GNPS Program: "What, Where, When and How to Plant Native in Grant County" – Presentation by Tricia Hurley

a pallidifloraPhoto of Agastache pallidiflora var. neomexicana

zinnia grandifloraPhoto of Zinnia grandifloraPhotos courtesy of the Dale A. Zimmerman Herbarium, WNMU

For its final evening program of the year, on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 7:00 pm, the Gila Native Plant Society has invited Tricia Hurley of Lone Mountain Natives to present a talk exploring "What, Where, When and How to Plant Native in Grant County."  

Tricia Hurley will share her expertise in landscaping with native plants. Here's some of what she will cover:

  • Seasonal strategies for establishing (and maintaining) plants. Sure, fall is the best time to plant in our area, but that doesn't always work since you may be away, or the plants you want may be sold out, etc. Learn tactics for being more opportunistic!
  • Landform, elevation, soil type, and microhabitat influence what thrives here. Whether you're planting in a grassland, pinyon-juniper woodland, in full sun or shade, at low or high elevation, it makes a difference for your choices.
  • Ideas on how to successfully navigate a changing climate.
  • Bring your questions! Those who have conversed with Tricia at our native plant sale or the Farmer's Market know she's a great one to ask.

Tricia Hurley moved to the Southwest in 1990 to pursue a career in wildlife biology and worked with Hawkwatch International, the Forest Service in California and New Mexico, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In 2001 Tricia, her husband Mark Cantrell, and young family moved to Silver City, where Mark took a teaching position. Together they started the Lone Mountain Natives nursery in 2006. Tricia was also one of the founding members and employees of the Gila Conservation Education Center, a nonprofit housed in the Gila National Forest office. She has been growing, selling, and learning about native plants for twenty years and is a familiar face at the Silver City Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

The program will be hybrid – in person and via Zoom – on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 pm. All are welcome. It will be live on the WNMU campus in Harlan Hall, Room 111. (Harlan Hall is at the corner of 12th and Alabama Streets in Silver City.) Those who prefer to attend online may request a Zoom link from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest; encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species; and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org. 


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