38th Annual NDAL Symposium - Save the Date!
Photo by Mark Weaner
Down to Earth
Grounding Eco-Cultural Landscape Design
While landscape design begins as an intellectual endeavor, its goals cannot be achieved without seeds, plants, and physical activity. In this program we will show how landscape designers and architects can formulate planting plans, specify installation and management protocols, and perform project oversight that effectively steer eco-cultural designs to fruition. Presentations by highly accomplished design practitioners will be interwoven with sessions by native plant growers, ecologically-savvy contractors, cultural landscape practitioners, and of course restoration ecologists - all of whom are grounded in the physicality of living landscapes. Participants will learn how to better create plans that succeed when meeting the real world.
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.
Save the date!
Thursday & Friday, January 28-29, 2027
Oasis Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn, Springfield, NJ (outside NYC)
The Symposium will be held in one location with virtual options available.
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. 28th
Optional in-person add-on:
Dinner immediately following reception on Thursday, Jan. 28th
Livestream option:
Recordings viewable by all registrants for 3 months
Category: Professional
CEUs available: APLD, CBLP, ISA, LA CES, NOFA, PLNA, SER (12 CEU hours for most types)
Registration opens Fall 2026
We thank our sponsors:
Sponsorships available!
Expand your company’s reach
and support ecology-based landscape design and practice.
Past NDAL Symposia:
