2026 Pollinator Festival to Feature Dr. Doug Tallamy: A Visionary Voice for Restoring Nature at Home
We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Pollinator Festival will feature a keynote presentation by one of the most influential conservation voices of our time: Dr. Doug Tallamy. His groundbreaking research and accessible, inspiring message have reshaped how communities across the country understand the importance of native plants, insects, and home-scale habitat restoration. Bringing him to Vancouver is a milestone for our growing festival—and a huge opportunity for our region.
About Dr. Doug Tallamy
Dr. Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Over his 45-year career, he has authored 116 research publications and taught countless students through insect-related courses and field studies. His research centers on a simple but critical question:
How do insects interact with plants, and how do those interactions determine the richness of animal communities?
Dr. Tallamy has brought that science to the public through a series of transformative books, including:
Bringing Nature Home
The Living Landscape (with Rick Darke)
Nature’s Best Hope — a New York Times Best Seller
The Nature of Oaks — winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 Book Award
How Can I Help — his newest book, inspiring action at a home and community scale
In 2021, he co-founded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari—an ambitious, collaborative, grassroots movement encouraging people to regenerate biodiversity by planting native plants where they live, work, and gather. The project’s vision is bold and beautifully simple:
Create the largest collective conservation project in North America by restoring habitat in our own yards and shared spaces.
Learn more at: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
Dr. Tallamy’s work has been recognized by organizations across the country, including The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, the National Wildlife Federation, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America, The Herb Society, and more.
His 2026 Pollinator Festival Talk: “How Can I Help? How We Can Save Nature in Our Yards”
Nearly every day, Dr. Tallamy receives questions from people who have read his books or attended his talks:
How do I garden for biodiversity? What’s the deal with invasive plants? Which species matter most? Do small yards make a difference? What about monarchs? What about oaks? How can I support nature in an urban setting?
In his 2026 Pollinator Festival presentation, he will tackle these thoughtful, practical questions head-on. His talk will weave together insights about:
ecological landscaping
biodiversity and insect declines
native and non-native plants
conservation and restoration strategies
keystone plant species
oak ecology
monarch conservation
urban habitat challenges
and the role of everyday citizens in rebuilding ecosystem function
His goal is not just to answer questions—it’s to inspire action. Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, a school garden, a business landscape, or a community space, Dr. Tallamy will show how each of us can become part of restoring nature where we live, work, play, worship, and farm.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Having Dr. Tallamy join us in 2026 is a major opportunity for southwest Washington. Our region is already growing a strong native plant movement, with pollinator meadows, habitat restoration projects, seed libraries, and neighborhood green spaces popping up across Clark County. His work provides the scientific foundation and the inspirational spark that helps communities take the next step.
If you believe in creating spaces where wildlife can thrive—or if you’re simply curious how you can help—this will be a talk you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for festival updates, volunteer opportunities, and registration details as we move toward our biggest and most impactful Pollinator Festival yet.
Homegrown change begins right where we are. And in 2026, Dr. Tallamy will help guide us forward.