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37th Annual NDAL Symposium: Seeing the Forest AND the Trees

January 15, 2026 - January 16, 2026
$342

Seeing the Forest and the Trees

Designing Landscapes that Integrate Regional Specificity with Global Commonality

Incorporating a region’s indigenous plant communities and ecological processes is at the heart of ecology-based design. But no natural system operates in isolation or is forever immune to change…..especially today where the effects of watershed alteration, soil disturbance, plant globalization, and climate change are at play worldwide. Our Symposium will begin by zooming in on techniques for regionally-specific landscape analysis and design. We will then widen the lens and learn how disturbance, ecological science, and cultural land practices across regions can factor into those processes. Finally, we will explore how an expansive view of landscape art can unify this micro/macro divide in landscapes ranging from expansive to intimate.

Taking place over two days, January 15 & 16, 2026, the symposium includes a broad variety of workshops. Visit the NDAL symposium website for a full breakdown of what each day has to offer.

Founded in 1990 by Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and NDAL, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Reflecting the diverse factors that shape our landscapes, presenters include landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.

Registration

AOLCPs receive 10% off all following ticket prices. Please email us to receive a code that will grant your discount with NDAL.

Regular Rate (in-person and virtual)

  • $380 if registered by 12/10/25
  • $410 if registered after 12/10/25

Student Rate – with ID (in-person and virtual)

  • $205 if registered by 12/10/25
  • $230 if registered after 12/10/25

Includes light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments both days and reception (refreshments & hour de’vours) immediately following the program on Thursday, 1/15/26

Optional in-person add on (+$50): dinner immediately following reception on Thursday, 1/15/26

Register by

  • 1/8/26 for in-person tickets
  • 1/14/26 for virtual tickets

Recordings

Recording of the program will be available mid/late January and viewable for 3 months to all attendees
(in-person and virtual attendees). Please note: Kat Anderson’s presentation will not be recorded and will be live only on January 16th.

CEUs available
CEU types: APLD, CBLP, ISA, LA CES, AOLCP, PLNA, SER (12 CEU hours for most types). Visit NDAL’s symposium page for more information.

Details

Organizer

Venue