Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate native plants and the people who love them. This year, we’re excited to announce a new, larger venue: The MAC at Mitch Park, located at 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond, OK. With ample parking and more space for vendors, it’s the perfect place to grow our festival community!
Festival Theme: “Hands on Native Plants”
This year’s theme reflects our many hands-on presentations and opportunities for learning and exploration.
Event Schedule
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Early Plant Shopping!
Shop a wide variety of native plants and other merchandise from your favorite vendors. Vendors will remain available throughout the day until 3:00 p.m.11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Free Educational Sessions
Learn from expert speakers and native plant professionals during engaging indoor and outdoor presentations.
Educational Presentations
11:00 a.m. – Keynote Speaker: Aaron Cain
“Establishing Native Plants in Challenging Conditions”
Aaron is the Parks Crew Manager for Westside Edmond Parks. His team is responsible for planting, soil amendments, bed maintenance, and managing native grasslands and trees. This informative indoor presentation will be a great start to the afternoon sessions.
12:00 p.m. – Guided Native Plant Hike with Sean Washington
Explore the natural area west of The MAC—an unmowed section of land that has become a haven for native plant and animal species. Sean Washington, a naturalist, science communicator, and founder/president of The Young Naturalist’s Club, will guide the hike and provide species identification and ecological insights.
1:00 p.m. – Wetland Bed Demonstration with Aaron Cain
Join Aaron outdoors for a live demonstration on wetland bed installation and plant selection, continuing the hands-on theme of the festival.
2:00 p.m. – Upland Prairie Demo with Marilyn Stewart
Marilyn Stewart of Wild Things Nursery (Seminole, OK) will present a hands-on session focused on upland prairie plants. Marilyn and her husband Ken have spent over 20 years helping Oklahomans grow beautiful native landscapes. Don’t miss this opportunity to wish her well in her recent retirement!
Additional Activities
Throughout the day, join in the Virtual BioBlitz at Mitch Park! Open to all ages, this interactive event encourages participants to document plant and animal species they find around the park. (Details provided below.)
We look forward to seeing you at this inspiring day full of plants, people, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to native plants, there’s something for everyone!
Native Plant and other Commercial Vendors
All Tomorrow’s Prairies
Blue House Urban Farm
Duck Creek Farms
Frogfruit Fruit Gardening Consulting
Johnston Seed
Lia’s Garden
Mann’s Greenhouses/Pollinators and Prairies
Mekong Spice
Midwest Propagation Nursery
Minick Materials
Native Plants OKC
Northeast Farmer’s Market
Oklahoma Wildflower Market
Owl Creek Farm
Prairie Flora Company
Prairie Wind Nursery
Sanctuary Gardens
Sustainable Gardening Solutions
Taco Empire
Tinroof Studios
Wild Roots
Special thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Oklahoma Native Plant Network
City of Edmond
CLS and Associates
Midwest Propagation Nursery
Native Plants
Okies for Monarchs
Oklahoma Native Plant Society