Sept 18-20 | Hosted by the Lowcountry Chapter

SCNPS Statewide Symposium 2026


Mark your calendars for September 18 – 20, 2026!

The Lowcountry Chapter is pleased to host the annual statewide symposium of the SC Native Plant Society in Charleston, SC on the beautiful campus of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources at Fort Johnson! Located on James Island and overlooking the Charleston Harbor, the SCDNR Fort Johnson campus provides the perfect backdrop and home base for a fun-filled weekend of on-site presentations, workshops, outdoor outings, as well as the site of our Saturday evening dinner and social event that you won’t want to miss. The address is 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 and we will have programs in the Auditorium and Outdoor Classroom.

The statewide symposium brings together SCNPS members from across the state and chapters from the mountains to the sea providing an opportunity to meet, learn, and connect with your fellow members. And, 2026 is the 30th Anniversary of the SCNPS so we have lots of reasons to celebrate! Participants will also have the chance to venture out on Saturday afternoon and Sunday on expert-led field trips throughout the Lowcountry.

And, plan on arriving Friday evening in time for our casual, welcome party in downtown Charleston for light bites, drinks, and some surprise fun and games!

Read through the sections below to learn all about the general sessions, programs and speakers, social events, accommodations in Charleston, meals and merch! And check out the FAQ section at the end of this page.

We’re so excited to see everyone this Fall and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions at lowcountry@scnps.org . 

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!

2026 SCNPS Statewide Symposium Sponsors

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the generosity of this year's 2026 SCNPS Statewide Symposium Sponsors! Through your support we have been able to bring high quality, educational, and interactive programming to this years gathering which will empower our members and communities across the state to further the mission of the SCNPS. On behalf of the Lowcountry Chapter and the State Board, we thank you!

Magnolia Level Sponsors:
Mount Pleasant Waterworks
Conservancy of the Sea Islands
Southern Lumber and Millwork Corp
Shoreline Restoration Group

Yaupon Holly Level Sponsors:
Edisto Open Land Trust
Roots and Shoots Nursery

Schedule-At-A-Glance

Symposium Location - SCDNR Fort Johnson

The main symposium location is at SCDNR Fort Johnson located on James Island.

The address is 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

SCDNR Fort Johnson Overview Map

The yellow points on the map show the entry gate to the SCDNR Fort Johnson campus, the Outdoor Classroom where the Saturday evening social will take place, and the Auditorium where the general sessions will occur.

SCDNR Fort Johnson inset map with parking areas

The red outlined areas in the map above show the designated parking areas for symposium participants. Note that some of the parking areas are on grass and are not paved. Handicap accessible parking spots are located in the area closest to the Auditorium.

Get Directions to SCDNR Fort Johnson

2026 Theme: Rooted in Resilience

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the South Carolina Native Plant Society this year, we wanted to bring in the theme of resiliency. Resiliency in both ecosystems and communities as we continue to forge a path forward for the next 30 years and beyond serving to educate, conserve, and restore South Carolina’s unique and special habitats, flora, and fauna.

The symposium program offers participants opportunities to,

  • Hear from community leaders about efforts to use strategic partnerships and collective action for stewardship & restoration.
  • Engage with members to learn about outreach efforts across all 8 Chapters
  • Experience some of the most ecologically special landscapes found in the Lowcountry through a wide variety of field trips.
  • Create fellowship with other native plant enthusiasts at our planned social events.

Event Pricing

  • General Admission Ticket: $50 (includes access to the symposium and field trip sites plus light breakfast/coffee, and snacks)
  • [Optional] Add-on Boxed Lunch: $18 per day
  • [Optional] Add-on Ticket to Saturday Social Dinner: $28 per person
  • [Optional] Add-on Symposium T-shirt: $25
  • [Optional] Add-on Symposium canvas tote bag: $25
  • Depending on which sessions you select, some workshops may have additional costs; refer to the session descriptions for more information.

