Utah PlantFest 2026: Full Schedule

10:00am MDT

Friday October 9, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This panel will allow attendees to ask questions to local science communicators. How do you communicate difficult topics? How can social media be used responsibly? What strategies help you connect with your audience?

Speakers

Sophia Andreadis

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Utah, Neurobiology Department

Third year PhD candidate at the University of Utah studying how hormone fluctuations impact behavior during and after peripheral infection. Interested in how inter-individual variation affects biology, science communication, and mentorship. Co-director of Utah Science on Tap.

Sarah Brockway

USCo Vice President, University of Utah

Zach Coury

Sierra Hastings

Communications Director, Sageland Collaborative

Allie White

Community Partners

Sageland Collaborative

Utah Science Communicators

Friday October 9, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Pinyon Pine

Panel

Audience Botanists
Subject Research

2:30pm MDT

Jobs with Plants Panel

LIMITED

Friday October 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Apache Plume

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn about jobs available in the world of plants with plant professionals with a wide range of experiences.

Speakers

Morgan S. Abbott

Consulting Botanist/Owner, Abbott Botanical Assessments, LLC

Interdisciplinary Consulting Botanist with over a decade of experience in semi-arid high elevation plant communities across the Western United States. I am an ISA Certified Arborist (TX-5091A), hold multiple certifications and publications in environmental hydrology.

Luiza Maria Aparecido

Assistant Professor, University of Utah

As an Assistant Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah and leader of the Aparecido Lab, my research is focused on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem ecology, and global change on natural and urban systems. My work specifically examines how plants adapt... Read More →

Matt Wang

Conservation Program Manager, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

I have a BS in Botany from UVU and an MS in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University. I have worked for the NPS, BLM, and 3 different botanic gardens (Red Butte, Santa Barbara and Chicago). I'm currently the conservation program manager at Red Butte Garden. My current... Read More →

Friday October 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Apache Plume

Panel

Audience Job Seekers
Subject Careers

11:30am MDT

Rebates and Programs Panel

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Apache Plume

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn about programs like Flip Your Strip, Utah Pollinator Habitat Program, and more!

Speakers

Matthew O'Brien

Water Conservation Coordinator, Utah Division of Water Resources

Matthew works at the Utah Division of Water Resources, where he helps administer the Landscape Incentive Program throughout rural Utah, from San Juan County to Cache County. During his graduate studies at the University of Utah, he focused on reintroducing native flora to urban ecosystems... Read More →

Community Partners

Utah Division of Water Resources

Conservation Program Specialist, Division of Water Resources

Saturday October 10, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Apache Plume

Panel

Audience Gardeners

1:00pm MDT

Getting Started Panel

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Apache Plume

Limited Capacity seats available

Are you new to native gardening? Not sure where to start? Join local experts to ask your questions!

Speakers

Ali Jackson

I have over 75 species of Utah-native plants in my suburban yard and save 80,000 gallons of water annually by having gathering spaces and gardens instead of a lawn. I enjoy growing native plants for food and medicine and to provide habitat for wildlife.