Buying local is important, and even more so during the pandemic. When it comes to buying plants, this statement still holds true! The Kent Conservation District is giving the community options to purchase Michigan native species to plant in their home landscape.
Kent Conservation District Board and staff are working hard to restore Kent County's natural resources. Birds and pollinators are disappearing as birds and insects face harsh temperature changes; with climate change, they need to have habitat and food sources.
Native plants offer such beauty and water quality filtering and storage benefits, plus it improves the lives of all living creatures.
On Saturday, April 24 is the Michigan Native Tree and Shrub Seedling sale with pre-orders due by April 6th. This is because we want the plants to not be fully leafed out so it is less stressful to transplant the tree seedlings.
Following that, as things warm-up, they will be hosting a separate Wildflower sale on May 22 with special orders due May 6. For sale will be beautiful potted quarts so you can try some new species and see how they thrive in your yard.
Local residents can signup to attend Kent Conservation District Board's free March 24, 7-8 p.m. class taught by a local conservationist Rebecca Marquardt who owns Revery a native plant landscape company and you will:
- Learn about design techniques to foster healthy habitats that improve water quality and soil health.
- Be impressed by the many native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs found in Kent County.
- Review the steps a landowner will take to install native plants.
- Using case studies, be shown examples of beautiful landscapes that impress the neighbors and beckon pollinators to visit.
Other upcoming programs include virtual and outdoor in-person invasive species landowner training workshops on March 19. We are very excited about a special class coming up on April 7 at 7 p.m. on "Practical ways to improve water quality and habitat on your property."
To learn more about these events and native Michigan plant species, visit kentconservation.org.