2026 Symposium Merchandise

Check out the 2026 Symposium T-shirt and Canvas Tote Bag!

Make some memories and take a piece of the symposium home with you. Available for purchase at registration for pick up at the symposium on Saturday, Sept 19th!

Full Agenda

Friday, September 18 | 5 to 8 p.m.

For those traveling into town on Friday, join us for a casual, drop-in Welcome Party and Plant and Seed Swap at Edmund's Oast Brewing Company.

(Click on the event thumbnail to read the full description.)

Saturday, September 19 | 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (General Sessions)

General sessions are open to all attendees!
Start with an optional early morning bird walk followed by a continental breakfast (included with registration) and the start of the general sessions.

(Click on the event thumbnail to read the full description.)

Saturday, September 19 | 1:15 - 4:30 p.m. (Field Trips & Workshops)

Please select one of the following options when you register!

NOTE: Field trips and workshops are space limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis based on the order of registration.

(Click on each event thumbnail to read the full description.)

Saturday, September 19 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Dinner Social & Silent Auction)

After a full day of programming, join us for a harborside dinner back at Fort Johnson complete with Lowcountry Boil & BBQ, music, fun games, and our Silent Auction event.

NOTE: This is a ticketed event in addition to general event registration.

(More info coming soon!)

Sunday, September 20 | 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. (General Sessions)

Those early birds have the chance to join their flock for another birding outing and continental breakfast, followed by an inspiring experiment on making impact with advocacy and closing remarks before the afternoon field trip sessions.

(Click on each event thumbnail to read the full description.)

Sunday, September 20 | 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Field Trips)

We'll conclude the symposium with more field trips to some Lowcountry treasures - from community native plant gardens, the old-growth forest in Beidler, Francis Marion National Forest, the wetland habitats of Caw Caw Interpretive Center and more - you'll have the opportunity to experience some of the more remote and ecologically amazing sites in the Lowcountry.

(More info coming soon!)

Lodging Options

SCNPS Reserved Room Blocks:

Lodging in Charleston is rather pricey. However, the Lowcountry Chapter has secured room blocks at the following hotels that are within a 10-minute drive of Ft. Johnson. Note that some rooms in the room blocks are 1 and 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens allowing 3-5 people to share a room to help reduce lodging costs. See the details below:

Residence Inn Charleston Downtown/Riverview: 90 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

  • Symposium guests can obtain the $219/$249 group rates at The Residence Inn Charleston Riverview at 90 Ripley Point Drive by calling the reservation department at (843) 571-7979 and mentioning the SCNPS-Statewide Symposium.
  • Rooms included in the block are a
    • 1-bedroom suite with a Queen bed and sofa bed and full kitchen ($219-3 person max),
    • 1-bedroom suite with a King bed and sofa bed and full kitchen($219-3 person max) and a
    • 2-bedroom suite with 2 queens in separate rooms and a sofa bed in the living area and a full kitchen ($249-up to 5 people).
    • Please note that the special group rate will be available until August 18th, 2026 or until the room blocks sell out.  Alternatively, guests may make reservations by clicking on the below link: Book your group rate for SC Native Plant Society Statewide Symposium

DoubleTree Charleston Riverview: 84 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

  • Symposium guests can obtain the $199 group rate at DoubleTree Charleston Riverview at 84 Ripley Point Drive by calling the reservation department at (843) 766-4322 and mentioning the SCNPS-Statewide Symposium.
  • Rooms included in the block are 1-King Bed rooms ($199) and a 2-Queen Bed Rooms ($199). Both have mini fridge and microwave.
  • Please note that the special group rate will be available until August 18th, 2026 or until the room block sells out. Alternatively, guests may make reservations by clicking on the below link:  https://group.doubletree.com/3g1v1r

Additional hotel options: You can also search your preferred booking platform (hotels.com, expedia, booking.com, trivago, kayak, etc.) or favorite hotel chain for hotels near Charleston, SC (29407 zip code).

