Delaware Botanic  Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG) kicked off  its first 2025-2026 Educational Pavilion Lecture series with a talk by University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy. He is a best selling New York Times author, who spoke to 175 people on how homeowners can help save nature in their yards with a few simple landscaping tips, including planting native plants.

Ray Sander, DBG President. said, “Doug is a powerful advocate for getting us to understand we all have a role in fighting climate change by taking action to build yard-by-yard conservation gardens with native plants attracting wildlife.”

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG  Executive Director for Horticulture shared  “We were delighted to host Doug’s inspiring lecture in the new 3,300- square-foot Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion. His vivid. colorful  images of gardens and wildlife truly brought his presentation to life, and reminded us of the power of native plants to restore balance and beauty to our landscapes. We are deeply grateful to Doug for sharing his passion and insight – and to our audience, who experienced a memorable evening at sunset that instilled hope for future generations through the plants and wildlife we nurture.”

Sheryl Swed. DBG Executive Director said,  “Doug’s talk was well received, and his new book, ‘How Can I Help: Saving Nature with Your Yard’ was a call to action for all of us. The Pavilion was the perfect setting, surrounded by nature, and was the first of many educational events that will be held in the building for our community.”

Delaware Botanic Gardens at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939 is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Go to www.delawaregardens.org