTCO CEUs from the NJ Board of Tree Experts.