37th Annual NDAL Symposium: Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Designing Landscapes that Integrate
Regional Specificity with Global Commonality
Incorporating a region’s indigenous plant communities and ecological processes is at the heart of ecology-based design. But no natural system operates in isolation or is forever immune to change…..especially today where the effects of watershed alteration, soil disturbance, plant globalization, and climate change are at play worldwide. Our Symposium will begin by zooming in on techniques for regionally-specific landscape analysis and design. We will then widen the lens and learn how disturbance, ecological science, and cultural land practices across regions can factor into those processes. Finally, we will explore how an expansive view of landscape art can unify this micro/macro divide in landscapes ranging from expansive to intimate.
Founded in 1990 by Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and NDAL, 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.
Register today!
Thursday & Friday, January 15-16th, 2026
Kean University, Union, NJ (outside NYC)
The Symposium will be held in one location.
It will have applications for those practicing in any geographical location.
In-person option includes:
Reception (refreshments & hour de’vours) immediately following program on Thursday, Jan. 15th
Optional in-person add-on:
Dinner immediately following reception on Thursday, Jan. 15th
Livestream option:
Recordings viewable by all registrants for 3 months
Category: Professional
CEUs available
We thank our Symposium Sponsors!
Speakers Sponsor:
Hospitality & Scholarships Sponsors:
Friends Sponsors:
Special Note: For many years, NDAL has deeply appreciated its partnership with Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania and Connecticut College Arboretum in jointly presenting the January Annual Symposium. While NDAL will be solely producing the Symposium from this year onward, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the important role these two institutions and their respective team members have played.
Sponsorships available!
Expand your company’s reach
and support ecology-based landscape design and practice.
Past NDAL Symposia:
