The Native Plant Society of New Jersey Annual Meeting
Ecologies in Flux: Restoration, Resilience, and Disease in a Changing Landscape
Ecological disruption is no longer abstract or remote. It is unfolding daily in our yards, parks, and landscapes, manifesting itself in storms of unprecedented intensity that alter forests overnight and diseases spreading rapidly through degraded habitats. Traditional landscape management methods—rigid, manicured, and heavily dependent on constant intervention—have proven insufficient to respond to the pace and scale of change. This symposium directly engages with these evolving conditions, bringing together three distinct yet complementary perspectives rooted in ecological landscape design, infectious disease ecology, and arboretum management and horticulture. Each speaker brings practical wisdom and conceptual depth, highlighting strategies to enhance resilience, sustain biodiversity, and creatively adapt to environmental uncertainty.
At the heart of this gathering is an exploration of critical intersections: between human intention and ecological spontaneity, biodiversity and community health, and catastrophic events and innovative recovery. Renowned landscape designer Larry Weaner will advocate for design approaches that embrace the inherent dynamism and unpredictability of natural systems, showing how ecological principles can guide the creation of self-sustaining, adaptive landscapes. Dr. James Shepherd of Yale will illuminate the often-overlooked relationship between biodiversity loss and human health, explaining how restoring balanced ecosystems can reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Lastly, Kathleen Salisbury’s experience managing the Ambler Arboretum after catastrophic storm damage provides a compelling case study in how horticultural expertise and creative leadership can transform ecological devastation into powerful educational opportunities and model landscape-restoration projects. Together, these speakers challenge us to deepen our ecological literacy and cultivate practical, adaptable responses to the environmental disruptions shaping our era.
This symposium is designed for attendees at all levels of experience and expertise, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals. Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities during breaks to connect with organizations actively shaping environmental awareness and action, such as Dark Sky International New Jersey, Jersey-Friendly Yards, FoHVOS New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, The Nature of Reading Bookshop, and Garden State Gardens. These interactions will provide valuable resources, deepen community ties, and further enrich the day’s discussions.
AOLCPs will earn 3 CEUs by attending this meeting.