About this Event
Join us for a day-long celebration of North Carolina's native plant heritage, honoring the 75th Anniversary of the NC Native Plant Society. This collaborative event brings together the NCNPS Cape Fear Chapter and N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County for an inspiring day of expert presentations, guided exploration, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Whether you're a seasoned naturalist, a home gardener, or a family looking to connect with the natural world, this symposium offers something for everyone. Presentations will cover topics in native plant ecology, conservation, and applied horticulture, delivered by regional experts in the field. Kids' activity sessions in the afternoon provide an engaging, age-appropriate introduction to native plants and local ecosystems.
The event takes place at the beautiful New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington, NC. Space is limited to 70 attendees for presentations, so early registration is encouraged.
Ticket proceeds benefit N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County Consumer Horticulture programming.
Event Details:
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 9th | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: NHC Arboretum - 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC
- Tickets: $5 per person | No refunds
- Capacity: 70 attendees (presentations)
- Door Prize: Copy of Beautyberry painting by artist Mari de Moya
Event Schedule
9:00 AM | Controlling Invasives by Duane Trustcott
Invasives, what are they and why their elimination is important. What makes a plant an invasive. Will show the most common invasives and how to get rid of them. And, what natives we can use to replace the removed plants.
10:00 AM | Plant Uses & Importance by Roger Shew
Southeastern North Carolina is part of the 36th Biodiversity Hotspot, the Cape Fear Arch, and the site of numerous valuable Natural Heritage Sites that have high biodiversity and healthy natural communities. Protection of these areas in the face of rapid development and a changing climate is critical. But to protect, we need to know some of the values and services offered by these communities. In this talk, we take a look at individual plants as well communities of plants to illustrate their aesthetic, economic, mental, and recreational values/services.
11:00 AM | Enhancing Your Landscape With Extension by Amy Mead
Join County Extension Director Amy Mead for an insightful look at how NC Cooperative Extension serves as a vital bridge between research and your backyard. In this session, Amy will showcase the New Hanover County Arboretum as a premier demonstration garden, highlighting how its diverse plant collections serve as a living laboratory for species that truly thrive in southeastern North Carolina. We will focus on the essential role of native plants in sustainable landscaping, with a deep dive into the Arboretum’s stormwater management practices. From accessing expert Extension resources to choosing resilient, high-performance plants for the Cape Fear region, you’ll leave with the practical knowledge to design a beautiful landscape that protects our local environment.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
Catering information will be provided as available
1:00 PM & 2:00 PM Sessions | Youth Activity: Draw & Discover Journaling
In this one-hour session, participants will explore the New Hanover County Arboretum while learning to observe and document nature like a scientist and an artist. Activities include guided plant observation, drawing exercises, and creative journaling prompts.
All tickets are non-refundable. The rain date for this event is Friday, June 19th.
Questions? Contact Gabriella de Souza, Consumer Horticulture Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County
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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Gabriella de Souza, [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.
Meet the Speakers
Duane Truscott - Controlling Invasives | 9:00 AM Presentation
Duane Truscott is originally from Key West, Florida where he discovered his love for all plants. He has worked maintaining landscaped properties throughout the coastal plain. Along the way, he discovered his love for native plants in their natural environments. This led him to start and run a native plant nursery in the Wilmington area. You can find him today growing native plants from seed, collected locally, and leading walks and conducting talks on our native plants.
Roger Shew - Plant Uses & Importance | 10:00 AM Presentation
Roger Shew, a native of Brunswick County, has been educating UNCW students and the community for decades about our wild spaces, their importance, and the threats to our regional ecosystem. He works in the community to preserve these habitats, including his self-described "natural treasures" of the coastal plain in southeastern North Carolina. Our community is at a critical stage with development and pollution endangering our natural ecosystems, including our natural treasures and the species that call them home. He has been involved in many efforts to monitor, restore, and preserve sites such as the Green Swamp, Ev-Henwood, Black River, Eagles Island, and the Flossie Bryan Tract.
Amy Mead - Enchancing Your Landscape with Extension | 11:00 AM Presentation
Amy Mead serves as the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension and Director of the New Hanover County Arboretum. Amy’s expertise includes coastal plant ecology, water quality, and sustainable landscaping, developed through years of hands-on work and research. As the County Extension Director for New Hanover County, she assists municipalities, professionals, HOAs, and residents in the areas of stormwater pond management, aquatic pesticide licensing, aquatic W**d management, and coastal landscaping. In addition, Amy is an ISA certified Arborist and is passionate about native trees, urban forestry, and proper tree maintenance.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New Hanover County Arboretum | N.C. Cooperative Extension, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, United States
USD 5.00
