Chapters in Michigan

Spencer High is an artist, place-based educator and owner of Querkus Creative. He specializes in helping conservation based non-profit organizations cultivate their communities and further the cultural ties that they have with the land around them. Join us as Spencer shares how the creation of a simple native plant garden in his backyard helped him rediscover the awe and wonder in his every day life.

The NOWO Spring Native Plant Sale, May 29 and May 30, will be unsurpassed with more than 100 species of wildflowers, grasses and sedges, and more than 40 species of trees and shrubs. Held annually in Rochester Hills, the sale takes place in a yard brimming with well-established native plants, along with mature native trees and shrubs. Visitors are invited to tour the gardens and see these thriving native landscapes firsthand.

https://northoakland.wildones.org/nativeplantsale/ 

Meet in Bay View at the corner of Knapp and Richards, to hike the Old Indian Trail.  We will be hoping for the Pink Lady Slippers to be putting on their annual show! We will continue along the Deer Trail and Gateway Trails if the cedar swamp isn’t overflowing. 

If it’s a nice evening anyone who is interested can head to the Petoskey State Park beach afterwards for some sunset oohs and aahs.

Meet at the Sanford Natural Area entrance gate #2 behind McDonel Hall (817 East Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48825). Public Parking is available at Parking Ramps 1 (592 N Shaw Ln, East Lansing) or Ramp 3 (Wharton Center). Use "Spot On" pay by plate phone app with credit card if required ($2 per hour). Allow extra time to walk from these ramps to Sanford Natural Area.

Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. Join us for this guided experience. Participants will enjoy the opportunity to be in a forested environment, to slow down, and to connect to our natural surroundings with intention. This practice is designed to promote a calm, clear mind, and overall wellness. Our experience will be led by Georgia Peterson, retired Natural Resources Extension Specialist with Michigan State University Extension​. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, watch the video recording of our Forest Bathing program from 2022 by following this link.

Garden maintenance - plant signage placement, weed removal, planting new species, and general garden clean-up.