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SOUTH PARIS — McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s annual Winter Lecture Series returns this March with four engaging, ecology-focused presentations led by local experts. In this four-part series held each Wednesday in March (March 4, 11, 18, and 25), delve into topics from urban tree care to amphibian identification.
Lectures take place at the McLaughlin homestead from 4-5pm each Wednesday in March, with tea and snacks served at 3:30pm. Those unable to join in-person can attend virtually by registering at www.mclaughlingarden.org/home/events.
March 4, 2026
Portland-based consulting forester and Goodlot Forestry LLC owner Sean Horan opens the series with a presentation on urban trees. Horan will share professional insight into selecting the right plant for the right place and discuss best practices in urban forestry.
March 11, 2026
Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero, UMaine Cooperative Extension Horticulture Professional, follows a flower-filled exploration of ecological gardening. Which plants are most attractive to insects? Are ecological gardens self-sustaining? What is a cultivar? Cappello-Ruggiero will reveal it all! Attendees will leave with practical knowledge for creating more environmentally supportive landscapes.
March 18, 2026
Just in time for Maine’s “Big Night,” Maine Master Naturalist Jana Magnusson takes the stage with a presentation on a particularly slippery subject—frogs! Learn to identify Maine’s frog species and discover the fascinating life cycles of these charismatic amphibians.
March 25, 2026
The series concludes with Shawn Jalbert, owner of Native Haunts Plant Nursery and Consulting. Jalbert’s “ferntastic” presentation will explore the unique and often mysterious life histories of native ferns, highlighting their role in anchoring forest soils, influencing microclimates, and supporting biodiversity in the forest understory.
“The Winter Lecture Series is a great way to kick off our programmatic season,” said Horticulturist Corey Kotfila. “We’re so excited to offer our community this opportunity to meet and learn from experts doing important environmental work across multiple different fields.”
McLaughlin Garden is committed to keeping educational experiences accessible to all. The Winter Lecture Series is free to attend, with donations encouraged by those who are able to support the program.
Visit the McLaughlin Garden website (www.mclaughlingarden.org) or call (207)743-8820 to learn more about the Winter Lecture Series and other upcoming programs and events.
