The mission of PLANT IT WILD is to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the fragile natural environment of our region. Through direct efforts we work to preserve, protect, and promote the natural beauty of the area and its plant communities.
We promote the use of native plant species by producing educational materials available at our meetings, booths, presentations, and through our website. Programs are offered from May through September featuring a wide array of speakers and topics on native plants.
Not sure which plants are native to Michigan? Click Here to view a list of some of our favorite plants from this beautiful state.
Click Here to join Plant It Wild and help us preserve, protect, and promote the natural beauty of the area and its plant communities.
Click Here to read more about who we are and how we strive to help the community be a more natural and beautiful place.
The native plant movement is essential to a healthy ecology. Take water quality, for example. Riparian homeowners who have turf grass to the water's edge are adding polluted runoff into the surface water with every rain. Turf grass essentially behaves like concrete. The shallow root system cannot soak up much moisture and with the 'sponge' effect of requiring the soil moist BEFORE it can absorb water most of the water runs into the lake or river. This water carries with it anything on the surface, lawn chemicals, grass clippings, pet waste, and more.
Instead, plant deep rooted native plants as a 10-15 foot buffer strip between the water's edge and a lawn. Keep a path to allow access to the shore or dock. These native plants will trap runoff and will process water and pollutants through their deep roots.
As a side benefit, if you are bothered by geese on your lawn, they prefer turf grass and will be hindered by the taller native plants which they suspect of hiding predators! Win, win, win! Less pollution reaching the surface water, creating a healthy ecosystem, and naturally deterring pesky Canada Geese.
Go Wild, Go Native!
Spring is just around the corner!
We are excited to share our 2019 program dates and topics!!
Check out our calendar in the link below.
Share this with your friends and like this post to help us get the word out.
We need your help and support in 2019 to build our reach and drive up our membership & financial support.
Go Wild! Go Native!
plantitwild.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/PIW-2019-Membership-Form-Single-Application.pdf
plantitwild.net
Nice ISN (Invasive Species Network) article by a Leelanau county Master Gardener. Ruth Steele Walker. Thanks for the meeting summary, Ruth!
gardeninglifenews.com
It’s a never ending story — the battle against invasive species! Each year Scott and I do battle against several plant invasive species on our property. In spring there is Garlic Mustard to pull, at any time of the year there is Oriental Bittersweet to keep track of (while planning its demYuck. Not a problem indoors, except a nuisance. Outdoors is another story. Do what you can.
Putnam: Stink bugs likely to 'get a lot worse,' expert says
lansingstatejournal.com
The good news: You can comfort yourself that if brown marmorated stink bugs are in your house, they don’t pose a health threat to you or your pets.Pretty exciting! Keep pushing for rehabilitating habitats.
Nearly Extinct | Five Rediscovered Birds in the Last Five Years
abcbirds.org
In recent years, researchers have found five 'lost' birds in the Western Hemisphere. Although nearly extinct, there is still hope for rediscovered birds.