The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is gearing up to celebrate its centennial year by hosting the 13th Annual Conservation Symposium on January 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme, “Planting With Purpose,” invites us to reimagine our gardens and green spaces to benefit both nature and our communities.
The symposium is set to honor Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and author of influential books like “Bringing Nature Home.” He will receive the Honorable John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award for his outstanding contributions to native plant conservation.
Tallamy plans to discuss alarming statistics, such as the decline of three billion birds in North America and significant drops in insect populations. He argues that traditional landscaping with nonnative plants does not support the biodiversity crucial for a healthy environment. Instead, he encourages everyone to consider plants that can help mitigate the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Heather Schneider, the garden’s director of conservation, emphasizes that conservation begins at home. She believes individuals can transform their spaces into wildlife-friendly habitats. “By choosing native plants, we can improve our community’s well-being, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance our planet’s health,” Schneider says.
The symposium will also feature valuable insights from experts like Zachary Phillips, who will share findings from a project at Elings Park. This research is turning a nonnative grassland into coastal sage scrub, revealing the vital role native plants play for insects and birds.
Alejandro Lemus, a horticultural educator at the garden, will discuss how even small urban gardens can contribute to wildlife conservation, making community resilience possible. The event also includes a panel discussion with Tallamy and other local leaders, focusing on how the native plant movement can change neighborhoods.
Additionally, the Botanic Garden will unveil a new exhibition titled “From the Ground Up: Planting for Birds and Birding for Plants,” showcasing the connections between birds, native plants, and ecosystems. This exhibit draws from the garden’s landscape work and aims to educate visitors on the importance of restoring native plant communities.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious about nature, there’s something for everyone at this year’s symposium and exhibition. It’s a chance to learn how each of us can contribute to a healthier environment.
For more information on the symposium and how to participate, visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s website.
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