Grow Native! Master Class: Native Alternatives with James Faupel

Native Alternatives for Invasive Trees & Shrubs, and for Traditional Non-Native Herbaceous Plants

When looking at the history of most non-native, invasive trees and shrubs, they began as horticultural introductions. So, what would be the best Missouri native plants to replace them horticulturally? We’ll answer this question, as well as look at what native plants would be good alternatives for traditional, non-native, ornamental herbaceous plants. While most of these non-native perennials are not invasive, they unfortunately provide little benefit to our local ecosystems.

The master class, to be held via Zoom, will include 50 minutes of instruction with at least 10 minutes for a question and answer period via chat. A recording of the webinar will be available only to those that registered. One CEU for landscape architects will be available.

Cost: free to all MPF dues-paying members and Grow Native! professional members, or $15 for non-members.
Visit our MPF membership page to become a member and attend all master classes for free!

James Faupel started at Litzsinger Road Ecology Center in 2018, and has been with the Missouri Botanical Garden since 2016. He supervises the management of its reconstructed prairies and restored woodlands against the suburban backdrop of invasive species, along with participating in community outreach on many ecological and horticultural topics in the region. He also manages the research and monitoring that happens on site. James is a traditionally trained horticulturist and ISA trained arborist, and has also completed professional training in field botany and bee identification. His many years of horticulture experience and background ranging from nursery work, traditional landscape maintenance and design, habitat restoration, as well as formal botanical garden propagation and maintenance, give him a unique behind-the-scenes perspective and understanding of how the landscape industry works as a whole and its long-lasting effects on our urban environments. In addition, James volunteers with the Missouri Prairie Foundation and St. Louis Wild Ones, and is a member of the Missouri Native Plant Society and Webster Groves Nature Study Society. His goal is to spread his passion for learning and keeping an open mind, “so we never forget the little things we share this rock with.”