Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 0800 - 1500
Grow your skills, spark new ideas, and spend a winter day surrounded by people who love plants as much as you do. Nursery School brings together University of Illinois Extension educators and horticulture experts for a full day of inspiration, practical learning, and hands-on guidance for both new and experienced gardeners.
Registration: Early Bird $60 through Jan. 31; Regular $70 Feb. 1-15.
Fee includes buffet lunch, two keynote sessions, and two breakout sessions with six topics to choose from.
Sessions and Presenters:
Rebuilding Our Forests Amid Climate Challenges - Opening Keynote with Justin Vozzo, Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist and ISA Certified Arborist. He will discuss how climate change is reshaping Midwestern urban forests and strategies to strengthen their resilience.
Session 1 topics: (choose one)
Soak It Up - Rain Gardens at Home - Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Harvesting Happiness - Growing Fruit Trees at Home - Dr. Elizabeth Wahle, Illinois Extension Specialist.
Planting Herbs to Attract Pollinators - Jennifer Fishburn, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Session 2 topics: (choose one)
Reclaiming a Runaway Landscape - Chris Enroth, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Mediterranean Diet: Foods, Flavors and Health Benefits - Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator.
Landscaping with Native Midwestern Shrubs - Rob Liva, Ecological Land Management Consultant.
Lunch Buffet featuring pulled pork or black bean burgers with warm sides. Attendees may visit vendors and complete a “library card” for prize drawings.
Closing Keynote: Plants of Concern - Protecting Illinois’ Rarest Species with Grant Fesseler, Northwestern Illinois Coordinator for the Plants of Concern Program (Chicago Botanic Garden). Learn how community scientists help monitor and protect rare plant species across more than 600 sites statewide.
Register by Feb. 15 at go.illinois.edu/NurserySchool to secure your spot.
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3451816-2?pid=2874
Category: Kids / Family | Classes
Registration: Early Bird $60 through Jan. 31; Regular $70 Feb. 1-15.
Fee includes buffet lunch, two keynote sessions, and two breakout sessions with six topics to choose from.
Sessions and Presenters:
Rebuilding Our Forests Amid Climate Challenges - Opening Keynote with Justin Vozzo, Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist and ISA Certified Arborist. He will discuss how climate change is reshaping Midwestern urban forests and strategies to strengthen their resilience.
Session 1 topics: (choose one)
Soak It Up - Rain Gardens at Home - Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Harvesting Happiness - Growing Fruit Trees at Home - Dr. Elizabeth Wahle, Illinois Extension Specialist.
Planting Herbs to Attract Pollinators - Jennifer Fishburn, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Session 2 topics: (choose one)
Reclaiming a Runaway Landscape - Chris Enroth, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
Mediterranean Diet: Foods, Flavors and Health Benefits - Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator.
Landscaping with Native Midwestern Shrubs - Rob Liva, Ecological Land Management Consultant.
Lunch Buffet featuring pulled pork or black bean burgers with warm sides. Attendees may visit vendors and complete a “library card” for prize drawings.
Closing Keynote: Plants of Concern - Protecting Illinois’ Rarest Species with Grant Fesseler, Northwestern Illinois Coordinator for the Plants of Concern Program (Chicago Botanic Garden). Learn how community scientists help monitor and protect rare plant species across more than 600 sites statewide.
Register by Feb. 15 at go.illinois.edu/NurserySchool to secure your spot.
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3451816-2?pid=2874
Category: Kids / Family | Classes
Starting Price Per Person
$ 70.00 USD
Other Information
Where
Vibrant Arena at The MARK
1201 River Drive
Moline Illinois 61265
United States
( Multi-Purpose Events Venue )
1201 River Drive
Moline Illinois 61265
United States
( Multi-Purpose Events Venue )
Event Organizer Contact:
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Event ID: 264583
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