Keynote Speaker: Doug Tallamy at 2 pm (Extension Auditorium). “Nature’s Best Hope, A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard" The pressures on wildlife populations today are greater than they have ever been and many gardeners assume they can remedy this situation by simply planting a variety of flowering perennials, trees, and shrubs. As Douglas Tallamy points out in this revelatory book, that assumption is largely mistaken. Wild creatures exist in a complex web of interrelationships, and often require different kinds of food at different stages of their development. There is an unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife. When native plant species disappear, the insects disappear, thus impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. Fortunately, there is still time to reverse this alarming trend, and gardeners have the power to make a significant contribution toward sustainable biodiversity. By favoring native plants, gardeners can provide a welcoming environment for wildlife of all kinds. Healthy local ecosystems are not only beautiful and fascinating, they are also essential to human well-being. By heeding Douglas Tallamy's eloquent arguments and acting upon his recommendations, gardeners everywhere can make a difference. "Dr. Tallamy combines historical lessons, intricate research and solid answers to the dilemma we all face as we watch our environment deteriorate. This is NOT your average gardening book, but a thorough treatise and well-crafted solution. Meticulously referenced, and entirely readable, this is a fascinating book [and speaker.] It could also change the world for the better, one yard at a time….” ~ Donna Corbelli Castro ISA certified arborist, LIAF certified, GI-BMP Instructor and registered Beekeeper, Education/Specialist for Agent Michael Orfanedes in Commercial Horticulture at UF/IFAS Extension Broward.

Open All Day Plenty of activities to encourage and inspire a child's love of nature! Activities include: Crafts Gardening Photo Booths Forest Firefighting Equipment with Rangers ...and so much more!

Speaker: Mary Ann H at ??am. Learn about what it takes to grow a healthy, long-lived Shumard Oak tree.

Speaker: Bruce Cavey at ??am. As a well-known local gardener and owner of Gardner Extraordinaire, Bruce Cavey brings as distinct flair to maximizing your homegrown blooms. Learn how to make the most of your garden with this flower arranging demonstration.

Speaker: Bee Club/Bee Lab at ??pm. Learn the basics of bee keeping....

Speaker: TBD at ??pm. Learn how to identify and collect seeds from your own garden....