Mark your calendars – The WPPC’s annual Natural Landscaping Seminar is just around the corner!

Click here to register now for our 30th annual event! We’ve scheduled some wonderful presentations on creating and benefiting from native habitat.

  • Online registration is now closed.
  • You may register in-person at the registration table beginning at 8am on February 17.
  • Cost to register at the door is $50.

If you would like to observe Covid protocols, there will be a section where masks and distancing are required. For questions, contact us at seminar@thewppc.org.

Schedule of Events

8:00-8:30
Registration & Coffee 
8:30-8:40
 Welcome 
8:40-10:10
Controlling Invasive Plants in Prairies and Woodlands  
Neil Diboll, President, Prairie Nursery and Author, The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants
One of our perennial favorite speakers, Neil Diboll will provide a brief introduction of his new book before sharing his vast experiences controlling invasives – both native and non-native species. Neil will encourage audience input, for a “cross-pollination” of ideas.
10:10-10:30
Break – visit our exhibits featuring natural landscaping services, products, garden art and books. 
10:30-12:00
Design Your Native Gardens with Purpose and Style 
Danielle Bell, Owner, Native Roots
A native yard does not have to look like the weed patch of the neighborhood. There are many well-behaved native species that provide high quality habitat for pollinators and wildlife that are perfect for any residential home or restoration project. Acquire new ideas to make your native garden an eye-catching sanctuary that neighbors will love!
12:00-1:00
Lunch catered by Three Chefs; exhibits in the Commons.
1:00-2:30
Tree Diseases and the Strategies to Conquer Them
Tricia Bethke, Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, The Morton Arboretum
Wilt, Moths, and Borers – oh my! Understand how these diseases and pests affect our native trees and learn about the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI)—a collaborative partnership for coordinated action on key issues facing trees and the largest such initiative in the country.
2:30-2:45
Break – visit our exhibits featuring natural landscaping services, products, garden art and books. 
2:45-3:45
Celebrating our Cyclical Cicadas
Pam Otto, Outreach Ambassador, St. Charles Park District
2024 marks the return of our fabulous 17-year cyclical cicadas! Understand the significance of this unique bug, and learn what to expect – and appreciate – when they emerge.
We will also have exhibits featuring natural landscaping services, products, garden art, and books.

Wish to exhibit? See our Vendor Guide for details.

You may also complete the Vendor Registration online.