OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLLI) at UTMB
4th Annual Gardening Symposium
April 22, 2026 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
OLLI Galveston, 1200 Market Street (on UTMB Campus), Galveston, TX 77555-0972
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
$35 All-Day Registration | Box Lunch and Parking Included
Call (409) 763.5604 for additional questions
Discover the latest insights and innovations in gardening. Perfect for both passionate backyard gardeners and seasoned professionals, the symposium offers presentations packed with new gardening information, techniques, and practical tips. Sessions will highlight cutting-edge, eco-friendly gardening practices tailored to our environment. In addition to these presentations, a wide range of SYMPOSIUM EXHIBITORS will highlight how YOU can get involved in Coastal Garden Culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the newest strategies and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts!
AGENDA (schedule subject to change):
8:00 am: Registration and Networking (Light breakfast provided)
9:00 am: Welcome and Introductions
Session 1: Select Plants & Practices for Coastal Gardens
Gardening on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities to grow beautiful landscapes, productive fruit and vegetable gardens, and thriving native plant habitats. This three-part presentation will focus on plants that are well-adapted to our region and share gardening techniques tailored to our unique coastal climate.
9:15 am: Productive Coastal Vegetable Gardening | Keaton Argubright
10:15 am: Native Plants for Coastal Landscapes | Don Wilkerson
11:15 am: Select Trees for the Coastal Environment | Priscilla Files
12:00 pm: Lunch and open exhibition area
Session 2: Birds, Bees & Backyard Ecology
Join us for an afternoon of learning focused on gardening practices that protect and support birds, and pollinators. Learn how to design and maintain landscapes that provide essential food, shelter, and nesting habitats while promoting environmental health. Together, we can contribute to the conservation of these species and the vital ecosystems they sustain.
1:00 pm: Creating Native Birding Habitats | Anna Deichmann
2:00 pm: Pollinator Gardening | Debra Pence
2:45 pm: Closing Remarks
PRESENTERS:
Keaton Argubright, Gardens Manager, Groundswell
Keaton supports local food systems and community-based agriculture. His work focuses on education and outreach that helps gardeners and growers succeed in Galveston’s unique coastal environment. Keaton will present information on vegetable gardening tailored to the unique climate and soil conditions of Galveston and the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. He’ll highlight practical tips for selecting heat-tolerant varieties, managing soils, and extending the growing season through smart watering and mulching techniques. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to grow thriving gardens in our coastal environment.
Dr. Don Wilkerson, Professor & Extension Specialist (Retired), Texas A&M University – College Station
Don is a long-time horticulture educator focused on promoting sustainable gardening practices suited to the island’s coastal conditions. His work emphasizes the use of native and well-adapted plants to create resilient, attractive landscapes for the Upper Gulf Coast area. Don’s presentation will highlight native landscape plants that are well adapted to the unique conditions of Galveston and the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. He will explain how these plants contribute to resilient, low-maintenance landscapes while supporting local wildlife and pollinators. The program will emphasize sustainable practices that balance beauty, function, and environmental stewardship.
Priscilla Files, Executive Director and Senior Arborist, Galveston Island Tree Conservancy
Priscilla is a dedicated arborist focused on promoting the planting and care of trees suited to coastal environments. Her work emphasizes building resilient landscapes that enhance community green spaces, support local ecosystems, and withstand the challenges of the Gulf Coast climate. Priscilla will present in-depth information on selecting and managing trees to create resilient landscapes in our coastal environment. She will highlight well-adapted species that tolerate our climate and fluctuating soil conditions - while providing shade, beauty, and ecological benefits. Priscilla will also provide practical strategies for planting and caring for trees that thrive in along the Upper Gulf Coast.
Anna Deichmann, Gulf Coastal Program Director, American Bird Conservancy
Anna is a dedicated conservationist focusing on protecting bird populations through habitat preservation and restoration. She educates communities on using native plants to create bird-friendly landscapes that support local and migratory species. Anna will present a broad range of information on birding and the importance of using native landscape plant habitats to support local avian species. She will highlight how specific native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting resources that attract and sustain birds throughout the year. Anna will also provide practical tips for designing and maintaining bird-friendly landscapes that enhance both biodiversity and backyard enjoyment.
Debra Pence, Certified Texas Master Naturalist, Texas AgriLife Extension, Galveston County,TX
Debra conducted numerous educational programs through OLLI and is one of the area’s leading authorities on pollinator gardening. She works closely with the Texas Native Plants Society on programs that preserve and protect our valuable natural resources. Her knowledge, coupled with practical experience, makes Debra a truly outstanding educational resource for our coastal area. Debra’s presentation will focus on creating pollinator gardens tailored to Galveston’s coastal environment. She’ll share practical strategies for selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen, and habitat throughout the year. Attendees will learn how thoughtful garden design and maintenance can attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. The program will highlight simple actions gardeners can take to support healthy pollinator populations at home.