SYMPOSIA & CONFERENCES
New England Botanic Garden’s symposia and conferences bring together professionals, practitioners, and passionate learners for in-depth explorations of timely topics in horticulture, ecology, plant science, landscape design, and environmental stewardship.
Each event features leading experts, interactive sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to foster innovation, share research, and spark meaningful dialogue. Whether you’re deepening your expertise or entering the field, our programs offer enriching experiences that connect knowledge with practice—and people with purpose.
Please click here for an archive of our CEU (Continuing Education Unit).
Illustrated: Art/Science at the Garden
Friday, January 23, 10 AM–4 PM | ONLINE
Saturday, January 24 | IN-PERSON at the Garden
Sunday, January 25 | IN-PERSON at the Garden
Illustrated: Art/Science at the Garden invites you to observe, imagine, and create through both microscope and paintbrush. Friday’s online programs invite you into the minds of artists and scientists to explore how observation deepens creativity. Then join us for a weekend of immersive practice-based workshops at the Garden. Whether you’re an experienced illustrator or simply curious about plant anatomy and form, Illustrated offers a space to explore the creative and scientific side of the natural world. Details, prices and schedule available here.
10:30–11:20 AM
How Observation Sparks Creativity
Carol Schwartz, Illustrator
Discover how observing nature fuels creativity and inspires art that champions plants and pollinators.
Registration: All Day Pass | Individual Talk
11:30 AM–12:20 PM
Artful Science and Early Botanical Photography
Shelley Lawrence Kirkwood, Photographer & Artist
Explore how 19th-century scientists and artists developed and explored photographic processes as a resource to study and celebrate the botanical world, blending aesthetic curiosity with scientific discovery.
Registration: All Day Pass | Individual Talk
1:00–1:50 PM
lllustrating Lichens: Practical Considerations and Process
Ethan Roos, Science & Nature Illustrator
Learn the essentials of lichen anatomy, field observation, and creating striking lichen illustrations.
Registration: All Day Pass | Individual Talk
2:00–2:50 PM
Ecotones: Art and science at Biological Field Stations
Nancy Lowe, Artist & Educator
This one-hour online presentation will explore contemporary art produced at biological field stations and marine labs. Biological field stations and marine labs have long served as sites for science research and education. These living laboratories can be a few acres to thousands of acres in remote sites.
Registration: All Day Pass | Individual Talk
3:00–3:50 PM
Drawing the Living World: Botanical Illustration in a Museum Context
Alice Tangerini, Botanist / Botanical Illustrator
Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History
Registration: All Day Pass | Individual Talk
Urban Tree Symposium 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026, 9 AM–4:30 PM
New England Botanic Garden’s annual Urban Tree Symposium explores the importance of urban forests and ways we can improve our green spaces. Early bird registration begins in December. Early bird registration starts on November 15 and closes December 31. Check back often for the most up-to-date information regarding speakers and registration. Details, prices and schedule available here.
7:30 – 9:15 AM: Registration, Coffee and tea.
8:15 – 8:45 AM (30 min): Early Morning Walk and Talk: Designing and Maintaining Trees in Urban Landscapes
Hunter Blanchard, Horticulturist I
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Kick off the day with an insightful walk through the garden led by our horticulturist and natural lands steward. From 8:15 to 8:45 AM, explore how tree design, plantings, and maintenance practices in our display areas can be applied to urban spaces. Gain unique perspectives on creating sustainable and visually striking landscapes from both cultivated and natural land management viewpoints.
9:00 – 9:15 AM: Welcome
9:15 – 10:15 AM (60 min): Fagus forethought and Carpinus conundrums
Dr Matthew Borden
Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
This session we will cover several emerging tree diseases that you should be aware of and able to recognize by their signs and symptoms. Further, we will discuss what is known of management approaches and their rationale. Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) has swept through much of New England at a dizzying pace. Caused by an invasive foliar nematode, the disease quickly became a top concern of homeowners, arborists, foresters, and nursery growers. A research team with Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories has been at the forefront of BLD management trials, learning from both impressive failures and exciting successes as they developed two novel treatment programs now in wide use. Meanwhile, we cannot forget other emerging issues. A mysterious problem has been increasingly observed in European hornbeam, causing severe branch canker and dieback. Nursery growers and homeowners seek answers, but the first step is figuring out what we are dealing with – and exciting work is underway.
10:15 – 10:30 AM (15 min): Break
10:30 – 11:30 PM (60 min): Coming soon …
11:30 – 12:15 PM (45 min): Coming soon …
12:15 – 1:15 PM (60 min): Lunch
1:15 PM – 2:00 pm (45 min): Planting Trees of Change: The Return of the Chestnut Tree
Robert Graham, Land Steward Supervisor
New England Botanic Garden
Join NEBG’s horticulturist and land steward, Robert Graham, as he shares the inspiring story of the American chestnut tree’s revival and its transformative role in our landscapes. Learn about innovative restoration efforts, urban tree management practices, species selection, and the vital impact of underground ecosystems. Gain insights into the ecological significance of this iconic species and explore how planting these trees can foster a more resilient and sustainable future.
2:00 – 3:00 PM (60 min): Keynote Speaker will be announced soon!
3:15 – 4:30 PM (60 min): Walk & Talk with the Keynote Speaker
5:00 PM: Garden Closes
-
Certified Arborist – 4.75
-
BCMA – Management – 4.75
-
Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) – 1.0
Seeds to Sustenance: Northeastern Nut Tree Symposium
Rescheduled to March 2026. More information coming soon!
Please click here for an archive of our CEU (Continuing Education Unit).
Cultivated: New England Apple Tree Symposium
Saturday, November 15
Sunday, November 16
Explore the world of heirloom apples during a full day of apple-inspired discovery. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of NEBG’s Frank L. Harrington Orchard, learn how to start and maintain your own home orchard, sample rare and flavorful apple varieties, and dive into the art of cider making on Sunday November 16 with an optional off-site cidery tour. Whether you’re a backyard grower, history buff, or cider enthusiast, there’s something to savor and learn.
In Partnership with the Place: Site-Specific Native Design, New England-Style
Presented in partnership with New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL)
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Explore New England’s native plants and wildlife through expert-led talks and field walks. Learn how to design and care for landscapes that support local ecosystems and wildlife, blending ecology with beautiful garden stewardship.
Plant Geek Day at NEBG
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Celebrate your inner plant nerd! Join us for Plant Geek Day—a lively, educational, and inspiring gathering for green industry professionals, gardeners, and curious plant lovers of all kinds. Presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA), this day is packed with hands-on learning, expert lectures, and plenty of plant talk with fellow enthusiasts.
2025 Urban Tree Symposium
Friday, February 7, 2025
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s annual Urban Tree Symposium is dedicated to exploring the importance of urban forests and ways we can improve our green spaces. The symposium brings together experts in the fields of forestry, horticulture, biology, technology and more. You can expect to hear current and important information that will impact your work in our communities and your own home. This event is co-hosted in partnership with the Ecological Landscape Alliance. CEU’s will be available.