Rooted Conference 2026
Rooted in research, this popular educational event is back! Designed to reach northern Illinois gardeners, growers, environmentalists, and everyday plant lovers alike, "Rooted" will head to College of DuPage this year to explore topics from growing vegetables to replacing your lawn.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
College of DuPage's Jack H. Turner Conference Center
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Registration required | $35 per person (some sessions may have an additional materials fee)
Conference overview
2026 keynote address:
"Rethinking Lawns: Exploring “the menu of options” of landcovers for ecosystem services in Chicago parks"
Rebecca Barak and Lauren Umek of Chicago Botanic Gardens
Break-out sessions:
- "Growing the Perfect Tomato" with Pearl Carpenter of The Farmacy Farmstand
- "Taking Native Garden Design to the Next Level" with Chris Baran of Resilient Design
- "Everlasting Flowers: drying and pressing techniques" with Chris Leuking of University of Illinois Extension
- "Growing Climate Resilience at Every Scale" with Jessica Rudnick of University of Illinois Extension
- Hands-on Activity Sessions (space limited)
- Nature Journaling and Kokedama (additional materials fee: $25)
- Vermicompost and Moss Art (additional materials fee: $25)
Additional highlights include:
- Afternoon field trip options
- Attendee gift bags
Tentative schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. Doors Open
- 9-10 a.m. Keynote Presentation
- 10:10-11 a.m. Breakout Session 1
- 11:10 a.m.-noon: Breakout Session 2
- Optional Afternoon Field Trip Locations (space very limited)
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Rooted 2026 Presentation Abstracts
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Rethinking Lawns: Exploring “the menu of options” of landcovers for ecosystem services in Chicago parks
Becky Barak and Lauren Umek, Chicago Botanic Gardens
Lawns are important landscapes in cities, but not all are actively used. Converting incidental lawns to alternative plantings can help improve ecosystem function and provide ecosystem services. However, transforming lawns via full-scale ecological restorations is not always feasible in urban contexts. The Rethinking Lawns team is exploring the menu of options of lawn alternatives: plantings that are short and lawn-like in appearance but that require less maintenance and are hypothesized to deliver ecosystem service benefits greater than those provided by turfgrass. Using replicated experimental plots and large-scale landscape installations in Chicago’s urban parks, we are assessing ecosystem service provisioning of turfgrass lawns relative to alternative lawns and restored tallgrass prairies. Specifically, we are testing how these plantings compare in terms of pollinator support, plant diversity, stormwater infiltration, soil carbon, and temperature mitigation across five parks. In this talk, we will present preliminary results of our research. We’ll also share feedback received from park visitors, and lessons learned in installing, maintaining, and communicating about these unique landscape installations.
BREAKOUT PRESENTATIONS
Growing the Perfect Tomato
Pearl Carpenter, The Farmacy Farmstand
Join us for an informative and fun presentation all about growing the perfect tomato! We’ll explore everything from the differences between determinate and indeterminate plants to the best trellising methods for healthy, productive vines. You’ll learn about top-performing varieties, helpful tips and tricks, and practical techniques you can put to use right away in your own garden. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, this session will leave you feeling confident, inspired, and ready for your best tomato season yet.
Taking Native Garden Design to the Next Level
Chris Baran, Resilient Design
Native gardens are becoming more mainstream, but there are still many misconceptions about them being “messy” or “unkept.” This presentation explores how thoughtful design with native plants can create landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound. Drawing on real-world projects and experience, we’ll examine how to take your native garden to the next level. Topics include design principles, using natural areas as a source of inspiration, plant selection, four-season interest, and more.
Everlasting Flowers: Learn drying and pressing techniques for your backyard flowers
Chris Leuking, Extension
If you’ve ever wished for a way to make the beauty of your yard last even longer, you’ll want to join us for this session! Learn which varieties dry best from your backyard garden. We'll also cover techniques for drying and harvesting, as well as how to press real flowers to create beautiful gifts for your friends and family.
From Tomato Beds to Town Halls: Growing Climate Resilience at Every Scale
Jessica Rudnick, Climate Resilience Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
Climate change is often discussed as a global challenge, but resilience is built locally—through individual choices, community planning, and state policy. This interactive presentation explores how climate resilience in Illinois will be built by communities taking actions at every scale, from backyard gardens to municipal and statewide decision-making. This session begins with an overview of public opinion on climate change in Illinois, highlighting how perceptions and levels of concern vary across the state and influence engagement and policy. Participants will then be introduced to key findings from the Illinois Climate Vulnerability Assessment, including the climate changes already occurring—such as increasing heat, extreme precipitation, flooding, and ecosystem impacts—and what trends are expected to intensify in the future. We will then zoom in to understand what these trends mean in the Chicago metro region and DuPage County specifically, examining localized risks to infrastructure, public health, water systems, and natural resources. We will highlight great examples of communities across the state taking big steps to prepare for these changes, build resilience to these climate impacts and mitigate additional climate change. Then, we will work together to identify practical ideas and resources for building resilience at home, highlighting garden- and landscape-based strategies—such as soil health, water management, and plant selection—that support adaptation to changing climate conditions. Together, these perspectives demonstrate how climate resilience grows from tomato beds to town halls.
HANDS-ON SESSIONS
- These sessions have an additional materials fee of $25.
- Due to limited space and materials, if you choose the hands-on session for one breakout, you cannot choose it for the other breakout even though the topics are different.
Nature Journaling and Kokedama:
- Participants will receive materials to begin nature journaling to record the wonder, awe, and connections with the natural world through words, sketches, numbers, and lists.
- Participants will make a kokedama, based on the traditional Japanese technique of growing plants in a moss ball.
Vermicomposting and Moss Art:
- Participants will receive materials and knowledge to create and utilize their very own worm composting bin.
- Participants will create a collage-type moss artwork in a wooden frame.
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Illinois Extension plans to capture photographs and video of this event. Be aware that if you attend, you are consenting to the possibility that your image and likeness may be shared or published by the university for marketing-communications purposes.
For questions, contact Horticulture Educator Jamie Viebach at jviebach@illinois.edu or 630-955-1123. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Extension Program Coordinator Sarah Fellerer at fellerer@illinois.edu or 630-553-5823. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
TO REGISTER: Log in as a guest by completing the form below, or log in with your Extension account (if you have one).