WCCD introductory native plants workshop

Vern Stephens of Designs By Nature LLC and the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) will be hosting an Introduction to Native Planting Workshop on March 6th at the Scio Township Hall (827 N Zeeb Rd). During the workshop, Vern will discuss why we choose natives, site selection, site prep, installation, species selection, management, and maintenance. Participants will learn to identify various native plants. Vern and his family live on a 40- acre farm in Laingsburg, where they operate Designs By Nature, LLC. Vern is a member of the Wildflower Association of Michigan (WAM) and served on the board of directors for several years. Vern has more than 30 years of experience working with native plants and restoration. He recently retired from the Michigan DNR Wildlife Division as a Senior Wildlife Assistant where his work specialized in grasslands and invasive species management. Space is limited for the workshop; RSVP by Monday, March 4th. Cost for workshop is $10.

Native plants are adapted to Michigan’s soils and climate, and they provide food and habitat for our native animals. Using native plants encourages a broad array of plants in the landscape, and since these plants are well-adapted to our local growing conditions, they require little or no special treatment after establishment and save, time, money, water, and sweat.

To learn more about the Introduction to Native Planting workshop and other WCCD programs, please visit the district website at www.washtenawcd.org. Native Plants from Designs By Nature, LLC can be pre-ordered directly on the website or order forms can be downloaded and sent to the office with payment. Forms are also available at the Conservation District office (7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor). All native plants pre-ordered will be picked up at the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on June 1 at the Farm Council Grounds from 9 am- 2 pm. Contact Megan DeLeeuw, District Manager, with any questions at (734) 205.1219 or megan.deleeuw@macd.org.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting private landowners, businesses and others, with the conservation and management of their natural resources in Washtenaw County. The District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.