XENIA, OH - The common thread of the conference the 5th Annual Midwest Native Plant Conference is native plants, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, though the multifaceted events attracts great speakers and field trips covering a range of topics.

The conference will be held July 26-28, 2013 at the spectacular Bergamo Center on the grounds of Mount St. John in Dayton, Ohio. Bergamo boasts an impressive 150-acre nature preserve. The conference offers plenty of native flora FOR SALE, field trips, and more. All activities are conveniently located steps away from the Bergamo Center's lodging quarters.

Topnotch speakers are a conference staple, and this year the conference will feature Professor Doug Tallamy. On Saturday evening Doug will inspire you with "Your Role in Building Biological Corridors: Networks for Life". On Friday evening, back by popular demand is brother/sister team Wayne Richards and Judy Burris. They will present a lively presentation on "Wild for Weeds and Critters - the Vital Role of our Native Flora". Saturday morning, David Fitzsimmons, photographer and author of "Animals of Ohio's Ponds and Vernal Pools", will present a talk about the importance of vernal pools to wildlife. Friday afternoon keynote speakers are Jim McCormac, who will give a photography workshop on "Shooting Landscapes to Lilies" while Cheryl Harner will enlighten participant with "Lawns and Lawn Alternatives". Jim Davidson. Ohio Lepidopterist Society will lead a "Wings of Wonder" field trip to find and ID butterflies and dragonflies on the wing.

Each year, the Midwest Native Plant Society team selects a 'conference' plant. For 2013, the team selected the Northern Spicebush, Lindera benzoin. This deciduous native shrub, grows 6-12 feet, and is often thought of as the "forsythia of the wilds..." This plant is the host to the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Team member and artist Ann Geise has depicted the plant and the butterflies' life cycle in this beautiful print. She will be a vendor at our conference this year. Vendors will have many other outstanding native species. The Bergamo Center's open courtyard is a prime area for vendors to pack this space with all manner of plants - often described as the greatest selection of native flora you could find for sale in one spot in this region. All vendors will be open to the general public on Saturday, July 27, from 9-5 pm.

Best of all the conference provides ample opportunity for attendees to get out in the field and see lots of plants in their natural haunts. Field trip sites include such iconic natural areas as Cedar Bog, Estel Wenrick Wetlands Nature Preserve, Possum Creek Metro Park, Beavercreek Wildlife Area's Siebenthaler Fen, Caesar Creek Gorge Nature Preserve, Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve, native grass walk at Mount St. John and a tour of native plant gardens in scenic Yellow Springs, Ohio. Late July is the time to see the fabulous prairies and fens that occur in the Dayton area and all of the trips are guided by expert botanists and naturalists.

Registration material and complete conference details can be found at www.midwestnativeplants.org or by calling (937)477-1131.

For Further Information Contact:

Diana Malas, Division of Wildlife
(937) 372-9261

Kathy Garza-Behr
Wildlife Communications Specialist
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
937-372-9261 Office
937-372-5639 x5020 After Hours
kathy.garzabehr@dnr.state.oh.us