Chapters in Michigan

Join herbalist jim mcdonald in exploring the medicinal virtues of the many local weeds and wildflowers that surround us. Through a blend of storytelling, humour, and lore discover the virtues of a variety of common plants you may find in your yard. We will walking through Matthaei Botanic Garden to learn about a slew of wild medicinals. You will learn  jim's two ‘first rules’ of wildcrafting and some recommended harvesting tools. 

jim is a community herbalist, wildcrafter, and medicine maker. He is an ardent student of leaning from the plants themselves. Living in southeast Michigan, he is centered on the plants & ecosystems here and and he is interested in sharing  their virtues in order to restore wellness.

RAIN or SHINE

Pints & Native Plants is an informal meet-up that takes place on the third Thursday of each month. It’s a chance to have a drink together and chat about native plants, challenges in our gardens, pollinators, and more. Everyone is welcome–come by and get to know other native plant enthusiasts and KAWO members.

Jared Harmon, of Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy and Emma Campbell, of the Meridian Township Conservation Corps will lead this program on an innovative method to control invasive plants - goats!

Goats are notorious for eating everything, but did you know that includes invasive plants? Come see goat grazing in action and learn the ins and outs, and pros and cons, of this invasive plant management method. If you'd like to help out with some invasive removal, the Meridian Conservation Corps invites you to stay after the demo and get a chance to tackle some invasive plants yourself. 

Street parking is available. The preserve is located at the end of Margate Lane. This event is free and open to the public (dogs are not allowed, however).

Join us for an event focused on learning about sustainable harvesting and Indigenous principles of an honorable harvest - a mindset that helps to build and guide the reciprocal relationship between the people and the land. 

The first session features Connie Crancer, who will present the latest science, guidelines, and protocols for sustainably harvesting native spices, seeds, and plants. The second session offers an interactive local Indigenous knowledge session, where participants will learn the honorable harvest principles and skills, discuss local plant uses, and engage in a talk on accessible, practical approaches using local abundance. 

Overall, these sessions promise valuable insights, hands-on learning, and community connection around plants. At the end of the second session, participants can enter a lottery for a hands-on honorable harvest event at a private residence on October 24th. 

Below is more information on each session:

Connie Crancer will draw from her extensive experience with the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, as well as her role as Michigan State Seed Collection Coordinator for Pollinator Partnership. Connie will cover:

Society for Ecological Restoration

Pollinator Partnership protocols, practices, and guidelines

Seeds for Success programs

Best practices for native seed collection

Jen Burfield and Marsha Reeves will draw from Indigenous knowledge and experience with the honorable harvest principle. They will cover:

Discussion of harvestable plant types in the area

Medicinal uses of these plants

Principles of honorable harvest

Reflections and stories

Reciprocity with taking

Resources for further learning

Historical context

The WOWC Pocket Forest Committee invites you on a Fall Color Walk at two Pocket Forests in Detroit. 

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We will start at the

Jayne Lasky Park (13200 Fenelon St, Detroit, MI 48212) at 12:00pm

The Lasky Pocket Forest – also built using the Miyawaki Method – was planted and is maintained by volunteers under the leadership of the Greening Of Detroit. 

Note: There is a big parking lot next to the beautiful sports mural on the Lasky Recreation Center, accessed via Fenelon St.  Behind the parking lot is a Putt-putt Golf.  The Pocket Forest is behind the Putt-putt Golf.

Accessibility:  You must traverse across turf grass to reach the Pocket Forest.

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Next, we will commute over to

Kintsugi Village Forest (2001 Wabash St Detroit, MI 48216) at 1:00pm

The Kintsugi Village Forest – built using the Miyawaki Method – is 3,200 square feet and features over 1,100 native trees and shrubs. 

Note: the Pocket Forest is at the corner of Marantette and Wabash. Use the above address for your GPS.  Parking is on the street or we might be able to use the parking lot on the north side of the Kintsugi Community Center building (2020 14th St)-accessed via the ally off of Dalzelle St.

Accessibility:  The Pocket Forest can be viewed from paved surfaces.

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Optional Afterglow at

The Congregation - Coffee Shop (9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206) at 2:00pm

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Rain or shine, but check this page for updates regarding any changes due to severe weather.

Anyone wishing to Car Pool are asked to Register using the button below.