The UVM Extension Community Horticulture Program is excited to announce its 2025 annual conference — “From Campus to Community: Research that Takes Root in Vermont Gardens.” The virtual event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, via Zoom.
The conference is open to the public and designed for program volunteers, gardeners, volunteers and anyone passionate about horticulture in Vermont.
Registration is $40 per person. Discounted rates are available to active UVM Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteers. The fee includes access to the recorded presentations after the conference.
The conference will be live-captioned. Requests for additional disability-related accommodations and conference questions should be emailed to debra.heleba@uvm.edu by Nov. 15.
This year’s theme highlights how university research translates into practical solutions for local gardeners and communities. The conference is where science and practice meet. It’s a space where research from campus connects directly with the hands-on experience of community gardeners statewide.
The program begins at 10 a.m. with a welcome from Heleba and opening remarks from Linda Prokopy, dean of UVM College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Ann Hazelrigg, UVM plant pathologist, will present “Garden Season Look Back,” a deep dive into Vermont’s 2025 growing season and the pests gardeners encountered. The conference also includes research updates on jumping worms, legumes and local seed systems.
At midday, participants can join Garden Table Talks — interactive breakout discussions on composting, pollinator wellness gardens, forest pests, volunteering, and more.
Debra Heleba is the statewide outreach and education program manager for UVM Extension Community Horticulture program and leads Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter programs.
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