Conference Mission: Connecting People and Nature
Learn about the important role of native plants in supporting our natural environment by attending the 2nd Annual Midwest Native Plant Conference, August 6, 7 & 8, 2010, at the Bergamo Center in Dayton, Ohio. Bergamo Center is located on the campus of Mount St. John, a beautiful 150-acre campus property. The Mount St. John Nature Preserve was named an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1988, recognizing it as "an outstanding environmental education area possessing exceptional value in illustrating and interpreting the natural heritage of Ohio." Download a nature trail guide of the MSJ Preserve. The land is managed by the Marianist Environmental and Education Center (MEEC). Through Meec's "research and restoration of six ecosystems on 100 acres of land at Mount St. John and scientific team provides opportunities for learning about land management and participating in ecological research".

You will learn from experts about native landscaping, forests, wetlands, and prairies, together with the diverse wildlife that lives in these native habitats, through lectures, field trips and workshops. A Keynote speaker will be featured each day of the conference. There will be a variety of breakout sessions on various topics, such as native plant basics and propagation, summer wildflowers, butterflies and native goldenrods.

Our vendors will offer native plants, books, artwork and other items that will help you in understanding and enjoying the benefits of going native. Vendors will be open to the public on Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each day of the conference we will offer informative tours and field trips to a wide variety of habitats to identify native plants, birds, butterflies, insects and other wildlife within easy driving distance of the Dayton area.

Our Saturday night banquet keynote, Julie Zickefoose, is a widely published natural history writer and artist. Julie provides monthly commentary for National Public Radio and brings the natural world to almost 14,000 readers monthly with her daily blog. Julie never tires of roaming her 80-acre wildlife sanctuary in Whipple, OH. She has a deep relationship with the land that is the wellspring for her writing and art.

On Friday evening, Wil Hershberger, author of “The Songs of Insects” will take us on a journey to learn more about the sounds of summer. Learn more about the natural history of insects, the importance to our world, ID tips and an appreciation of insect song. An evening field trip will be offered after the talk to look and listen for insects and other creatures of the night.

Scholarships
We will be offering a limited number of scholarships to young naturalist and to Ohio Young Birders, aged 10-18. These scholarships are to help young people connect with nature. If you are interested in getting more information about scholarships, or in donating to the scholarship fund, email Kathy for more information or call 513.941.6497.

Master Gardeners and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists
Master Gardeners and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists may use these events for accredited hours and educational requirements.

Sponsors and Vendors
Interested in being a sponsor or a vendor? Contact Macy Reynolds at 937.767.2981.

2010 Conference Proceeds will Benefit:
Beavercreek Wetlands Association
The Sunshine Corridor Project
Marianist Environmental Education Center

Website: Kathy