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Event
NPSNJ Annual Fall Conference: Appreciation, Protection and Study
Join us for a day of exploring the latest native plant research, conservation efforts and promotion as we explore the mission of the Native Plant Society of NJ: The Appreciation, Protection and Study of New Jersey's Native Flora.
Professionals from around the state will share engaging stories and fascinating research as we examine the state of native plants in NJ.
Light morning refreshments and lunch will be served.
PROGRAM:
APPRECIATION Designed Plant Communities: Natural Strategies for Fitting Plants Together
Thomas Rainer
Landscape Architect, Designer and Writer, Author of the blog Grounded Design
It is widely acknowledged that future planting designs will embrace a more ecological role. But ecological planting's transition to the mainstream has been rocky. Examples abound of well-intentioned rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and native gardens that become unsightly or invaded with weeds after a few years. Join landscape architect Thomas Rainer to learn how plants fit together in the wild, demonstrating strategies to create more resilient, diverse, and beautiful plantings. It proposes a powerful alternative to the traditional horticultural approach of arranging plants individually for ornament. This talk explores a synthesis of ecology and horticultureresulting in an intentionally designed and managed community where population dynamics are encouraged within an aesthetic framework.
PROTECTION Private Land Stewardship Michael Van Clef Ecological Solutions, LLC
Mike will discuss practical steps for landowners to improve the ecological health of their properties and contribute to the greater ecological health of New Jersey. He will discuss the major impacts on natural areas and provide strategies for landowners to counter these impacts at the scale of their own properties. Topics will include use of native plants in your garden, 'step wise' conversion of lawn to meadow habitat, deer management and tricks & tips to improve the aesthetic beauty of your property while increasing its ecological function.
STUDY Native Plants in Functioning Ecosystems: The Importance of Source and Genetic Considerations Dr. Daniel P Duran Assistant professor at Drexel University and adjunct faculty member at the Barnes Foundation Arboretum School.
As native plants gain popularity in the horticultural trade there are important issues and challenges that need to be considered. The potential for genetic exchange between cultivated native plants and wild plant populations means that our landscaping decisions have impacts beyond the boundaries of our yards. Does the geographic source of a plant matter as long as it's a native species? Are cultivars of native species equivalent to naturally occurring populations? What is the relevance of a plant's genetic background to herbivores, pollinators, and to the future survival of local species? All of these topics are discussed and recommendations made to help native plant enthusiasts make the best-informed decisions to ensure that our yards are benefiting, not harming ecosystems.
PLANT SALE & SEED SWAP
The 4th Annual Native Plants of NJ Seed Exchange: Please bring seeds to share and trade with other native plant society enthusiasts. Last year we had about 50 species available but the variety available will depend upon you so please contribute liberally. Be sure to accurately label all seeds including cultivars. The Native Plant Society of NJ will provide at least 20 species.
2nd Annual "Support Your Local Nursery Plant Sale" A Selection of Native Plants will be for sale from NJ Nurseries
SPEAKER BIOS:
Thomas Rainer is a landscape architect, teacher, and writer living in Washington, D.C. He is best known for his influential and irreverent blog, Grounded Design, which has gained an international following. He is a widely sought after public speaker whose passionate and provocative talks have inspired and entertained audiences all over the United States. He is a passionate advocate for an ecologically expressive design aesthetic that does not imitate nature, but interprets it. Mr. Rainer has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, The New York Botanical Garden, and over 100 gardens from Maine to Florida. Thomas is an Associate Principal for the firm Rhodeside & Harwell, teaches planting design for George Washington University, and is writing a book for Timber Press.
Michael Van Clef of Ecological Solutions, LLC, has over 20 years of experience involving land stewardship, planning and research. He has worked extensively in the evaluation and management of rare and invasive species, white-tailed deer management, habitat restoration, development and implementation of forest health monitoring protocols and natural resource policy. He prepared the New Jersey Strategic Management Plan for Invasive Species for the NJ Invasive Species Council. Mike has worked with over 25 organizations throughout New Jersey and has prepared numerous stewardship plans that include identification of conservation values and their threats along with stewardship strategies to improve ecological health. mvanclef@hotmail.com
Dr. Daniel P. Duran is an assistant professor at Drexel University and adjunct faculty member at the Barnes Foundation Arboretum School. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Richard Stockton College of NJ in 1998, an M.S. in Entomology from University of Missouri in 2002, and a Ph.D. in Evolution and Ecology from Vanderbilt University in 2010. In between his degrees, he has also worked for the Natural History Museum, London, UK and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Currently, he teaches classes about a variety of topics pertaining to ecology and evolution, including a newly designed course, Native Plants & Sustainability. His research integrates classic ecological methods with modern genetic tools and is focused on 1) the discovery of new species and improving the fields of taxonomy and systematics, and 2) examining the important roles of insects and plants in functioning ecosystems. Dr. Duran is a co-author of the upcoming book "A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada, 2nd Edition" (available Mar 2015).
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LocationTrailside Nature Center (View)
452 New Providence Rd
Mountainside, NJ 07092
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: No |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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