Every 3 years, the CNPS Conservation Conference brings together California’s conservation community for the largest gathering of its kind. Scientific sessions cover a broad spectrum of topics, and special events provide time for collaboration, networking, and fun. The Preliminary Program is available now!
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What is the Conservation Conference?

Whether your career centers around natural resources or you just love native plants, the CNPS Conservation Conference will have something for you. Pre-conference workshops provide professional skills training, while field trips allow you to get to know local plants with local experts. Three days of scientific sessions and special events provide a forum for collaboration and appreciation of our beautifully diverse flora. You will have opportunities to connect with like-minded others, while learning about current research and trends, and contributing to future plans for California’s native plants and natural habitats.

This is a fun but unique and crucial gathering of the California conservation community, and it only happens once every three years, so don’t miss out!

Technical topics will include vegetation classification and mapping, rare plant science, horticulture, invasive species management, conservation tools and trends, native plant landscaping, restoration, bryophytes, laws and regulations, climate change, plant and wildlife relationships, plant pathogens, and more!

Who will be there?

Over 1,000 attendees including professional and amateur botanists, biologists, ecologists, conservationists, landscaping professionals, nursery managers, land use planners, students, agency staff, policymakers, environmentalists, researchers, backyard gardeners, volunteers, and native plant lovers! CNPS members are especially encouraged to attend and represent their local chapters and initiatives from around the state.

Start networking now – RSVP and share the Facebook event page!

Conference Schedule

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 30-31
Pre-Conference Workshops & Field Trips (see links for schedules)

Thursday, February 1
Exhibit Hall & CNPS Store open 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Opening Plenary, 8:15 am – 9:30 am
Coffee break in the exhibit hall, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions, 10:00 am – 11:40 am
Lunch break, 11:40 am – 1:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions, 1:00 pm – 2:40 pm
Snack break in the exhibit hall, 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm
Lightning Talks, 3:00 pm – 4:40 pm
Opening Reception & Poster Session, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Native People, Plants, Poetry: A Celebration, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Songfest & Music Jam, 8:30 pm – 12:00 am

Friday, February 2
Exhibit Hall & CNPS Store open 9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions, 8:00 am – 9:40 am
Coffee break in the exhibit hall, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions, 10:00 am – 11:40 am
Lunch break, 11:40 am – 1:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions, 1:00 pm – 2:40 pm
Snack break in the exhibit hall, 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions, 3:00 pm – 4:40 pm
Cocktails & Silent Auction, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Banquet Dinner & Live Auction, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday, February 3
Concurrent Sessions, 8:00 am – 9:40 am
Coffee break in the exhibit hall, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions, 10:00 am – 11:40 am
Lunch break, 11:40 am – 1:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions, 1:00 pm – 2:40 pm
Snack break in the exhibit hall, 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm
Closing Plenary Talks: Best Kept Secrets! 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm