Educational Opportunities
Find educational opportunities plus news and events for the northwest Michigan area
(Note: not all count for educational credit)
New items were added on February 27, 2021
MGANM Events
Plants Used By Native Americans
March 2, 2021, 6:30-8:00 EST. Zoom presentation, Click here for more information and registration.
Backyard Conservation
April 06, 2021, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Zoom presentation. Click here for more information.A Pest Resistant Landscape – Plant Choices that are Work Horses
May 04, 2021, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Zoom presentation. Click here for more information.MGANM Book Club Book of the Month
“Natures Best Hope” by Douglas W. Tallamy
MSU Extension
Cabin Fever Conversations – Free Zoom Sessions
Cabin Fever Conversations is back! This FREE series aims to help connect you to your garden and fellow gardeners, even when we are stuck inside. Each week will feature a conversation to help get your mind outside and into the garden, highlighting the passion and wisdom of featured speakers. This year’s series will explore ways of being conscious stewards in the garden and uplift work being done locally to increase inclusion and access to growing food. Sessions will be under one hour, including time for questions from the audience.
- March 5, 2021
Conversations in the Community with Allan Lee, Root of the Vine Urban Garden - March 12, 2021
Understanding Insects in the Garden with David Lowenstein, PhD, MSU Extension - March 19, 2021
Conversations in the Community with Shakara Tyler (Detroit Black Community Food Security Network) and Jerry Hebron (Oakland Avenue Farm, Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund
Hosted by Naim Edwards, MSU Extension - March 26, 2021
Identifying and Addressing Plant Diseases with Lori Imboden, PhD, MSU Extension - April 2, 2021
Conversations in the Community with Morgan Doherty, Capital United Land Trust - April 9, 2021
Small Scale Strategies for Season Extension with Abbey Palmer and Naim Edwards, MSU Extension
**Speakers and topics subject to change. If a change is made you will be notified prior to the program.
Please register to participate in this webinar series. When you register, you will automatically be registered for the entire series and the same Zoom link will be used for each session. There will be captioning (English) for recordings and live ASL Interpretation for each session.
Tollgate Farm HomeGrown Gardening Series 2021
Second Saturdays, 10 – 11 a.m. EST
Join us for this virtual interactive series on home vegetable gardening.
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi, MI 48377
2021 Spring Invasive Species Summit
Virtual Event | Saturday, March 20th, 10:00am – 12:30pm
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
10:00am – Introduction & CISMA Short Talks – CISMA/CWMA Coordinators
10:15am – Toolbox & Common Issues for Homeowners – Emily Leffingwell, Saginaw Bay
CISMA Coordinator
10:30am – Phragmites Control – McKenzi Waliczek, Lake St. Clair CISMA Coordinator
10:45am – Integrated Pest Management – Mike Hahn, Natural Area Preservation Stewardship
Specialist, City of Ann Arbor
11:15am – Wide-spread Invasive Species – Megan Garrett, Central MI CISMA Coordinator
11:30am – BREAK
11:45am – Hand Removal & Disposal of Invasives – Shikha Singh, JLW CISMA Coordinator
12:00pm – Restoration After Invasive Removal – Eric Diesing, CRWC Ecologist
12:15pm – Watch-list Species & Reporting – Patrick Scanlon, GiLLS CISMA Coordinator
FREE WEBINAR, Registration Required
Learn about the latest invaders
Control invasive species
Ask experts your questions
Funding provided by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (www.michigan.gov/invasives)
Contact: Erica Clites, 248-660-0716 | facebook.com/occisma/ | oaklandinvasivespecies.org/summit
Invasive Species In Your Backyard
2021 Interactive Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Thursday, March 25, 2021 – 3 – 5 p.m. EST
This interactive online workshop will be presented VIA an easily downloadable ZOOM format
Learn how to prune to promote fruit tree health and maximize fruit production!!!!
Join horticulturist and tree-fruit expert, Amy Irish-Brown for an interactive overview of pruning strategies to optimize both tree health and fruit production for apples, pears and various stone fruits. Learn from an expert how to maximize your tree’s potential through correct pruning techniques. Students will be encouraged to submit their own photos for discussion and group participation.
Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 online course now available
Now is a great time to learn about growing your own vegetables. Plan to register for Michigan State Extension’s Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101 online course. This self-paced, introductory online course provides all you need to know to successfully start and grow a vegetable garden. Whether you have a large space, small space or plan to garden in containers, you will learn research-based practices for success. From seed starting to harvest, you will learn important concepts needed to select and grow fresh vegetables from start to finish.
