Guest blog submitted by Jenny Nelson. Jenny is a lecturer in the Earth Sciences department and CEES Faculty Partner.
Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society (INPAWS) members gather every November for a full day to engage in learning about native plants!
This year, CEES is partnering with INPAWS to host their annual conference on November 14, 2015 at the IUPUI University Tower (Hine Hall). Conference registration opens September 1, the deadline for early registration is October 31, and the final deadline for registration is November 7. This year, students can register for a reduced rate of $25! If you are an IUPUI student interested in presenting a poster at this year’s conference, please contact Jenny Nelson: jsembach@iupui.edu
The theme is BIOSCAPING: Gardening for Life, with keynote speakers Douglas Tallamy and Rick Darke. Doug Tallamy is well known from his past speaking engagements in Indiana, and his groundbreaking book, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Nature in our Gardens. Partnering with Rick Darke, noted horticulturist and photographer, they have authored The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden. This is a rare opportunity to see both authors together, presenting the complete approach to home gardening with native plants.
Two favorites from past conferences will also return: Mike Homoya, botanist with Indiana DNR, Division of Nature Preserves, known for his books and his memorable presentations; and Jim McCormac, Ohio botanist and author, whose fresh insights from his explorations of nature always inspire.
Rounding out the program is Laura Rericha, a wildlife biologist with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Chicago). Laura is working with Gerould Wilhelm on an expanded and more comprehensive version of the classic Plants of the Chicago Region. During breaks, attendees will have time to visit displays by native plant friendly organizations and conference sponsors, and browse the INPAWS bookstore.