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.
Seeds to Sustenance: Northeastern Nut Tree Symposium
Sunday, November 2; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Explore the ecological, cultural, and culinary value of nut trees in the Northeast, centered around the American chestnut and expanding into broader themes of restoration, food systems, and climate resilience. This full-day symposium features expert talks, hands-on workshops—including natural dyeing—and a guided tour of the Garden’s chestnut project. Cap off the day with the warm tradition of fresh roasted chestnuts.
Ticket Pricing
$95 NEBG Member | $114 Non-Member | $99 ELA Member
- NEBG Members save 20% off program registration!
- Includes day admission to the Garden for ticket holders, and all symposium related activities.
- Tours and outdoor activities will run rain or shine. Dress accordingly.
Important Information
- Dress for both indoor and outdoor programming as this event is held rain or shine!
- This symposium will be nuts! Yes, it will have come in contact with nuts.
- Participants may bring their own lunches or order from the cafe.
8:00 a.m.-8:50 a.m.
Registration and Check-In – Enjoy coffee and light bites, browse resource tables and meet fellow attendees.
9:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
9:30 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
Talk 1: Nut Trees & the Future of Resilient Landscapes
How hardy nut species—chestnut, hazel, hickory, walnut—play a critical role in climate adaptation, food security, and ecosystem restoration.
10:30 a.m.-11:20 a.m.
Talk 2: From Seeds to Sustenance
Growers, foragers, and land stewards share real-world stories about cultivating and living with nut trees—from forest gardens to food forests.
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Demonstration – Natural Botanical Dyeing from Nuts, Bark and Tree
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lunch Break – Bring your own lunch or visit the Garden Café, network with fellow attendees or take a self-guided stroll.
1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Talk 3: From Seeds to Sustenance
Growers, foragers, and land stewards share real-world stories about cultivating and living with nut trees—from forest gardens to food forests.
2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m.
Talk 4: The Chestnut Tree Project at NEBG
Explore the cultural legacy and ecological importance of the American chestnut, once a keystone species of Northeastern forests. learn how restoration efforts are brining this iconic tree back to the landscape – and what the path forward looks like.
Speaker: Robert Graham, NEBG Land Steward Supervisor; Lois and Denis Melican.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closing: Roasted Chestnuts & Reflections – Gather under the trees for warm chestnuts, seasonal cider, and final reflections. Share what you’re taking home—and what you’re inspired to grow.
Robert Graham, Land Steward
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Robert Graham is the Land Steward at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill located in Boylston, MA. He has been with the organization since 2017 and is responsible for overseeing all formal groundskeeping as well as management of all naturalistic areas including meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Robert earned his BS in Biology from Worcester State University where he focused on conservation biology and GIS. His professional interests include early successional habitats, native plant ecology, and sustainable land management.
Robert has played an instrumental role in New England Botanic Garden’s adoption of electric landscaping equipment, an important initiative that led to the organization being recognized as the first botanic garden in the nation to earn Green Zone certification from the American Green Zone Alliance.
Stay tuned for more speakers information!
Cultivated: New England Apple Tree Symposium
Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | On-Site at New England Botanic Garden
Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Off-Site Massachusetts Cider House Experience
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.
Ticket Pricing
$95 NEBG Member | $114 Non-Member | $99 ELA Member
- NEBG Members save 20% off program registration!
- Includes day admission to the Garden for ticket holders, and all symposium related activities.
- Tours and outdoor activities will run rain or shine. Dress accordingly.
- Lunch may be ordered by 10 a.m. from the Farmer & Fork.
Important Information
Dress for both indoor and outdoor programming as this event is held rain or shine!
Participants may bring their own lunches or order from the cafe.
8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Welcome & Check-In
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Keeping the Orchard Healthy: Tales from the Apple ER
Kari Anne Peter, Associate Research Professor, Tree Fruit Pathology, PennState University
Growing apples in the Eastern U.S. can be challenging, as our environmental conditions favor nearly all diseases. This presentation will provide a brief overview of fungal fruit foes that growers may encounter in the orchard, along with useful tips and tricks to help keep an orchard free from woes.
10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Talk and Tasting: An Infinite Variety of Fruit: Historic New England Apples
Christie J. Higginbottom, Garden Research Historian and Consultant
New England’s apple varieties feature rare cultivars and rich history. Sample rare and unusual apple cultivars with guided commentary, and discover surprising flavors you won’t find in the supermarket
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Cider of Things: From Seed to Sip
Steve and Anne Garwood, Ragged Hill Cider
From planting to pouring, cider tells the story of the apple’s full journey. In this session, Steve and Anne Garwood of Ragged Hill Cider explore how growing practices, apple varieties, and fermentation choices shape the character of cider. Blending hands-on experience with heritage and innovation, they reveal how each sip reflects the land, the craft, and the people behind it.
Be sure to also sign up for Sunday’s Farm Tour at Ragged Hill Cider!
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch – Enjoy delicious locally grown meals from the Farmer & the Fork, or bring your own for a mid-day picnic at the Garden.
1:30-2:45 p.m.
DNA and Reconstructing the Family Tree of American Apples
Todd Little-Siebold, Faculty of History, College of the Atlantic and John Bunker, Orchardist / Pomologist – Fedco Trees (a division of Fedco Seeds)
Stay tuned for more information.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Guided Tour: Frank L. Harrington, Sr. Orchard
Leslie Duthie & NEBG Horticulture Staff
Join us for an immersive journey through our young heirloom apple orchard, guided by none other than Leslie Duthie – dedicated orchard keeper, passionate horticulture volunteer and the heart and soul of this living collection. Leslie will share her deep knowledge and hands-on experience tending this orchard, offering unique insights into its care and evolution.
Alongside Leslie, you will hear from orchard experts Todd Little-Siebold and John Bunker, who together, bring a rich blend of historical context, apple lore and practical knowledge.
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Afternoon Snacks & Social!
Wrap up the day with hot fresh cider and cider doughnuts while mingling with fellow attendees, speakers, and NEBG staff.
- Guided orchard tour of the NEBG Frank L. Harrington, Sr. Orchard apple collection
- Engaging Lectures on pomology, orchard restoration, and cider making.
- Heirloom Apple Tasting featuring rare and historic varieties.
- Afternoon Social with fresh apple cider and cider doughnuts!
- Optional Off-Site Farm Tour to a local cider house and a hard cider tasting.
2026 Art & Science Symposium
Save the Date
Friday, January 23, 2026; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Explore the intersection of creativity and curiosity at the NEBG Art & Science Symposium! Join us this coming January 2026 for thought-provoking talks, panels, and weekend workshops that celebrate where botanical science meets artistic innovation.
2026 Urban Tree Symposium
Save the Date
Friday, February 27, 2026; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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. Check back often for the most up-to-date information regarding speakers and registration.
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, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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, 8:30 a.m-3:30 p.m.
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.
2024 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.