KEYSTONE Native Plant Conference
The Oklahoma Native Plant Network (ONPN) is thrilled to invite you to our 3rd annual professionals focused conference! KEYSTONE Native Plant Conference is an all-day event that will bring together native plant growers, landscapers, municipal horticulturists and anyone that is interested in increasing their native plant knowledge. We hope to connect like minded folks for a series of engaging and informative lectures and discussions.
We’ve assembled an outstanding lineup of experienced professionals who will share practical insights and proven strategies across a range of topics essential to native plant production, design, maintenance and ecological horticulture.
Featured Speakers, Topics and Schedule:
Keynote 9:05am-10:35am with a Q+A to follow
Neil Diboll, Consulting Ecologist at Prairie Nursery (Westfield, WI)
A pioneer in the native plant industry and recognized internationally as an expert in native plant ecology, Neil Diboll has dedicated his life to the propagation of native plants, promoting their benefits and furthering their use in gardens, landscapes and restoration projects. His work emphasizes aesthetics, sustainability, and ecological compatibility with the land. The essence of Neil’s philosophy is that we, as stewards of the planet, must work to preserve and increase the diversity of native plants and animals, with which we share our world. The protection of our natural heritage and our soil and water resources is essential to maintaining a high quality of life for today, and for future generations to come. In 2013 Neil was the recipient of the Great American Gardeners Award from the American Horticultural Society. The Gardeners Guide to Prairie Plants The Gardeners Guide to Prairie Plants is valuable reference book by Neil, co-authored with Hilary Cox.
Why Native? 11:05am-12pm
Lauren Kennedy, Oklahoma Wildscapes (OKC, OK) will be presenting an overview of the “why” behind the native plant movement. Learn about the importance of growing, sourcing and designing with neonic free plants, native swaps for ecologically harmful introduced/invasive plants as well as resources for plant selection.
Bare Root Production 1:15pm-1:45pm
Jordan Gee and Georgia Riggs, All Tomorrows Prairies (Tulsa, OK)
Jordan and Georgia will be sharing their experiences pertaining to growing quality plants while relying less on plastic containers and more on sustainable materials.
Robust Roots - Plug Production 1:45pm-2:15pm
Joshua Platter, Prairie Flora Co. (OKC, OK)
Josh will be sharing best practices to ensure healthy plants with happy roots in the tight confines of plug trays.
Naturalistic Planting Care in Public Spaces Panel 2:30pm-4:00pm
Trials + triumphs of managing large scale native landscapes
- Michael Payne, Green Infrastructure Manager - OKC Beautiful (OKC, OK)
-Kellyn Lee, Assistant Director of Horticulture - The Gathering Place (Tulsa, OK)
-Preslee Pugh, Assistant Director of Horticulture - Scissortail Park (OKC, OK)
There will be short presentations from the panelists above and then Neil Diboll will join for a Q+A session.
Native Plant Happy Hour at Heirloom Rustic Ales - 4:30pm
Registration Fees:
$25 Student tickets (Scholarships available but must stay the whole day to be reimbursed)
$40 ONPN Members / $25 each additional co-worker/employee
$50 non members / $30 each additional co-worker/employee
Registration opens September 23rd. -
Contact Katie Huskerson for additional information 405.255.4335