The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Community Horticulture Program is excited to announce its 2025 annual conference: “From Campus to Community: Research that Takes Root in Vermont Gardens.” The virtual event takes place Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. 

The conference is open to the public and designed for program volunteers, gardeners, volunteers, and anyone passionate about horticulture in Vermont.

Registration is $40 per person. Discounted rates are available to active UVM Extension Master Gardener and Vermont Master Composter volunteers. The fee includes access to the recorded presentations after the conference.

For more information or to register, please visit the conference website at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenconference. Registration closes on Nov. 20. 

The conference will be live-captioned. Requests for additional disability-related accommodations and conference questions should be sent to Deb Heleba at debra.heleba@uvm.edu by Nov. 15.

This year’s theme highlights how university research translates into practical solutions for local gardeners and communities. “The conference is where science and practice meet,” said Deb Heleba, program coordinator for the UVM Extension Community Horticulture Program. “It’s a space where research from campus connects directly with the hands-on experience of community gardeners statewide.”

The program begins at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome from Heleba and opening remarks from Dr. Linda Prokopy, Dean of UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dr. Ann Hazelrigg, UVM Plant Pathologist, will present “Garden Season Look Back,” a deep dive into Vermont’s 2025 growing season and the pests gardeners encountered. The conference also includes research updates on jumping worms, legumes, and local seed systems.

At midday, participants can join Garden Table Talks—interactive breakout discussions on composting, pollinator wellness gardens, forest pests, volunteering, and more.