Landscapes That Last is a webinar series from NC Sea Grant and the Coastal Landscapes Initiative that explores the sustainable practices that protect North Carolina’s unique coastal environment. Each session, experts will share practical strategies ranging from choosing salt tolerant plants and conserving trees to improving stormwater ponds and sourcing eco-friendly plants. The series is crafted for property owners, HOAs, landscapers, local governments, and nurseries – to build shared knowledge and healthier coastal communities.

Local Policies for Native Plants

December 11, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Across North Carolina, communities are advancing landscapes that protect native vegetation and discourage the spread of invasive plants. In this session, leaders will share how local policies and community guidelines can make a lasting difference. Join us to explore practical, real-world examples of how thoughtful policy and collaboration can sustain the plants—and the places—that make our coastal communities thrive.

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The Why, What and How of Sustainable Landscaping

January 15, 2026 12:00 PM ET

This lesson will introduce the core principles of conservation landscaping and why they are essential for protecting North Carolina’s coastal lands and waters. Featured speaker Rachel Veal, conservation horticulturist with the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, will share practical, science-based insights to help you create resilient, eco-friendly landscapes.

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Invasive Plant Control Strategies and Techniques

February 27, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Invasive plants are more than a maintenance challenge—they can reduce property value, disrupt native ecosystems, and increase long-term costs. Gardeners, HOAs, landscape professionals, and local governments all play a role in addressing the growing impacts of harmful plants.

This session provides an overview of invasive plant management, including how to identify common species of concern and apply practical, effective strategies across a range of property types and scales. Featured speaker Robbie Davis, founder and owner of Native Plants Matter NC, specializes in invasive species removal and native plant installation. Join us to gain practical tools for creating healthier, more resilient landscapes.

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Nature-Friendly Landscaping: From Principles to Practice

March 19, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Building on the concepts introduced in The What, Why and How of Nature-Friendly Landscaping, this webinar focuses on approaches for creating and maintaining beautiful and practical landscapes that work with nature. Join us to learn from Rachel Veal, conservation horticulturist with the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, about important considerations, including common pitfalls to avoid, when applying nature-friendly strategies. Topics will include assessing site conditions and existing plants, designing for our coastal growing seasons, reducing environmentally harmful inputs, understanding “beneficial” insects, best practices for “tidying up”, and more! 

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Design with Native Plants

April 16, 2026 12:00 PM ET

With the right approach, native plants can be used to create attractive coastal landscapes or enhance existing ones. Join Amy Mead (NC Cooperative Extension in New Hanover County) and Gloria Putnam (NC Sea Grant) to learn about selecting and arranging native plants suited to specific conditions and landscaping priorities.

This webinar will introduce the Coastal Landscapes Initiative Design Templates and share practical tips for successful installation and long-term maintenance of native plant landscapes.

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No May Webinar

Join us again in June!

Native Perennials for the Shady Side

June 25, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Shaded areas are often treated with heavy mulch or planted with problematic spreaders such as liriope and English ivy. Fortunately, many native herbaceous perennials are well-adapted to lower light conditions and can provide both visual interest and ecological value. In this session, Shannon Currey of Izel Native Plants will explore how shade conditions influence plant growth and highlight regionally native species suited to a variety of coastal shady settings. Participants will gain practical insights into selecting and using shade-tolerant native plants that support healthier, more functional plantings.

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POSTPONED:
Navigating Native Plants: Selection, Sourcing and Installation Strategies

*Rescheduled date to be determined

Interested in using native plants in your next coastal garden project, but unsure how to select and obtain the species that will work best? Whether you are focused on a residential landscape or a shared public space, upfront planning will drastically improve the chances for a successful native gardening project. In this session, Carol Peoples—Co-Leader of the NC Native Plant Society’s Central Coastal Plain Chapter and Carteret County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer—will share practical advice on native plant selection, procurement, and installation.

*Registration will reopen when a makeup date has been selected. A new link will be sent out via email and Facebook.

Let’s Talk about Lawns and Lawn Alternatives

August 27, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Traditional turfgrass lawns are a prevalent feature of our modern landscaping practices, but keeping them “perfect” requires a lot of routine maintenance and requires the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides that can pollute our air and water. Lawns often cover much more space than we actually use and offer little habitat for pollinators and wildlife. In this talk, Emilee Morrison, Extension Agent in Consumer Horticulture with NC Cooperative Extension, Onslow County Center, will explore alternative lawns and landscaping choices that are beautiful, practical, and support local ecosystems while also meeting our everyday needs.

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September Webinar

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October Webinar

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November Webinar

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