GCNN Spring Workshop: Climate Resilience in Public Gardens

On Thursday, May 15, join the Garden Conservancy Northwest Network for a comprehensive full-day workshop dedicated to exploring strategies that enhance climate resilience in public gardens. This event will bring together leading experts and experienced practitioners to share innovative approaches for ensuring sustainable operations and fostering meaningful community engagement in the face of a changing climate.

Stay tuned for information on garden tours and networking dinner on Wednesday, May 14th. 

Morning Session: Climate Change Smart Operations and Strategies

As climate change impacts public gardens, resilient and sustainable management practices are essential. This session will explore water-efficient irrigation strategies, soil health improvements and climate-adaptive plant selection.

Amelia Keyser-Gibson is a PhD student at the University of Washington studying plant ecophysiology and working on the UW Climate Ready Plants project. Her work evaluates plant responses to changing water availability and potential for acclimation under climate change. The Climate Ready Plants is a horticultural research network across six sites in the Western U.S. with overlapping plant taxa grown under deficit irrigation treatments and evaluated for aesthetic and growth performance. 

Afternoon Session: Outreach and Education

Public gardens are vital for climate resilience education and inspiration. This session covers effective outreach, community engagement, climate education programs, and a case study. Participants will explore creating impactful programs for diverse audiences to encourage climate action.

Nina Avila, Education Programs Director at Hoyt Arboretum Friends, holds a master's in educational leadership & policy with a sustainability focus. With 20 years in environmental education at botanical gardens and park systems, her climate change work intensified in 2023. She developed a multi-visit curriculum for middle schoolers, now in its second year, integrating Robin Wall Kimmerer's insights and lessons from the Western Red cedar to emphasize the impact of our choices.

Lakewold Gardens

A national and Washington State historic landmark, Lakewold Gardens is a breathtaking 10-acre horticultural haven featuring rare and native plants, stunning landscape architecture, and seasonal beauty.

Do not miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn from experts, and gain practical strategies to build a more climate-resilient future for your public garden.

Wednesday May 14, 2025

Join us for GCNN Networking Dinner at 6:00 PM at Harbor Lights on the Tacoma Waterfront

Harbor Lights

2761 North Ruston Way

Tacoma, WA 98402

253-752-8600

Join us for dinner and networking. To accommodate individual preferences, attendees will cover their own entrées. Please RSVP for dinner to ltaylor@gardenconservancy.org

Hotel Recommendation: Comfort Inn Suites at JBLM