The forum, which was held on Tuesday night as part of the week-long Alexandra Thyme Festival, attracted about 60 people.
Guest speakers included Mr Norbury, botanist and plant ecologist Geoff Rogers, Department of Conservation technical support officer-botanist John Barkla, Labour party list MP David Parker and high country farmer Russell Hamilton, who supervises operations on Motatapu, Mt Soho and Glencoe stations.
"The major problem for conservation in Central Otago is the exotic species. Look at how dominant thyme and hieracium are in the landscape," Mr Norbury said.
"We celebrate our exotic species - the Thyme Festival, ironically enough, the Alexandra Blossom Festival and even the Easter bunny shoot.
"There's nothing wrong with that, but I just think we should be celebrating our native species."
Conservation on dryland habitats was a huge problem as relatively few people knew, or cared, about such habitats, he said.
Mr Parker said education was one of the keys to making a change.
Pressure groups and recreational users of the land had an important role and central, local and regional politicians could also make changes.
District plan and regional plan changes were another tool in regulating to protect certain areas.
Mr Hamilton talked about the work done on the three stations, the native trees planted, protection of wetlands, destocking the high country and the reintroduction of bird life.
Mt Soho was "virtually clear" of wilding pines now, he said, and goat and deer control had dramatically reduced numbers of those pests on the stations.
"There's been 4500 goats shot in the past 10 months [on Glencoe Station], so we're getting on top of them," he said.
Mr Barkla said it would be good to see kowhai used as a "flagship" tree in Central Otago, and along the Otago Central Rail Trail.
"Everyone loves kowhai."
During a panel discussion at the end of the evening, speakers were asked about the role exotic species played in the environment, wilding tree control and economic sustainability versus ecological sustainability.
• The festival finishes on Sunday with a wide range of events based in Pioneer Park, Alexandra.
A field trip to Mahaka Katia Scientific Reserve and Locharburn Scientific Reserve, both near Cromwell, will be held on Saturday, from 10am-2.30pm.
Those interested in taking part can either meet at Central Stories in Alexandra at 9.30am or at the Big Fruit sculpture in Cromwell at 10am.
