Conference to Discuss Native Plants in Landscaping

ProNativas, an organization that promotes the use of native plants in landscaping, is holding its first conference June 25 at Hotel Bougainvillea in Santo Domingo de  Heredia, north of San José. The public is welcome to attend.

Speakers will include: Barry Hammel from the MissouriBotanical Garden and the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) and author of “Plantas Ornamentales Nativas”; Willow Zuchowski, author of “Tropical Plants of Costa Rica”; Deedra McClearn and Orlando Vargas from the Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva; and landscape architects Alberto Negrini and Mauricio Baltodano.

Topics to be discussed will include the diversity of flora in Costa Rica, the importance of using native plants, identification of invasive exotic species and the environmental and economic problems they cause, landscaping with native plants, animal and plant interactions, and planning and planting a native garden. Questions will be accepted from the audience and discussion will be encouraged throughout the conference.

There will be opportunities for networking and for viewing books, cards and laminates relating to Costa Rica’s flora. The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The participation fee is ¢35,000 ($65), including coffee breaks and lunch, and space is limited. To reserve, e-mail pronativa@gmail.com or call 8990-8440. For information on ProNativas, visit www.pronativas.com.