Envisioning a Changing
DurangoScape
2026
Our Community Forest: Coping With Climate Change and Rapid Development
Photo Credit: Jeff Wagner
Schedule
Two Days, One Venue, each day packed with powerful presentations and inspiration!
March 6, 2026
DoubleTree Hilton
6:00-8:00 pm Presentations
Registration: 5:30-6:00pm
March 7, 2026
DoubleTree Hilton
1:00-5:00 pm Presentations
Registration: 12:00-1:00pm
Coping with Climate Change and Rapid Development
Durango is home to over 12,000 trees, a community resource supporting our economy, property values, and quality of life. How do we protect this essential asset?
What you will learn:
How the community forest contributes to the economy and a thriving community
What to plant in and around your trees to add to your landscape
Get answers to some of your most vexing tree issues
How narrow “hellstrips” challenge root growth, upend your sidewalks
Whether xeric landscaping produces too little water for trees?
How new construction procedures challenge your new tree plantings
“Understanding the effects of a changing climate on our landscapes, regardless of how one goes about gardening, is a no-brainer. But it is conferences like these that make that process less daunting, and allow us to look at not just the yard in front of us, but how it will look for generations to come.”
Darrin Parmenter, Western Region Director, CSU Extension
Speakers, Topics & Videos Not to Miss
We have assembled some of the foremost local and national experts on
adapting our community forest to changing climate conditions.
Featured Speakers
Jeff Wagner
Founder, La Plata County Tree Study Group & Vice President, Central North America of the International Dendrology Society.
Ben Rieck
Arborist Supervisor,
Parks & Recreation, City of Durango
Mike Smedley
Local Bulb Guru, Passionate Gardener, Rock Garden Fanatic
Rob Davis
City Forester/Open Space Supervisor, City of Grand Junction
Heather Houk
Horticulture & Agriculture Production Specialist
Colorado State University Extension–La Plata County
Freddie Haberecht
Sr. Specialist, Forestry
ISA Certified Urban Forestry Professional, RM-8593AM, TRAQ
City of Fort Collins
"Many conferences experienced unexpected audience outreach this year (2020) due to the fact that all programs went virtual at the same time and many smaller organizations missed out on that opportunity because the technological challenges were too great. The Durango Botanic Gardens deserves a Program Excellence Award for the program they offered and the technological challenges they had to overcome to keep in step with the larger, more prominent botanic gardens around the country."
- Ross Shrigley, executive director, Plant Select®️ and past presenter for our 2020 climate conference, Adapting Landscape in the Four Corners to a Changing Climate
Special Video Presentations
Claire Carver, co-owner, operator,
Carver Brewing Company
This inspirational video on the evolving Peter Carver Memorial Forest is available only to paid registrants who receive a link and password in their confirmation letter.
Moses Cooper, Owner,
Momentum Tree Experts
This fascinating video on the art and practice of Forest Bathing is available only to paid registrants who receive a link and password in their confirmation letter.
Conference Fees & Registration Information
Fee includes both the Friday evening and Saturday presentations.
DBG Members: $30
Non-members: $50
DurangoScape 2026 is made possible by registrants and the funding and other support of our 2026 Conference Sponsor, Momentum Tree Experts, and the ongoing partnership of the La Plata County Tree Study Group. We appreciate their interest and support in protecting Durango’s Community Forest. Learn more about these organizations by clicking on their logos.
OUR CONFERENCE PARTNER
Our Conference Partner The La Plata County Tree Study Group, founded and guided by Jeff Wagner, comprises Master Gardeners, Durango Botanic Garden members, and others dedicated to the ongoing study of our urban and native forests in the Four Corners. LPCTSG meets monthly to improve tree-identification skills, share stories about trees, and raise awareness and knowledge of trees among the general public. Learn more and join.
OUR CONFERENCE SPONSOR
This video will be available to paid registrants beginning January 15th.
Moses Copper Demonstrates Forest Bathing
As you step into a forest rich with vegetation and fresh, earthy scents, your senses naturally begin to awaken. The forest invites calm, presence, and restoration, an experience known as shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. This research-based practice supports mental and physical well-being through intentional time in the forest, including mindful breathing, gentle movement, and slow walks among the trees. Guided by Moses Cooper, Board Certified Master Arborist (MI-4220B), the experience is rooted in a deep understanding of forest systems, tree biology, and ecological health. Learn more about Momentrum Tree Experts.