Tendrils & Trellises: Accessing the Therapeutic Horticultural Activities Database (THAD) for Activity Plans that Grow Lasting Connections

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions

October 17–19, 2026 | Brea, CA

The following session descriptions represent the planned educational program for the 2026 ATRA Annual Conference in Brea, CA. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, session content, presenters, schedules, and locations remain subject to change.

For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance

Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC pre-approval is pending for all sessions for CEUs.

Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.

Note on Non-ATRA Activities:

Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA SoCal program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.

Session Description

Are your participants growing their connections? Reaching out as they build strong scaffolds of support? Gardening and nature-based activities infuse group programs with holistic therapeutic benefits while enhancing a sense of belonging and growing communities that thrive. We'll plant some seeds of creativity with structured activity ideas like "Watering Can Pass Off," "Making Potpourri," "Green Exercise," and "Lettuce be Different," drawn from the 300+ free activity plans in the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD), a resource created by horticultural therapists and housed on the University of Florida website.

Learning Outcomes

1. Advance knowledge of Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) & how TH activities can be adapted for Recreational Therapy programs. 2. Understand the different uses and activity adaptations of the Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database (THAD) resources. 3. Utilize TH plans to inspire RT programs that build connections among participants and within communities while meeting other therapeutic goals.

Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply

Target Audience

Primary Presenter

Kathryn (Katie) E. Grimes, MAT, HTR, THAD Network

Biographical Information

Kathryn (Katie) Grimes, MAT, HTR, is a Registered Horticultural Therapist and special educator with extensive experience connecting people of all ages and abilities to nature through therapeutic methods. She is on the advisory board of Florida Horticulture for Health Network, assists with the University of Florida Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program, and writes and presents on gardening engagement techniques for health and wellness.

ATRA SoCal : 2026 Session Description

October 17–19, 2026

The Embassy Suites, Brea, California

2026 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions