COLUMBUS — The potential healing powers of the plants growing in your backyard, conservation of lady’s-slipper orchids and the flora and geology of Ohio’s only meteorite crater are just a few of the topics to be discussed at the 14th Ohio Botanical Symposium on Friday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The symposium will highlight alvars, lichens, the future of the eastern deciduous forest and exciting botanical discoveries being made in Ohio.

Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Nature Conservancy and The Ohio State University, the event will be held at Villa Milano, located at 1630 Schrock Road in Columbus.

The symposium will feature two keynote speakers: Dr. Paul Catling with Agriculture and Agri-food of Canada and Dr. James Lendemer with the New York Botanical Garden. Catling will talk about alvars of the Great Lakes region. Created by glaciers thousands of years ago, these fascinating habitats are now home to many rare and fascinating plants and animals. Lendemer will discuss the biology, importance and diversity of lichens both in Ohio and in North America.

The event will also feature a multi-media show with scenic-related images and displays from a number of private and public conservation organizations and vendors offering conservation-related items for purchase.

The $45 attendance fee includes conference materials, continental breakfast, buffet lunch and break refreshments. Registrations will be accepted until Tuesday, March 21, or until the conference is full. For the registration form and more details, visit naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/obs or contact Rick Gardner at 614-265-6419.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.