CULLOWHEEEEEEEE!
The NCNPS is one of the Azalea level sponsors of this conference. Tuesday the 16th of July is early check-in for those staying overnight that night to participate in Wednesday field trips and workshops which start at 8:30. The actual conference will start with check-in for lodging on the 17th, a meet and greet with the scholarship recipients (NCNPS will sponsor 5 again) from 8PM to 9PM and then the conference begins in earnest Thursday morning. The conference concludes on Saturday the 20th of July at 12:00 (check-out of lodging is that morning).
Don't forget to bring your plant list - there are plenty of vendors selling native plants for nearly every condition from bog gardens to dry rocky slopes. There is also a plant auction typically including some rare, seldom offered plants. The proceeds from this auction support scholarships for up and coming native plant experts to attend the Conference ( Scholarship recipients also get to participate in the Talent Show ABSOLUTELY FREE!).
If you have not been before, talk to someone who has and get the tips you need - like bringing a coffee pot if you want tea/coffee before breakfast starts at 7:00 or 7:30. Some also bring their own pillows and mattress pads since the dormitory mattresses are, well, rock hard. If you have a talent, sign up for the Friday evening talent show which is after the picnic. Great fun to be had by all.