By Jackie Trickel reporting for Native Plant News Summer 2026
LOOK FOR an email with a complete registration packet with up-to-date information coming in July. A list of suggested hotel accommodations will also be included.
Join us for a special milestone as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the North Carolina Native Plant Society at a statewide event in Pittsboro, NC! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the world of native plants, this anniversary celebration offers something for everyone—education, inspiration, and community.
We’re planning a full weekend of learning, exploration, and connecting with fellow native plant enthusiasts.
Mark your calendar for September 25–27, 2026, and be part of this memorable event. This event is a celebration for members. Not a member? The membership line will be on the registration.
Weekend Highlights
- Friday, September 25—Kick-off with informal dinner gatherings: An opportunity to meet, reconnect, and share your passion for native plants.
- Saturday, September 26—Main Celebration Day at the Chatham County Agriculture Conference Center, Pittsboro, NC
A full day of engaging activities: (Waiting for confirmation on a few other speakers)- 9:00 –11:45 AM — Field trips and workshops
- 11:45 AM — Lunch and exclusive plant sale for registered attendees
- 12:45 PM — Choice of small group discussions
- 1:15 PM — Welcome remarks and history highlights by Ken Bridle
- 1:45 PM — Keynote presentation by Patrick McMillan
- 3:15 PM — Panel discussion: “Keys to Success, Increasing the Use of Native Plants” with five panelists:
- Debbie Roos (Agricultural Extension Agent, Chatham County Center)
- Matt Archibald (Leaf & Limb)
- Sharon Day (Mellow Marsh Farm)
- Barbara Driscoll (New Hope Bird Alliance)
- Lauren Freudenberger (City of Raleigh Horticulturalist)
- 4:30 PM — Inspirational talk by Brandon Wheeler, NC Botanical Garden
- 5:00 PM — Closing remarks by Julie Moore and Jackie Trickel
- 5:30 PM onward — Meet-ups for dinner and networking
- Sunday, September 27—Wrap up the weekend with additional morning field trips.
LOOK FOR an email with a complete registration packet with up-to-date information coming in July. A list of suggested hotel accommodations will also be included.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Jackie Trickel is an observer of all nature! Her passions include restoring native plants and the habitats they support. She is the NC State Fair Native Garden Coordinator for NCNPS, and co-chair for the NC Native Plant Society’s Statewide 75th Anniversary Celebration. A long-time member of the Margaret Reid (Triangle) Chapter, Jackie is also an NC Certified Environmental Educator, a Virginia Tech Hokie, and retired with Wake County Parks. She is married to Robert Trickel with two wonderful children and Grandma to four beautiful grandkids!