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What is Beneath the Oaks?
Beneath the Oaks is a community initiative dedicated to celebrating native plants, resilient landscapes, and environmental stewardship throughout the Lowcountry. Through education, partnerships, and community engagement, we aim to inspire a deeper connection between people and place while promoting practices that support a healthier future.
Beneath the Oaks Symposium
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Charleston Museum
A signature event of South Carolina Native Plant Week featuring nationally recognized speakers, educational breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow advocates for native landscapes.
Registration opens August 2026
Get Involved
Wed, Jun 241362 Old Towne RdHelp Shape SC Native Plant Week and the Beneath the Oaks Symposium!
Featured Keynote
Designing Urban Habitats Through Policy, Practice & Partnership
Preston Montague, Landscape Architect
Across the nation, communities are rethinking how parks, streetscapes, campuses, and public spaces can better support both people and the natural world. In this keynote, landscape architect Preston Montague will explore how thoughtful design, collaboration, and public policy can transform urban landscapes into thriving ecosystems that promote biodiversity, resilience, and a stronger connection to place.
Drawing from projects throughout the Southeast, including his work with Magnolia Plantation, Preston will share practical examples of how municipalities, designers, and community partners are creating landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
About the Speaker
Preston Montague is an award-winning landscape architect and artists based in Durham, North Carolina. Inspired by the natural beauty of Virginia's foothills where he grew up, his work focuses on strengthening the relationship between people and nature through ecological design. His projects encourage healthier communities while restoring habitat and celebrating the unique character of each landscape.
Breakout Sessions
Choose from education sessions designed for homeowners, landscape and deisgn professionals, and municipal leaders.
Practical ideas and inspiration for creating resilient home landscapes using native plants and sustainable gardening practices.
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A Sweetgrass History & Gullah Spoken Word with Jennifaye Singleton
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Mosquito Management with Benjamin Powell, Andrew Pierson, & Charleston County Mosquito Abatement
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Technical sessions focused on plant production, ecological design, and expanding the native plant industry.
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Seeds, Plugs & Propagation with Tanner Schuck & Charleston Aquatics
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Growing the Native Tree Industry with SiteOne Landscape Supply
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Explore strategies for incorporating native landscapes into parks, streetscapes, and public spaces while supporting long-term ecosystem health.
Session topics and speakers will be announced soon
Practical ideas and inspiration for creating resilient home landscapes using native plants and sustainable gardening practices.
-
A Sweetgrass History & Gullah Spoken Word with Jennifaye Singleton
-
Mosquito Management with Benjamin Powell, Andrew Pierson, & Charleston County Mosquito Abatement
South Carolina Native Plant Week
October 15-18, 2026
A community-wide celebration of native plants, ecological stewardship, and the people working to create healthier landscapes across the Lowcountry. We invite organizations, businesses, schools, municipalities, and community groups to join us by hosting events that inspire others to discover, appreciate, and protect our native ecosystems.
Our Vision
Educate
Workshops, speakers, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Connect
Building partnerships among organizations, communities, and individuals.
Inspire Action
Promoting native plants, stewardship, and resilient landscapes.
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