Participants have appreciated the self-paced nature of the course. Six modules consist of video presentations, polls and Extension-based gardening resources that can be saved on your computer for future use. Topics include:
- Planning a vegetable garden and the importance of soil health
- Planning and plant selection
- Raised beds and containers
- Seeds or transplants
- Integrated pest management
- Gardening activities (organic gardening, composting and seasonal planning)
If you are new to vegetable gardening, take advantage of this opportunity to learn vegetable gardening basics in six easy to understand science-based sessions from the comfort of your own home. The entire course is only $30 for over six hours of instruction.
Sign up here for Smart Gardening with Vegetables 101
Starting A Grasses and Sedges Garden
An article by David Lowenstein, MSUE
An alternative to turf lawns for the home gardener.
Read the full article here
MSU HORTICULTURE GARDENS
Annual Plant Sale
check back for more details as they are released
THE BOTANIC GARDEN AT HISTORIC BARNS PARK
Please check the website for Zoom presentations, www.thebotanicgarden.org. Please also check their Facebook page and Eventbrite.com since they may have quicker updates. The Garden and Labyrinth are still available to enjoy. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is always open to the public. Please check the website for current information on the gift shop. The Garden looks forward to welcoming visitors and is working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy while providing guests with the best possible experience.
TOUR THE GARDEN FROM YOUR ARMCHAIR
There is an exciting new feature on The Botanic Garden’s website – an audio tour of The Garden. Click on ‘Visit’ at the top of the home page, and then select ‘Self Guided Audio Tour’. You can access this feature on your cell phones as well. Whether you are walking The Garden or curled up at home, you can hear all about each garden and special feature, including an introductory historic background. Self-guided tour brochures are available at both the upper and lower level entrances of the visitor center, and are aligned with the audio tour.
A Master Gardener’s Guide to Raised Bed Gardening
March 14, 2021 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Join us as Master Gardener, Sue Newman, guides us through the design and implementation of her highly successful raised bed system.
More information and registration
Food Gardening For Everyone with Melinda Myers
March 21, 2021, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
In this virtual webinar, gardening expert Melinda Myers shares her knowledge and tips for creating and enjoying your very own food garden.
More information and registration
Future Events – more information to follow
April 11th – Save Money & Improve Your Soil for Better Gardening Results with Melinda Myers
April 22nd (EARTH DAY) – Gardening Sustainability
April 22nd (EARTH DAY) – Refreshing Your Landscape with Dr. Schutzki
May 16th – Perennials for Challenging Growing Conditions with Melinda Myers
May 23rd – A Tour of The Botanic Garden for Plants Worth Getting
May 26th – How To Plant Your Own Herbal Pot
June 24th – Authors In The Park
July 14th – All About Roses Tour
September 9th – Shrubs That Grow Well in Northern Michigan
Questions? Please email our Program Committee at grow@thebotanicgarden.org.
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN INVASIVE SPECIES NETWORK
“Hemlock Woolly Adelgid”. The Zoom presentation from January is available online. Join ISN to learn about Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), its impacts on our special hemlock trees, and how you can get involved with surveying on your own property. Winter is one of the best times to spot signs of the insect and we will review what to look for as well as look-a-likes, and how to report anything you find. You may also qualify for a free site visit. There is a landowner questionnaire available. Please see these websites for more information:
Also please see the website for more information on 3 invasive species. These are hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly and mile-a-minute weed. Hemlock woolly adelgid has been spotted in Ludington State Park.
GRAND TRAVERSE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Native Seedling Sale
Online only starting Feb. 1st through March 31st. Pickup is April 23rdthrough April 25th.
See www.natureiscalling.org/plant-sales for further information. The Grand Traverse Conservation District is excited to partner with the Conservation Resource Alliance to offer native trees and shrubs at a discounted rate through the Wild Roots campaign. This season, we are providing packages that have been carefully crafted to suit different habitats, including riparian, upland, and wildlife areas. Each package consists of 40 native seedlings for just $12! Please Note: A greater variety of species and varying quantities will be available as normal during our Annual Native Seedling Sale which begins in mid-February. Please keep checking the website since the February native seedling sale information was not listed at the time of this newsletter.
