7 hours
Verizon Auditorium
Starting at USD 0
Sat, 14 Feb, 2026 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (GMT-05:00)
Verizon Auditorium
George Mason University, Manassas, United States
Scroll to bottom of page for further details on breakout sessions
Whether you are new to native plants and what they can do for your property or you are looking for alternative landscaping ideas, this event is for you! Native plants can:
This is a hybrid event. Participants can either choose to join in-person or virtually:
General Admission Tickets:
To register for the event, click "Get Tickets" above.
*Students, you will need to present your student ID at check-in. Otherwise, you will have to pay the 'At the Door' price.
Other things to note:
The venue is located at the Verizon Auditorium at George Mason University, George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20109. Please see the maps below and find the circled area.
Parking is free (on weekends) and available in the Occoquan lot, Discovery lot, or King lot
See map below for more information
We can offer refunds and ticket swaps until the end of Sunday, February 8th.
Zoom information will be e-mailed to all virtual-only ticket holders 2 days before the event. It will be e-mailed again on the day of the event to ALL ticket holders. The Zoom meeting will open at 9:00am.
All of the presentations will be recorded (including our keynote speaker)and available to all participants Participants will be e-mailed a link to view these presentations following the event.
Please note that it can take a couple of months for the presentations to be uploaded on YouTube. Also note that while we try our best to record all of our speakers, sometimes there are glitches that we cannot control and a video can't be uploaded. We always do our best to avoid this from happening!
Are we humans masters of our world, or are plants really the ones in charge? What they lack in locomotion, they compensate for in structure and chemistry. Celebrated author and botanist Bill Cullina, Executive Director, Morris Arboretum and Gardens, will explain why plant life is at the center of a carefully balanced natural economy that is critical to the functioning of our ecosystems. Through photosynthesis, plants produce the energy that powers the food chain. And although eaten by others, they are far from helpless prey, having evolved a dizzying arsenal of relationships to create ecologically sound landscapes.
9:00am-9:45am – Registration (Doors will open at 9AM!)
9:45am-10:00am – Welcome
10:00am-11:00am – Keynote: Bill Cullina
11:00-11:30: Networking
11:30am-12:30pm – Breakout Session 1
12:30pm-1:45pm – Lunch
1:45pm-2:45pm – Breakout Session 2
3:00pm-4:00pm – Breakout Session 3
Info: Please choose one presentation to attend at each session:
Info: While native plants tend to be less work to maintain over time, careful plant selection and acknowledgment of growth habits can lower maintenance time. This class will help us to think through steps from plant selection to a sustainable level of maintenance.
Info: For residents of cities and suburbs, the soil in our front and backyards is often dense, impermeable, infertile, and an all-around difficult environment for plant growth. Learn how you can restore your home’s soil to health and provide environmental benefits that extend beyond your property lines.
Info: A perspective on pioneers, both native and invasives. What to expect and how to manage them.
Info: In this presentation Clifton Institute Co-Director Bert Harris will explain how to plant and maintain native meadows. The emphasis will be on mini meadows but he will also cover how to establish bigger plantings. Bert will also talk about the conservation of Prince William County's remnant prairies and how you can help by planting the right species in your meadow.
Info: Explore the basics of design, from hardscape and bed layout to unique plant selection. Learn how to fill your townhouse plot or garden nook with year-round interest and a few key elements to make it a little slice of paradise. Several native plants with smaller stature or upright habits will be highlighted.
Info: Plant This, Not That explores how choosing native plants can transform our landscapes for the better. Participants will learn how and why native species support local wildlife, require fewer resources, and help restore natural balance in our communities. The talk highlights common ornamental and invasive plants that often dominate our gardens, and shows how to replace them with beautiful, ecologically beneficial native alternatives. Attendees will leave feeling inspired and empowered to make thoughtful planting decisions that promote healthier, more resilient ecosystems right at home.
