August 08, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Environmental educators, nonprofit leaders, and students gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to raise awareness about the critical role native plants play in protecting Pennsylvania's ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and building more resilient communities.Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the event spotlighted how native plants - those naturally occurring in the region - are essential to the health of the Commonwealth's wildlife, watersheds, forests, and even the fight against climate change."Native plants are essential to the state's ecological health, wildlife, and even public well-being," said State Forester Seth Cassell. "These seemingly small actions - planting natives, removing invasives - can have a big impact in maintaining our ecosystems and protecting the resources we rely on."LIST OF SPEAKERSKalene Faircloth, DCNR Communications Intern DCNRKelly Sitch, DCNRSuzzanne Hartley, Urban and Forestry Justin Weaver, Cedar Cliff High School PJill Zdunczyk, A Native Plant Society Madelyn Good, Sustainability Coordinator for City of Harrisburg
Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the event spotlighted how native plants - those naturally occurring in the region - are essential to the health of the Commonwealth's wildlife, watersheds, forests, and even the fight against climate change.
"Native plants are essential to the state's ecological health, wildlife, and even public well-being," said State Forester Seth Cassell. "These seemingly small actions - planting natives, removing invasives - can have a big impact in maintaining our ecosystems and protecting the resources we rely on."LIST OF SPEAKERSKalene Faircloth, DCNR Communications Intern DCNRKelly Sitch, DCNRSuzzanne Hartley, Urban and Forestry Justin Weaver, Cedar Cliff High School PJill Zdunczyk, A Native Plant Society Madelyn Good, Sustainability Coordinator for City of Harrisburg
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