The Penn State Extension will host an in-person or virtual Spring Symposium On Practical Pathways To Healthy Landscapes on February 21 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

This three-hour event offers a dynamic blend of science-based ecological horticulture and practical, hands-on strategies for creating vibrant outdoor spaces.

Participants will learn foundational design principles, discover the surprising value of often-misunderstood native “weeds,” and gain techniques to transform traditional lawns into resilient, life-supporting habitats.

Whether you are beginning your ecological gardening journey or ready to take bold steps toward transformation, this symposium will provide the inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to make your garden part of the solution.

Who is this for?

-- Home gardeners of all levels interested in merging aesthetics with ecology;

-- Gardeners who use native plants to support pollinators and wildlife;

-- Homeowners looking for alternatives to resource-intensive lawns; and

-- Anyone ready to rethink traditional gardening and embrace sustainable practices.

What will you learn?

-- Core ecological design principles to create beautiful, functional, and wildlife-friendly gardens;

-- How to view “weedy” native plants through both ecological and horticultural lenses — and decide when they have a place in your garden

-- Why reducing lawn area benefits pollinators, birds, soil health, and water conservation;

-- Practical, step-by-step methods to transition from lawn to layered plantings and pollinator-friendly habitat;

-- Strategies for designing within real-world constraints, including HOA guidelines and small-scale residential lots; and

-- How to make informed plant choices that increase biodiversity while keeping your garden manageable and appealing.

The in-person program will be held at the Olewine Nature Center in Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the Penn State Extension website to learn more about many other educational opportunities.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Keystone Trails Association Honors Outstanding Volunteers, Hikers, Trail Leaders On Dec. 6 Celebration At Ned Smith Center For Nature & Art, Dauphin County  [PaEN]

-- Chesapeake Conservancy Honors Former National Park Service Director Robert G. Stanton, Ann Jones, Lysle Sherwin As Champions Of The Chesapeake Bay Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Registration Open!  PA Recreation & Park Society Conference & Expo March 24-27, Manheim, Lancaster County  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Grants News: NW PA Advances Recreation Economy Study; Community Conservation Grants Open Jan. 12; ATV/Snowmobile Grants Open Feb. 2

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests - Loving The Land: The Liebenguth Family Woodland In Forest County: ‘The Land Is A Sacred Place’  [PaEN]

-- Natural Lands Partners With Landowner, Thornbury Township To Permanently Preserve 14.6 Acre Property In Delaware County  [PaEN]

-- Berks Nature Places Conservation Easement On 19.48 Acre Farm In Historic Butter Valley, Berks County  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 21 Spring Symposium On Transforming Traditional Lawns Into Resilient, Life-Supporting Habitats With Native Plants  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- LancasterOnline: PennDOT Wants To Use Part Of Natural Lands Sadsbury Woods Preserve In Chester County For Improvements To US 30/10 Bypass  [PDF of Article]

-- Beaver Times: North Country Trail Assn. Accepts Land Donation In Wampum Area, Lawrence County

-- AP: Christmas Tree Retailers Find Lots To Like At PA Wholesale Auction

-- The Derrick: Kara Kauffman Continues Her Husband’s Mission As New Director Of Two Mile Run County Park In Venango County [PDF of Article]

-- Observer-Reporter: National Tunnel On Montour Trail Closed Due To Deteriorating Ceiling

-- Altoona Mirror: Rails To Trails Officials Hopeful Lower Trail’s Dilling Bridge Will Reopen Before Winter

-- Inquirer: Gulph Road Connector Trail Project Planned Near King Of Prussia Mall Gets New Funding

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Natural Playgrounds Are A Worthy Investment In Children And The Environment

-- Penn State Extension Woods & Wildlife News: Forest Health Observations; 2026 Agroforestry Conference; Forest Layers - The Understory; Online Learning Opportunities

-- PA Capital-Star: Rifle Deer Hunting Season Begins In PA Saturday; With 2 Sunday Hunting Days

-- Morning Call Guest Essay: President’s Administration Putting National Parks In Peril - By John Plonski, National Parks Volunteer, Former Executive Deputy DCNR

-- Post-Gazette/AP: National Parks Adopts ‘Americans First!’ Fee Policy, Increasing Park Fees For International Tourists Visiting Popular Parks

[Posted: November 24, 2025]

12/1/2025