Kestner Park Native Garden

Posted July 8, 2024

A Path into the Garden

A mighty crew put in two grueling shifts installing 50-pound Jacobsville sandstone pavers into the Kestner Garden, forming a winding path that will bring visitors into the planting. Pictured left to right are Vicky Bergvall, Josh Roys, Craig Waddell, and Mat Moore. Not pictured are Sean Havins, Allyson Jabusch, Kristine Bradof, Evan Lanese, Liz Gerson, Jackie Manchester and Marcia Goodrich. I hope I’m not forgetting anybody.

Craig, a member of the Houghton City Council and the driving force behind the project, noted that residents of Calumet, Hancock, and Chassell contributed their sweat equity alongside Houghton folks on this community project.

Posted April 19, 2024

Spring Cleanup Day

WOK rallied the troops for the April 13 spring cleanup day sponsored by the Houghton Beautification Committee. Members Vicky Bergvall, Kristine Bradof, and Craig Waddell led Michigan Tech students, including a team of Roteract members, in picking up litter as well as weeding a garden spot managed by WOK for natives. They also installed our garden sign, the first to be posted in a public space.


Posted October 23, 2023

Planting Begins

After watching and weeding for about a year, Keweenaw Wild Ones finally got to do what we love best and start planting this big (about 50-by-25-foot) site. This fall we installed 32 prairie dropseed from Prairie Nursery along the border of this garden, which faces a busy parking lot. Big thanks to Craig Waddell and Vicky Bergvall, who provided $750 in gift certificates. That will make it possible to start planting in earnest this spring.

We also planted a Sunny Garden from U.P. Native Plants, donated by Kathy Narhi. Thanks, Kathy! In the meantime, we’ll be working on a design for the rest of the garden. Can’t wait till spring to see how it comes together.