Info: Please choose one presentation to attend at each session:
Info: Discover how native plants can fit beautifully into any landscape, from formal gardens to modern minimalist designs, without sacrificing ecological function. Karen offers down-to-earth insights from what she has tried, tested, planted, and proven. Through real-world examples and design principles, Karen will take you through multiple virtual plantings, detailing how she determined what natives to plant where for both sun and shade gardens. You’ll learn how to combine aesthetics with biodiversity, choose plants that work together naturally, and design “living” landscapes that heal the earth while supporting butterflies, birds, and other wildlife right at home.
Info: Plant ID with AI Tools and the Flora of Virginia App. Sharing how the Flora App fits into today’s mix of plant ID tools.
Info: Looking to have a positive ecological impact in your Community Association? Community leaders like you can drive significant change, but doing it alone presents challenges. Hear from local HOA residents turned advocates Renee Grebe (Nature Forward) and Melinda Soltys (Wild Ones Nova) about how you could organize and lead, from planting a tree to joining your board. You’ll hear specific examples and concrete suggestions on what you can do to get started. We’ll also touch on some of the state-level advocacy from VA, MD, and across the country helping to empower this movement.
Info: This presentation explores the profound effects of climate change on the native plants of Virginia. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, Virginia’s native flora faces significant challenges and transformations. Join this session as we delve into the intricate relationship between climate change and plant life in Virginia, highlighting the challenge to preserve our natural heritage. Bring your own examples of changes you have noticed to share with the group.
Info: This presentation will cover the definition of what a native shrub is along with the ecological benefits to planting native species for various purposes. The landscaping advantages of native shrub plantings. Various examples of native shrubs in Virginia as well as specific to the northern Virginia area. Practical tips for planting and maintenance of these shrubs.
Info: *Site Analysis is required to take Principles of Design in Session 3. Make sure you sign up for Principles of Design in Session 3! You CANNOT take Site Analysis without taking Principles of Design. In this presentation, landscape designer John Magee explores the importance of thoroughly understanding a site before beginning any design work. He highlights which factors influence design decisions, ensuring that landscapes are both functional and sustainable.
Info: Please choose one presentation to attend at each session:
Info: Non-native invasive plants change the environment, reduce healthy wildlife habitat and can feel overwhelming to control. This presentation will provide information about how Fairfax County Park Authority prioritizes and controls the various invasive plants that challenge the natural areas, as well as tips for how homeowners can control the most common invaders.
Info: Pollinators have become a driving force in the switch to native plants. When most people think of pollinator habitat, they think about nectar and pollen from the flowers. But pollinators need much more. In this talk we will look at building pollinator habitats based on the needs of the pollinators. We will also see why a complete pollinator habitat depends on native plants and is great for, and necessary for birds and other wildlife.
Info: Learn about the unique life cycle of ferns and details on 16 commonly grown native ferns, including their distinguishing features, growth habits, support for wildlife, care requirements, and landscape uses.
Info: Learn how to incorporate native edible food plants into your landscape. From a townhouse to a farmhouse, we can grow a wide range of plants that will provide food for both humans and wildlife.
Info: As we encounter pest problems in the landscape, proper diagnosis of the cause is important for effective control. Integrated pest management (IPM) provides a system of strategies for managing any pest population to an acceptable level. In this session, we will review the steps for properly diagnosing a pest problem and the options for long-term control.
Info: *Site Analysis from Session 2 is required to take Principles of Design in Session 3. Make sure you have taken Site Analysis in Session 2! You CANNOT take Principles of Design without taking Site Analysis from Session 2. John Magee introduces the core principles that guide effective landscape design. This session demonstrates how these concepts can be applied to create outdoor spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, practical, and harmonious with their surroundings.
Also check out other Arts events in Manassas, Contests in Manassas, Meetups in Manassas.
Tickets for 8th Annual Prince William Native Plant Symposium 2026 can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| In-Person Early Bird | 45 USD |
| In-Person Regular | 50 USD |
| Student In-Person | 13 USD |
| Virtual Only | 29 USD |
| Donation | Free |
