Going Native in Public Spaces: How Ottawa County Is Bringing More Natives to Parks
It’s one thing to put in a pollinator garden, another all together to convert many acres to a biodiverse, native landscape. George Jager, the outdoor education program lead for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, will discuss how it’s done at 6 p.m., Monday, February 17, at the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw in Houghton. His presentation will also be available on Zoom; learn more and register here.
“What’s the Rush?” showing in March
WOK is partnering with KISMA and Michigan Tech’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach to host a showing of Doug Tallamy’s new video, “What’s the Rush?,” at 6 p.m., Friday, March 14, in Forestry G002 at Michigan Tech.
Tallamy, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of several books on native plants, including “Bringing Nature Home” and “Nature’s Best Hope,” is a leading voice in the native landscaping movement.
WOK supports biodiversity education
With support from the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Chassell science teacher Beth Squires has long emphasized place-based, hands-on learning in all her classes. With help from Keweenaw Wild Ones, the Symbiotic Schoolyard middle-school science unit has become another tool in her toolbox.
WOK donated this unit, which teaches biodiversity and provides a framework for kids to grow a native plant garden on school grounds.
David Sims outlines Beth’s efforts in his article “Local Students Become Environmental Stewards through Hands-on Learning,” published in the Copper Country Intermediate School District newsletter.
Beth discusses her work, including Symbiotic Schoolyard, on the CCISD’s Coppercast “Nature as Classroom.”
Welcome to the Wild Ones Keweenaw Chapter
We are on a journey to
- educate ourselves and others about the special attributes of native plants and how to incorporate them into our gardens and civic landscapes;
- create habitat that nurtures wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds; and
- develop resilient landscapes that absorb runoff, protecting water quality and infrastructure.
Regular meetings are held at 6 p.m., the third Tuesday of the month, often on Zoom, sometimes in person.
Want to grow native but don’t know where to begin?
Check out our Resources section. Or visit Wild Ones’ Native Garden Design website, featuring a several downloadable native garden plans created by professional landscape designers. The plans are free, printable, and come with plant lists.
We hope these resources inspire, encourage and motivate you in your native garden journey!