Botanists, naturalists, and native plant enthusiasts encouraged to attend
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Western Reserve Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and The Ohio State University will sponsor the 17th Ohio Botanical Symposium this year. Native American cultural uses of plants, new plant identification tools, gardening with native plants, and Ohio botanical discoveries are just some of the topics that will be discussed on Friday, March 24.
“We are thrilled to once again be hosting the Ohio Botanical Symposium,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Bringing people with a shared passion for Ohio’s plant life together with experts from Ohio and across the country helps us to achieve our overall goal of protecting and preserving our state’s native plants.”
WHAT:
Ohio Botanical Symposium
WHEN:
Friday, March 24
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Villa Milano
1630 Schrock Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
The symposium will feature two keynote speakers:
- Dr. Alan Weakley, who will talk about new innovations in plant identification tools and numerous, evolving changes in plant taxonomy.
- Talon Silverhorn, who will talk about the importance of native plants in the culture of Midwestern tribes and provide past and current uses of specific plants.
This biennial event will also feature displays from dozens of private and public conservation organizations, and vendors offering conservation-related items for purchase.
The $50 attendance fee includes conference materials, buffet lunch (with vegetarian options), and break refreshments. Registrations will be accepted until Tuesday, March 21, or until the conference is full. You can register online here. More information about the symposium can be found here or by calling Rick Gardner at 614-265-6419.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
