Chapters in Michigan

Southern Michigan is rapidly developing and there are numerous conservation challenges. Despite the enormous loss of natural cover, there are several important areas that still need protection and stewardship. This talk will cover some of our remaining natural areas with a focus on the natural communities Gourdneck State Game Area. From physiography and historic land cover to invasive species, rare plants, and the challenges of fragmentation, this presentation will dive into prioritizing conservation actions in our modern landscape.

Watch this space for more information; exact start time still needs to be confirmed. 

The Symposium features three presenters: 

Keynote speaker Kim Eierman will present "Selling Native Plants with Cues to Care." Not all neighbors and city officials are on board with the look of natural landscaping. Kim will illustrate how to show intent in your native landscape and demonstrate to others that you are gardening with purpose.

Kass Urban-Mead, a pollinator specialist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, will speak on "Pollinators in the Woods: Exploring the Many Ways Wild Bees Nest and Forage in Woody Habitats."  Join Kass for an adventure exploring how wild bees use the woods, from the leafy forest floor to the top of the canopy. She will connect these to some suggestions on forest stewardship for pollinators.

Michelle Wietek-Stephens, owner of U.P. Native Plants, in Marquette, will present "Butterfly Bonanza: U.P. Native Plants for U.P. Native Moths and Butterflies." She will discuss the importance of moths and butterflies both as pollinators and as components of the local food chain; why what we plant matters; and specific pairings of native plants for U.P. moths and butterflies.

Description TBA

Join Mid-Mitten Member Rand Kursinsky as he presents information on how to landscape for wildlife.  In addition to planting native plants, there are other techiques that can be applied to your landscaping to encourage local fauna.  Randy will give examples of what he has accomplished on his own property and their results.