Deeply Rooted Landscapes to Host Inaugural Native Plant Conference at Brukner Nature Center
Information provided
TROY — Deeply Rooted Landscapes will host its inaugural native plant conference, the Your Yard Is Habitat Conference, at Brukner Nature Center on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Sunday, June 7, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, will feature a public plant and artisan sale.
The Your Yard Is Habitat Conference is an educational weekend focused on native plants, residential landscapes, and the connections between people and wildlife. Hosted by Deeply Rooted Landscapes in partnership with Brukner Nature Center, the conference brings together gardeners, nature lovers, educators, and curious neighbors for learning, conversation, and community.
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Programs explore why native plants matter to birds, insects, and other wildlife and how small, thoughtful changes in our yards can create meaningful habitat close to home.
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This conference is designed for anyone who cares about the living world outside their door, whether they are just getting started or have been gardening for years. Featured speakers include Master Gardener Maura Boesch; garden designer Courtney Denning; Grace Dietsch, Director of Conservation for Five Rivers MetroParks; Chris Kline, of Butterfly Ridge; Terry Lavy, of The Conservationist; and Jason Sullivan, crew leader for Kettering Parks and Recreation.
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“Deeply Rooted Landscapes created this conference to provide the greater Dayton community with an opportunity to learn how and why to use native plants to create habitat in their own yard, said Kara Maynard, owner of DRL. “I hope attendees take away a better understanding of the wide variety of native plants, grasses, and trees they can use to improve their landscapes and attract more wildlife. We have an incredible lineup of speakers ready to share their knowledge to help everyone get started. In addition to the conference, the plant and artisan sale will provide people with the tools (i.e., plants) they need to actually create habitat while also giving them an opportunity to meet with local nature artists who share their passion and purchase their products.”
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The conference will take place at Brukner Nature Center in Troy, Ohio. Brukner is a nonprofit wildlife education and rehabilitation organization featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, six miles of nature trails, and woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats. The site is home to more than 50 wildlife ambassadors and offers year-round educational programming for all ages.
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“Brukner Nature Center provides rental space for area businesses, individuals, and non-profits, and we’re happy that Deeply Rooted Landscapes will be holding their upcoming workshop here!” said Deb Oexmann, Executive Director of Brukner.
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Tickets are required for Saturday programming and are available now. Register online at: https://deeplyrootedlandscapes.com/habitat-conference
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About Deeply Rooted Landscapes
Deeply Rooted Landscapes is a native plant landscaping company and native plant nursery, serving the Dayton and Miami Valley area since 2019. The company grows Midwest native plants and offers educational programs, garden consultations, design, installation, and invasive plant removal.