Blog
36th Annual Design Symposium: Landscape, Ecology & Culture
Founded in 1990, this annual two-day symposium has a long tradition of celebrating native plants and innovative ecological practice. Presenters reflect the diverse factors that shape our landscapes including landscape architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, ecologists, historians, anthropologists, artists and others. The series offers in-depth explorations of forward-looking and overlooked topics, always seeking to connect theory with practical application. Join us as we continue to connect the dots between ecological restoration, cultural landscape practice, and fine garden design.
Registration coming this fall!
NDAL IN THE FIELD | In-person programs | Summer - Fall 2024
Gain actionable knowledge to apply ecology-based design principles to real world landscapes.
Ecology-based Landscape Practice: A 7-Part Intensive Virtual Course | Summer 2024
Explore the integration of restoration ecology and garden design with Larry Weaner and Ian Caton.
Register to View Recordings! Expanding the Practice of Landscape Design | Virtual Education Series | March - April 2023
“As always nothing but the best from NDAL.”
-2022 Winter Series Attendee
Landscape, Ecology, & Culture: A Synergistic 34th Annual Design Symposium
Our 34th Annual Design Symposium was held both in-person and virtually.
Field Sessions | Fall 2022
Gain actionable knowledge to apply ecology-based design principles to real world landscapes.
People and Nature: What’s the Difference?
The precise associations between our native flora and fauna have been well documented, and we are learning to think of plants and wildlife as an interdependent web. But that web is larger than just terrestrial flora and fauna.
Wildflower Meadows: Let’s Get Real
When integrated into a well-designed landscape matrix, a meadow can help transform a residential property into a beautiful and stimulating home environment while vastly reducing quality time with a noisy mower. Large corporations can dramatically reduce maintenance costs, as has been documented on numerous projects, and public highways and parks can enhance our spectacular and diverse native landscape on a visual and ecological level.
Seeding the Woodland Herbaceous Layer: A Multi-year Learning Thread
This process plays out over time, of course, which runs counter to traditional landscape practices where the planting sequence is mostly “one and done” and “on to the next project”. This divergence is one that continually emerges when attempting to move from traditional landscape practice to an ecological process-based approach.
Select Proceedings from 2019 conference published in the summer issue of the Connecticut College Arboretum Bulletin
Select proceedings from NDAL’s 2019 conference were published in the June 2019 issue of the Connecticut College Arboretum Bulletin. Contributors included
NDAL's newest team member!
NDAL welcomes its newest team member, Sara Weaner, who will assume the organization’s new position of executive director.
NDAL receives 1st Regional Impact Award from the New England Wildflower Society
In fall 2016, the New England Wildflower Society (NEWFS) recognized NDAL with its first Regional Impact Award, which recognizes “exceptional leadership and achievement in native plant conservation, horticulture, or education with a regional significance.”
Annual Symposium Curated Book Displays
NDAL’s curated book display is always a favorite spot for annual symposium attendees. Each year, conference organizers, speakers, and Advisory Committee members contribute to the display theme.
