Welcome to our Virtual Native Plant Summit
A virtual gathering rooted in place, people, and possibility
February 24-26 2026 | Virtual | Free to attend
Native plants are having a moment — and here in the Erie Drift Plains, that momentum is being built by everyday people: gardeners, growers, educators, advocates, and neighbors who care about the land where they live.
The Erie Drift Plains Native Plant Summit is a free, virtual gathering created to bring those voices together. Over the course of the summit, you’ll hear real stories, learn practical approaches, and explore how native plants support biodiversity, resilient landscapes, and stronger communities — especially right here in our region.
This isn’t about perfect gardens or doing everything “right.” It’s about learning together, sharing what works, and taking the next small step.
What to Expect
During the summit, you’ll have access to:
Short, approachable sessions from regional speakers
Practical guidance you can apply at home, in your neighborhood, or through community projects
Conversations that blend ecology, gardening, policy, and lived experience
A welcoming space for curiosity, questions, and connection
Sessions will be available online, so you can watch at your own pace during the summit window.
Our Experts (so far!)
Keep checking back as we have some wonderful experts lined up to talk during our summit
Freda Tepfer
Native Plant Advocate
EAC Erie
Amber Stilwell
Coastal Outreach Specialist
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Stephanie Ciner
Ecological Urban Grower
Wild Field Urban Farm
Neel Singh
Erie Civic Engagement Coordinator
PennFuture / CVPA
Bobbi Hartsock
Chapter President
Wild Ones Erie Drift Plains
And More....
Check back soon
For upcoming guests!
Who Should Attend?
Curious beginners and seasoned native plant enthusiasts
Urban, suburban, and rural gardeners
People with small yards, shared spaces, or no yard at all
Educators, advocates, volunteers, and community members
Anyone interested in learning how native plants fit into everyday life
You do not need prior experience, a perfect landscape, or specialized knowledge to attend.
🌱 Free to Attend
Free access includes:
All summit sessions during the event window
Opportunities to learn from regional speakers
Connection to a growing native plant community
Free during the summit dates — no cost, no pressure.
Registration
How it Works
We’re so glad you’re here — and we hope this summit feels like an open invitation to learn, reflect, and imagine what’s possible when communities come together around native plants.
1. Submit your First Name & Email
2. You'll get a Welcome Email
3. Daily Summit Emails
4. Watch and/or Listen to the Speakers
5. Share on our Facebook page
About the Wild Ones Erie Drift Plains
The Wild Ones Erie Drift Plains Chapter is a volunteer-led community focused on promoting native plants, biodiversity, and place-based stewardship across our region. Planting native plants doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and we believe that community is at the heart of changing the yards and landscapes around us!
Want to Get More Involved?
Wild Ones is about more than native plants. We're bringing native plants to landscapes within our communities, which means we're really about the people in our communities. There are many ways to stay connected by becoming a Wild Ones member. A membership gives you the opportunity to: attend future chapter events, volunteer on local projects, help plan programs or community initiatives, explore leadership or board opportunities. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to start somewhere.
© 2026 | Wild Ones Erie Drift Plains | All Rights Reserved