2ND ANNUAL
Think Natives First™
Plant Conference 2026
sPECIFY iT rIGHT.
nATIVE pLANTS FROM pLAN TO pERFORMANCE
Tuesday, August 11
8:30a – 5:30p
Gwinnett Technical College
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
This year’s theme, “Specify It Right: Native Plants from Plan to Performance,” is designed specifically for professionals responsible for writing and executing project specifications. The conference focuses on practical, applicable strategies that improve project outcomes, not just theory.
Attendees will gain:
- PDH/CEU credits aligned with professional licensure requirements
- Practical guidance on writing enforceable, native-forward specifications
- Strategies to align plant selection with site conditions, stormwater goals, and long-term performance
- Insight into reducing maintenance costs, improving resilience, and meeting sustainability benchmarks
- Tools to navigate common challenges like value engineering, plant availability, and client expectations
This is not a passive learning experience. Sessions are built around real project scenarios, including a flagship workshop on replacing commonly specified non-native or invasive plants with high-performing native alternatives.
Read and download the full conference press release.
Attend the Conference
General Admission
Student: $75 $65*
Professional: $150 $125*
Each ticket includes:
- One (1) ticket to the full conference
- Access to Vendor area and Networking event following the conference
- Light refreshments throughout the day
- Lunch
- PDH/CEUs (where applicable)
- Listing on EMMA, the Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta (where applicable)
- Complimentary membership to the TNF Green Coalition ($50 value; kicking off Fall 26)
Who Should Attend?
This conference is designed for professionals and advocates across the landscaping industry including:
Arborists
Hardscape Installers
Regenerative Landscape
Permaculture
Lawn Care
Native Plant Advocacy
Local Government Agencies
HOA/Neighborhood Reps
Landscape Architects
Landscape Designers
Tree Specialists
Nursery/Greenhouse
Landscape Installers
Civil Engineers
who IS attendING?
The Think Natives Firsttm Plant Conference brings together professionals, advocates, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of sustainable landscapes. Attendees come to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain practical strategies that drive real industry change. You’ll meet others equally committed to environmental stewardship while forming relationships and collaborations designed to continue growing long after the conference ends.
Get Involved
We’re bringing together the professionals and advocates shaping the future of sustainable landscapes for conversations that spark collaboration, practical solutions, and real industry change.
Register to attend and connect with vendors, exhibitors, and experts focused on native plants, biodiversity, stormwater solutions, and climate-positive landscape practices. Learn cost-effective strategies that transform traditional landscapes into thriving ecosystems.
Register as a vendor/exhibitor to showcase your solutions to an engaged audience actively seeking sustainable products and services. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels to fit every budget.
Root Local is NOT the expert; we are the backbone organization supporting the understanding and adoption of the yards and greenspaces of the future – living, thriving, and sustainable environments. All proceeds support Root Local’s mission to connect people, businesses, and communities to local environmental action and measurable impact across Metro Atlanta.
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