People, Places, and Plants

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: September 2024

Highlands Biological Station has unveiled the schedule for its 2024 Native Plant Symposium, set for September 13-14. This two-day event will be packed with engaging presentations, tours, auctions, and more, all centered around the beauty and importance of native plants.

Featured Speakers include:

• Charlie Williams as French Royal Botanist André Michaux – Live and in person;

• Dr. Joey Shaw, Director, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and UC Foundation Professor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga;

• Barbara J. Sullivan, Author of Climate Change Gardening for the South: Planet-Friendly Solutions for Thriving Gardens.

In addition to these distinguished speakers, the symposium will include:

• Short talks spotlighting current research in the Highlands Botanical Gardens

• Silent and Live Auctions of select and rare Native Plants

• A great selection of books on native plants and related subjects

• Tours of the Highlands Botanical Gardens

• Reception and book signing

• And more!

This symposium offers a unique opportunity for plant enthusiasts, gardeners, and conservationists to learn from experts and engage with the latest research in native plant conservation.

Registration Details:

• $150.00 per person

• $20.00 per student

Spaces are limited, so register now at highlandsbiological.org or email hbs@wcu.edu.

All proceeds go directly to funding conservation initiatives at the Highlands Biological Station.

The Highlands Botanical Garden is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.