Stewarding Your Trees: Selection, Planting, and Care Online Workshop
Join us for a free, online workshop to dream big about trees! Learn about what trees and shrubs are right for your site – whether it’s a city lot or a huge tract. Get tips for planting projects of any size, and learn how to take care of your trees once they’re in the ground. We’ll focus on the species sold at GTCD’s native seedling sale, including species selected to thrive in a changing climate. Our experts are also ready to tackle all sorts of your tree and shrub questions; come curious!
Registration: Required
Snow Show Hike: Natural Education Reserve
Join us for a guided snow shoe hike at the Natural Education Reserve! View wildlife and learn about restoration post-dam removal and new projects on the property!
Spots are limited and RSVPs are required.
Please email trails@gtcd.org to register and with any questions.
Note: if out hiking or snowshoeing to help curb the transfer of invasive species, observe these tips that were included in GTCD February e-newsletter, “Stopping Hidden Hitchhikers – All that effortless access and reduced foliage means something else too – seeds clinging to stems and pods are that much easier to brush up against while you’re out touring the season. But since our minds aren’t often on weeds, it’s easy to forget to be vigilant about cleaning our gear to prevent invasive species from spreading. Pay close attention to bindings, laces, and soft fabrics – when we wear a lot of slippery, water-resistant fabrics that don’t pick up much, it’s easy to forget about those nooks and crannies that do. Don’t forget – if you have a furry friend or other gear, they need cleaning too!”
Native Plant Online Workshop
Native plants are the next big thing in landscapes – they’re beautiful, hardy, and well-adapted to our “Up North” home! Join us for a presentation by Garrett Noyes of Birdfoot Nursery. He’ll share advice on garden preparation and choosing the best native plants for your landscape. This is your chance to ask the expert!
Registration: Required
BENZIE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Spring Seedling Sale Happening Now!!
ORDERS DUE: Wed, April 7th
ORDER PICK-UP DAYS: Fri, April 23rd & Sat, April 24th!
(To keep in line with social distancing, please schedule your pick up by making an appointment)
For detailed information, click HERE
Spring Planting Workshop: Free Virtual Webinar
Thurs, March 11 — 6:30 – 7:30 pm
It’s time to start planning for your spring planting projects!
Zoom Meeting Registration: Email: aime@benziecd.org
Other 2021 Events
Wed, March 3 — Behavior Change: From Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness to Action, zoom mtg at 11 am
Wed, March 17 — Behavior Change: Aquatic Invasive Species Action Discussion, zoom mtg at 11 am
Wed, April 7 — Spring Seedling Sale Orders Due
Fri/Sat, April 23/24 — Spring Seedling Order Pick-Up (Fri: 9 to 4pm; Sat 9 to 12pm) at Beulah Park
Wed, May 6 — Volunteer Stream Monitoring Field Training Event
Sat, May 8 — Volunteer Stream Monitoring Field Collection Event
Sat, May 15 — Spring Hike: Limited to 10 participants, must pre-register
Thurs, May 27 — Platte River Clean Sweep
Sat, June 12 — Betsie River Clean Sweep
June 27 thru July 4 — Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week
Wed, July 7 — Aquatic Species Workshop
Sat, July 17* — Water Tour: Upper Betsie River
Sat, August 7* — Aquatic Plant & Snorkeling Water Tour: Herendeene Lake
Sat, Aug 14* — Volunteer Appreciation Bash at St Ambrose
Sat, Aug 28 — Fall Hike: Mushrooms in Benzie
Sat, Sept 18 — Adopt-a-Beach Clean Up
Fri, Sept 25 — Fall Seedling Sale Orders Due
Fri, Oct 8 — Fall Seedling Sale Pick Up Orders
Wed, Oct 14 — Volunteer Stream Monitoring Field Training Event
Sat, Oct 16 — Volunteer Stream Monitoring Field Collection Event
Wed, Nov 10 — Annual Meeting
Contact information:
By Phone:
231.882.4391
By Email:
benziecd@benziecd.org
By Mail:
280 Benzie Boulevard
PO Box 408
Beulah, MI 49617
LEELANAU CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Time For Our Annual Spring Seedling Sale!
Order Now: Bare-root Tree Seedlings, Shrubs, Wildlife Trees & Beachgrass!
1. Download our Spring Seedling Sale order form here
2. Fill out your order; include check or credit card info!
3. Scan and email; or mail; or drop off form to the LCD office.
NOTE: This is first come; first serve. Limited quantities are available!
