MNPS 2026 Conference: Diverse Landscapes of Maryland’s Piedmont and Western Shore

Start
09/12/2026
End
09/13/2026
Schedule
3 sessions
#1.
09/12/2026, 7:45 AM 5:30 PM (EDT)
#2.
09/12/2026, 5:00 PM 9:00 PM (EDT)
#3.
09/13/2026, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM (EDT)
Location
University of Maryland, College Park (Prince George's)
Spaces left
171
Registered
129 registrants

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:

1. Members – $100.00
Log in to register as a member
2. Certification Attendee (CEUs) – $100.00
3. Member of Another Plant Society – $100.00
4. Non-members – $130.00
5. Staff – $50.00
University of Maryland or Extension Service staff
6. Students – $30.00
a. Sedge Sponsor Level – $250.00
One complimentary registration, logo on slides/web, materials provided to attendees.
b. Spicebush Sponsor Level – $500.00
Two registrations, logo on slides/web, table for display, and promotional materials distributed to all conference attendees.
c. White Oak Sponsor Level – $1,000.00
Five registrations, table for display, banner at registration, logo on slides/web, and materials distributed to all attendees.
d. Poster Presenter – $15.00
e. Native Plant Vendors
Vendors receive one complimentary registration
f. Speakers, Trip & Workshop Leaders
Please contact Karyn Molines conference@mdflora.org for registration code.
g. Committee
Email Karyn Molines conference@mdflora.org for registration code.

In Person Attendance and Native Plant Sale

Event Co-Hosts: University of Maryland Extension Maryland Native Plants Program and University of Maryland School of Landscape Architecture

The Maryland Native Plant Society's fall conference features presentations, workshops, and field trips so you can learn more about our native plants and their habitats. Discover the unique landscapes of Maryland’s Piedmont and Western Coastal Plain from globally rare ecosystems such as magnolia bogs to the resilient and prevalent oak-hickory forests.

NOTE: After registering for the conference, you will receive information on how to sign up for workshops and field trips.

Location: University of Maryland, College Park, Stamp Student Union, Colony Ballroom

Parking on Saturday: Free at Regents Drive Garage/Lot B (behind Hornbake Plaza). Other campus lots are free on the weekends if highlighted in green on UMD’s campus map. Please read parking signs carefully to avoid expensive parking fines.

Virtual conference registration ($30) for the morning talks is available

Detailed Agenda

Day 1| Saturday, September 12

7:45 - 8:45 AM Check-in and continental breakfast
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sponsor tables (indoors)
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Plant sale by Maryland certified native plant nurseries, plus other booths, open to the Public (Hornbake Plaza) (see booth details)
8:45 - 12:15 PM Presentations>
12:20 - 1:00 PM Bag lunch pick-up
2:00 - 5:00 PM Field trip or workshop (see field trip and workshop details
5:30 - 6:30 PM Poster session and social hour

Evening Session ($30 extra cost option during registration)

6:30 - 8:00 PM Dinner buffet and presentation

Day 2 | Sunday, September 13

Various times: Field trips at various locations in the Maryland Piedmont and Western Shore (see field trip details)

If you would like to volunteer on the day of the conference email conference@mdflora.org

Due to the holidays in September (Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), plus several large events at the venue, it was especially difficult to select a date for our conference this year. We recognize some members of our community may not be able to join us on the dates we chose, and for this we are truly sorry. MNPS treasures our diverse community and wishes to welcome everyone as we explore and celebrate native plants and their habitats. Thank you for understanding, and let us know how we can include you in the future.

©Maryland Native Plant Society
PO Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914
MNPS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Maryland.