  • airbnb.com
  • vrbo.com
  • There are also many vacation rental management companies throughout the Charleston region including the beach communities that you can book from directly; we recommend doing an internet search for vacation rentals near Charleston, SC  (29412, 29407, or 29464).
  • James Island County Park has tent and RV sites as well as cottages situated inside the county park with easy 15 minute access to Fort Johnson where the symposium is being held.
  • Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Campground is situated about a 45 minute drive to Ft. Johnson and has both tent and RV sites.
  • Oak Plantation Campground is located off of Hwy 17 near Johns Island and Redtop. It offers RV sites and is about a 45 minute drive to Fort Johnson.

Food & Dining

BREAKFAST: Registration includes light, continental breakfast and to-go snacks for Saturday and Sunday.

LUNCH: We will be offering boxed lunch add-ons at registration for $18/day. Choose from the following boxed lunches when you register:

  • The Tuscan Turkey: Sliced turkey breast paired with sharp cheddar and basil pesto, layered with baby arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and slow cooked onions on a crusty ciabatta. Served with an herbed Italian pasta salad and a hand-crafted French macaron.
  • The Social Supremo: Featuring layers of Prosciutto di Parma and coppa, paired with savory dry Salami and spicy Pepper Jack finished with basil pesto, baby arugula, sun-dried tomato, and slow-cooked caramelized onions on artisanal ciabatta. Served with an herbed Italian pasta salad and a hand-crafted French macaron.
  • The Social Italiano: Featuring thick-cut fresh Mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes nestled on a bed of vibrant arugula, drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction and served on crusty, ciabatta. Served with an herbed Italian pasta salad and a hand-crafted French macaron.

Additionally, you are welcome to pack your own lunch or there is a Harris Teeter within a 10 minute drive from Fort Johnson for provisioning and a couple of fast casual cafes and coffee shops.

DINNER:

Friday – The Lowcountry Chapter will provide some light appetizers at the Friday night welcome party and members can also purchase additional food and beverages at Edmunds Oast Brewing Company.

Saturday – The Dinner Social is a ticketed event and will be offered as an add-on at registration. Tickets are $28 and will include a full meal of Lowcountry boil, bbq, sides, vegetarian option, and tea and lemonade or BYOB.  We will do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

GRAB-AND-GO SNACKS: Simple snacks and fruit will be provided and included in registration. Available to grab during the morning sessions while supplies last.

 

Accessibility

The Lowcountry chapter is committed to providing accessible and affordable options to all members. We have tried to keep costs as low as possible for attendees. If the symposium expense is a barrier for you, please contact us to discuss options.

Alternatively, if you are able to contribute more or would like to sponsor another attendee, please consider making a donation to the Lowcountry chapter to support our work. 

Please reach out to lowcountry@scnps.org with any questions or accommodation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click this link to register online (available soon!). The symposium is open to all SCNPS members and are done using the SCNPS membership platform, Neon. The registration link will prompt you to sign in to your Neon account and then prompt you to select which field trips or other optional sessions you want to attend. Be sure to check all of the checkboxes for each session, even if you aren’t selecting an option for a session.

Registration will close on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. ET.

No, all participants must register online no later than Friday, September 4 at 11:55 p.m. ET.

The General Admission ticket for the 2026 symposium is $50, which includes access to all field trip sites (except field trip 6), plus light breakfast and refreshments for Saturday and Sunday. Some field trips and workshops have additional costs; refer to the session descriptions for more information.

You can also choose to add a boxed lunch for an additional $18 per lunch. Friday’s evening social, Plants & Pints is free. Saturday’s evening social is an additional $28 per person.

Become a member at scnps.org/membership. Find the Chapter that is closest to where you live and join that Chapter. Once you’ve completed your membership, you will be able to complete the registration.