Go to our seedling sale web page here to learn more about the species and browse the selections!
If you have any questions, please contact the office: Karen Long, 231.256.9783, klong@leelanau.gov
VIRTUAL SPRING PLANTING WORKSHOP!
Tuesday, March 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
It’s time to start planning for your spring planting projects!
Contact Karen Long at the District: 231.256.9783; klong@leelanau.gov
MANISTEE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
2021 Spring Native Tree/Shrub Sale
Order now for pick up in April, which is the perfect time to get trees and shrubs in the ground. Improve habitat AND support your county’s district! Click here to download 2021 spring native tree/shrub sale order form
Note: These are Conservation Districts that serve many of the membership. Other Conservation Districts may also have an annual sale so check with your local office for details.
WILDFLOWER ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN CONFERENCE
Mar. 7th (Sun.) and Mar. 8th (Mon) Virtual Conference 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
There will be 2 keynote speakers….Heather Holm and Neil Diboll…plus 14 breakout sessions. Most sessions will be recorded. The cost for the conference is $50 with discounts for WAM members, vendors and students. Continuing Education Credits will apply for the sessions. Please see www.wildflowersmich.org for more information and to register.
NO.MI HUNT|GATHER
Spring Foraging 101
With Clay Bowers
It’s just about that time of year again! Spring Foraging time is here (well, almost). A time of year that all of us eagerly anticipate. The foragers among us anticipate it for the explosion of foods that become available. It truly is a special time of the year and I hope you join me in what has become on of my most sold out classes each and every year.
In this class you will learn how to identify and safely harvest a variety of wild edible and medicinal plants (and potentially mushrooms) that grow in the Northern Michigan region. In addition to identification we will learn about the evolution, historical uses, and sustainability of each individual species. This class will end with a giant spread of pre-made wild foods by Madelyn Walters and myself.
Held in multiple locations:
Ann Arbor, MI – April 24, 2021 – 12:00 PM
Traverse City, MI – May 1, 2021 – 12:00 PM
Grand Rapids MI – May 15, 2021 – 12:00PM
Meadow Brook Garden Club
Bursting into Spring
The Meadow Brook Garden Club presents guest speaker, Sue Grubba on March 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. Sue will present “Bursting into Spring.” Join Sue as she shares her insights on the season of spring and how you can maximize the potential of your gardens.
Monthly meetings will be held virtually through Zoom. Non-members wishing to attend, please send an email to MBGCmembers@gmail.com to request a link that includes a link to make a $5.00 guest donation.
MMGA E-NEWSLETTERS
If you are a member of MMGA (Michigan Master Gardener Association) there are a number of upcoming webinars. Please check the website for further information. www.michiganmastergardeners.org
Online Courses, Articles, and Presentations
Smart Gardening 101 Online Course
Starting a Sedges and Grasses Garden article
Invasive Species Network – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Zoom presentation
Tour the Gardens from your Armchair – New!
Plan a garden for a greater good – New!
Chronological Event List
Now until end of March, beginning of April, Native Seedling Sales
Grand Traverse Conservation District
Leelanau Conservation District
Manistee County Conservation District
March 2, Plants used by Native Americans
March 3, Stewarding Your Trees: Selection, Planting, and Care Online Workshop
March 5, Conversations in the Community
March 6, Snow Show Hike: Natural Education Reserve
March 7 & 8, Wildflower Association of Michigan Virtual Conference
March 9, Spring Planting Workshop – New!
March 11, Spring Planning Workshop – New!
March 12, Understanding Insects in the Garden
March 13, Seed Starting for Everyone
March 14, Raised Bed Gardening – New!
March 19, Conversations in the Community
March 20, Spring Invasive Series Summit
March 21, Food Gardening – New!
March 25, Fruit Tree Pruning – New!
March 26, Bursting into Spring – New!
March 26, Identifying and Addressing Plant Diseases
April 2, Conversations in the Community
April 6, Backyard Conservation – New!
April 9, Small Scale Strategies for Season Extension
April 10, Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces
April 23, Native Plant Online Workshop
April 24, Foraging 101 – Ann Arbor – New!
April 26, MSU Horticulture Gardens Plant Sale
May 1, Foraging 101 – Traverse City – New!
May 4, A Pest Resistant Landscape – New!
May 15, Foraging 101 – Grand Rapids – New!
June 12, Taking Growing to New Heights
