From July 16–19, 2025, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC hosted the annual Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, drawing botanists, conservationists, educators, nursery professionals, and plant enthusiasts from across the Southeast held at Western Carolina University. Over four days, attendees immersed themselves in a diverse program featuring:
- Field trips through Panthertown Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, Highlands Botanical Garden, and other native habitats
- Hands-on workshops on topics such as native pollinator gardening, grassland ecology, botanical illustration, seed collection, and invasive species removal
- Plenary talks by experts including Doug Tallamy, J. Drew Lanham, and Alan Weakley
- Networking events like evening socials, mothing sessions, and a community picnic Western Carolina University | Home
The conference also supported emerging professionals and educators through a scholarship program, offering hands-on experiences and educational funding. Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and proximately connected to the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Parkway, the event provided an immersive exploration of Southeastern native plant ecosystem .