You should be able to log in to your membership account at scnps.app.neoncrm.com/login to check the status or renew your membership. Once your membership is up-to-date, you can complete the registration. If you have any questions about your membership, please reach out to your local chapter’s membership chair or chapter board.

You can log in to your membership account at scnps.app.neoncrm.com/login, which will enable you to view your event registrations. Details should also have been emailed to you when you completed your registration. If you have any questions, please email lowcountry@scnps.org.

There are limited spots for many of our sessions; depending on your desired session, it may not be possible to switch your booking. Please reach out to lowcountry@scnps.org. to see if we can accommodate you. 

No cancellations or refunds will be provided. If you are unable to attend, we will consider your ticket purchase a donation to the SCNPS.

In the case of rain, we plan to hold field trips and other sessions as planned. Please be sure to pack your rain gear just in case! In the case of a major weather event, we may try to reschedule to a later date. 

No, we will have a record of all registered attendees. You do not need to print or bring a ticket unless you would like it for your own personal use.

The primary event space is located at the Ft. Johnson campus of the SC Department of Natural Resources located in Charleston on James Island. The address is 217 Ft. Johson Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The general sessions will be held on the campus in the MRRI Research building Auditorium and the Saturday social is also on the campus at the Outdoor Classroom. See map below for building locations and parking areas.

 

Upon arriving at Ft. Johnson, find parking in the designated areas and walk over to the MRRI Research building/Auditorium and we will have a central information table set up along with continental breakfast and silent auction items for viewing.

The Ft. Johnson campus at SCDNR is a working facility for SCDNR and College of Charleston Grice Marine Lab employees. You will see some state vehicles and boats. Please be respectful of these areas and do not block any of these vehicles/boats.

Parking is available in designated areas (see map below). Limited handicap accessible spots are located in the lot closest to the MRRI Research building and also at the outdoor classroom for the Saturday social.

Field trip parking will vary depending on the location; see session descriptions for more details.

No, participants are responsible for their own transportation to Ft. Johnson and off-site field trips. In advance of the field trips, we will have designated field trip meet-up locations outside the MRRI Research Building to provide directions and assist with coordinating carpooling to allow folks to consolidate into fewer vehicles. Carpooling is optional, but encouraged!

The Friday night social, the Auditorium where the general sessions will be held and the Outdoor Classroom where the Saturday social is being held are wheelchair accessible. Some of our field trip locations may be harder to navigate; please refer to the session descriptions and reach out to lowcountry@scnps.org to discuss any accommodation needs.

Yes! We have secured two hotel room blocks with discounted rates for symposium registrants at:

  1. DoubleTree Charleston Riverview 84 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407
  2. Residence Inn Charleston Downtown/Riverview, 90 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

Discounted rates are available if you book prior to August 18th, so book early! (See further details in the Hotels section above)

Light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Boxed lunches will be available for purchase when you register.

On Friday night’s social, Plants & Pints at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company, the Lowcountry Chapter will provide some appetizers. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase on-site.

Saturday evening, the Lowcountry Boil social event, is a ticketed event and will include a full meal and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at registration.

See more details in the Food & Dining section above.

Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies during your symposium registration. Lunch options may be limited. We’ll reach out to you if we have any questions.

We’re plant people so nothing fancy required! We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and footwear that are appropriate for your chosen field trips and workshops. And bring some rain gear since trips will be rain or shine! Pay special attention to the field trip descriptions, as some field trips require long pants or closed-toed shoes.

We aim to record or document the annual SCNPS business meeting and have minutes available after the symposium. All other sessions will not be recorded.

You can donate to sponsor another member and support the symposium during your registration. You can also make a donation directly to the Lowcountry chapter. Please email us at lowcountry@scnps.org if you have any questions.

Please email lowcountry@scnps.org if you have any questions. We’re happy to help as best we can!

*Please note: schedule, speakers, dining options, event locations, and other information may be subject to change.

The Lowcountry chapter looks forward to seeing fellow SCNPS members in September!