New to Native Plants Track- Session Descriptions

Breakout #1: From Lawn Replacements to Naturalistic Prairies: Ideas for Incorporating Native Grasses in Colorado Landscapes with Catherine Moravec and Lisa Pace

Discover how native grasses can be woven into Colorado landscapes to create low-water, low-maintenance, and ecologically functional spaces. We will explore a variety of landscaping approaches, from lawn replacements to naturalistic mixes, sharing real-world examples, key considerations, and practical installation and care tips. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration for their next project.

Breakout #2: Native Trees for Bees (and other Wildlife) with Derek Lowstuter

Trees and shrubs provide important food and habitat for pollinators, both native and introduced. However, they are so often overlooked in favor of herbaceous perennial and annual species. Or, growers may assume that showy tree species such as flowering crabapple and linden are the best choices when selecting woody species to support insect Populations. 

As a Certified Arborist and Agroforester, I intend to demonstrate the value of flowering trees and shrubs for beneficial insects and provide actionable examples of how this can be done in CO. Multipurpose tree and shrub plantings can improve insect habitat, while providing a range of other benefits, such as shade, erosion control, and nitrogen fixation. There are numerous native and introduced species that can be used to design agroforestry systems with pollinators in mind.

Breakout #3: Growing Native Plants for Restoration Outcomes with Dr. Maggie Gaddis

Following several years of research investigating dryland revegetation in recreational trail closures in the Garden of the Gods, horticultural soil media effects on native plant growth, and germination rates for common Colorado native plants, we prepare to take the next step in the research, which aligns well with the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) 2025 Research Objectives to investigate native plant survival and success. In an effort to increase native plant applications and success in wildland and horticultural settings, we proposed a multi-year investigation in which used JCOS-collected native seed, propagated four forbs and four grass species seeds in a crossed design that measured plant success in 1) three types of soil (native, commercial potting soil, and our proprietary media composed of crushed granite and municipal compost), and 2) with and without soil additives. Once the plant material was established, the second phase involved planting in three separate months to investigate seasonality parameters. We measured the success of these plant specimens in situ employing community scientists to conduct monitoring protocols at North Table Mountain. We anticipate the results of this study will increase native plant success in JCOS restoration efforts and decrease the costs of both plant and soil resources required for restoration and horticultural efforts.