First Annual Native Plant Expo & Marketplace and Fish Distribution set for June 1

The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) will host the First Annual Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on June 1 at the Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd) from 9 am- 2 pm. The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace offers landowners one convenient location to shop for Michigan native plants from several Michigan native plant growers, an opportunity to learn how to establish and maintain native landscapes, and connect with companies specializing in planning native landscapes.

The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace will host several companies specializing in native plants and seeds as well as landscaping companies and non-profit organizations focused on native plant landscapes. There will be ample opportunity to purchase plants, seeds, and services. Fifteen vendors are participating in the Marketplace: Washtenaw County Water Resources, Washtenaw County Parks& Recreation, Huron River Watershed Council, Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, Designs By Nature, LLC , Ypsilanti Native Plant Nursery, Plants with Purpose, Ann Arbor Garden Club, PlantWise, Creating Sustainable Landscapes, Wild Ones, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Perennation and Michigan Wildflower Farm.

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 effort.

Also on June 1st at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds from 12-3 pm., the Conservation District, in cooperation with Harrietta Hills Trout Farm, will distribute pre-ordered fish stock for your pond! For a list of fish species, pricing visit our website: https://www.washtenawcd.org/fish-stock-for-ponds.html Order directly with Harrietta Hills at least 7 days before the Fish Day Event.

• Minimum order: 25 for any species.
• Meet our truck ON TIME at the Fish Day Event.
• We provide Oxygen Bags and Oxygen to transport your fish home. It helps if you bring one five-gallon bucket for every 25 fish that you order to set the bags in.
• Cash or checks only will be accepted for payment of orders at Fish Day.
• Only the species and sizes listed will be available at the Fish Day Event.
• Harrietta Hills reserves the right to substitute smaller or larger sizes at an adjusted price, if necessary.

Please 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. 

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.