Our annual native plant symposiums are a wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge of native plants and landscaping. Our speakers bring a wide range of experience and expertise to share.
2025 Symposium
“Naturally Connected: Strengthening Communities by Reimagining our Role in Native Habitats”
March 26, 2025
5:00pm – 8:30pm
Frick Environmental Center, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh
Join the Western Pennsylvania Wild Ones for our 3rd Annual Symposium that explores the vital connection between communities and native ecosystems. This engaging event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions with experts and advocates, delicious food, refreshing drinks (including alcoholic options), and ample opportunities for socializing and networking. Together, we’ll reimagine our role in fostering harmony between human activity and natural habitats while celebrating the power of community. Whether you’re a conservationist, gardener, or simply a nature enthusiast, this gathering promises to leave you inspired and “naturally connected.”
Let’s grow together—because building stronger communities starts with restoring the land we share.
The panelists include:
Adam Haritan (Learn Your Land)
Nick Liadis (Bird Lab)
Abigail Salisbury (State Representative)
Heather Hulton VanTassel, Ph.D. ( Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
and more!
2024 Symposium
“What does ecologically responsible land stewardship look like?”
March 14, 2024
5:00pm – 8:30pm
Frick Environmental Center, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh
Join us for an enlightening day of exploration into the realm of Ecologically Responsible Land Stewardship at the 2nd Annual Wild Ones Western Pennsylvania Area Symposium! This year’s event promises to be a captivating journey into the world of sustainable practices, with a focus on native plants and their crucial role in ecological harmony.
The panelists include:
Mark Brownlee, ArcheWild
Wil Taylor, Jennings Environmental Center
Jake Kristophel, Fallen Aspen Farm
Chris Kubiak, Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society
John Creasy, Garfield Community Farm
Ashley Funk, Mountain Watershed Association
Wild Ones Western PA Chapter 2024 Native Plant Symposium
2023 Symposium
“How we can better utilize our many public green spaces and vacant lots to create native habitats?“
March 29, 2023
Tree Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
Our friends at Tree Pittsburgh will host our 2023 native plant symposium. Hear from an exciting panel of local people who, in their various fields, encounter the different benefits of creating habitats with PA native ecotype plant species. See and learn about different habitats in and around our public green spaces — our parks, waterways, urban gardens, and vacant lots.
The panelists include:
Greg Kedzierski, Ernst Conservation Seed
Shelly Danko-Day, Pittsburgh Urban Ag & Food Policy Advisor
Chris Kubiak, Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society
Andrew Flynn, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner
Sean Brady, Hollow Oak Land Trust
Rose Flowers, UpStream Pittsburgh
Joe Stavish, Tree Pittsburgh
