The Vision is Yours 2026: Placemaking Placekeeping Conference

Join us at the Mount Rainier Nature Center for a  hands-on mural painting experience led by artist Mas Paz. In this one-hour session, participants will contribute directly to a mural inspired by the flora, fauna, and fungi that define this local ecosystem.

Grounded in observations and stories shared by Nature Center staff and community members, the mural design reflects native species integral to the local landscape and ecology. 

Participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside Mas Paz, learning about the artistic process while advancing the Nature Center’s broader vision for ecological and cultural stewardship.

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Participants will gather at the entrance to the Nature Center parking lot at the intersection of Arundel Rd and 31st Street. Click here for the meeting point on Google Maps. 

Join NDC’s Landscape Design and Environmental Resilience Director, Laura Robinson, for a hands-on workshop planting a native pollinator meadow at the Mount Rainier Nature Center.

You’ll learn:

• Preparation and planning tips for a natural garden
• How to plant perennials 
• Ecologically sensitive maintenance techniques
• Best practices for planting community maintained sites
• How to choose native plants for various site conditions and a changing climate

Location: From the main entrance take the path to the right and walk toward the community garden. The planting workshop will occur next to the community garden and the outdoor classroom.

Step inside a real-life placemaking toolbox! During this hands-on session, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the M-NCPPC placemaking container, and have the opportunity to dig in, ask questions, and learn directly from the team what it takes to operate and steward a mobile placemaking resource. During the second half of the session, participants will be invited to get creative and play a hands-on role activating lighting, seating, and other components in the Mount Rainier Nature Center parking lot. 

Join us at the Mount Rainier Nature Center for a  hands-on mural painting experience led by artist Mas Paz. In this one-hour session, participants will contribute directly to a mural inspired by the flora, fauna, and fungi that define this local ecosystem.

Grounded in observations and stories shared by Nature Center staff and community members, the mural design reflects native species integral to the local landscape and ecology. 

Participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside Mas Paz, learning about the artistic process while advancing the Nature Center’s broader vision for ecological and cultural stewardship.

-
Participants will gather at the entrance to the Nature Center parking lot at the intersection of Arundel Rd and 31st Street. Click here for the meeting point on Google Maps. 

Join NDC’s Landscape Design and Environmental Resilience Director, Laura Robinson, for a hands-on workshop planting a native pollinator meadow at the Mount Rainier Nature Center.

You’ll learn:

• Preparation and planning tips for a natural garden
• How to plant perennials 
• Ecologically sensitive maintenance techniques
• Best practices for planting community maintained sites
• How to choose native plants for various site conditions and a changing climate

Location: From the main entrance take the path to the right and walk toward the community garden. The planting workshop will occur next to the community garden and the outdoor classroom.

Step inside a real-life placemaking toolbox! During this hands-on session, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the M-NCPPC placemaking container, and have the opportunity to dig in, ask questions, and learn directly from the team what it takes to operate and steward a mobile placemaking resource. During the second half of the session, participants will be invited to get creative and play a hands-on role activating lighting, seating, and other components in the Mount Rainier Nature Center parking lot. 

Join the University of Maryland Architecture Creative Placemaking Studio  in conversation about how to connect children and nature through prototyped projects produced in partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center and the Mount Rainier Nature Center.  

Through hands-on engagement with demonstration projects and research materials, you’ll have the opportunity to respond to student ideas, ask questions, and offer feedback that will help shape the direction of these projects in real time. UMD Faculty and NDC’s Community Design Works project manager will be on hand to share insights into the collaborative process, from early research through concept development. 

Drop in anytime over the course of the session to share your perspective, test ideas, and be part of a live feedback loop that centers learning, iteration, and co-creation.Join the University of Maryland School of Architecture & Community Planning Creative Placemaking Studio for a hands-on demonstration project produced in partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center and the Mount Rainier Nature Center.  

Student Designers include:
Alexander Bayer
Giovani Boursiquot
Katie Briller
Quinten Cazares
Jennifer Chacon 
Travon Chaney
Daisy Cisneros
Corson Durst
Aiden Flynt
Nicholas Murray
Veronica Sinsky

Join us at the Mount Rainier Nature Center for a  hands-on mural painting experience led by artist Mas Paz. In this one-hour session, participants will contribute directly to a mural inspired by the flora, fauna, and fungi that define this local ecosystem.

Grounded in observations and stories shared by Nature Center staff and community members, the mural design reflects native species integral to the local landscape and ecology. 

Participants will have the opportunity to paint alongside Mas Paz, learning about the artistic process while advancing the Nature Center’s broader vision for ecological and cultural stewardship.

-
Participants will gather at the entrance to the Nature Center parking lot at the intersection of Arundel Rd and 31st Street. Click here for the meeting point on Google Maps. 

Join NDC’s Landscape Design and Environmental Resilience Director, Laura Robinson, for a hands-on workshop planting a native pollinator meadow at the Mount Rainier Nature Center.

You’ll learn:

• Preparation and planning tips for a natural garden
• How to plant perennials 
• Ecologically sensitive maintenance techniques
• Best practices for planting community maintained sites
• How to choose native plants for various site conditions and a changing climate

Location: From the main entrance take the path to the right and walk toward the community garden. The planting workshop will occur next to the community garden and the outdoor classroom.