- All of our events are open to the public, please join us
Email Your Photos of this year's events for inclusion!!
For details on our last two meetings of 2011, see the "newsletter".
Non-members are always welcome and all levels of plant enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. Please join us to learn more about the native plants of Michigan and how we can help preserve, restore and establish them in our home and public spaces.
Upcoming
October 17, 2011 (Note - start time will be 6:30 pm)
Speaker: Jerry Stewart Owner of Native Connections - Producer of Michigan Genotype Native Grass Seed in Three Rivers, MI. Topic: Jerry will discuss the processes involved in growing Michigan genotype grass seed. We will also learn how that seed is then used in land restoration, wildlife habitat, wetland mitigation, storm water management, and erosion control projects around the state. This will be a great chance to ask questions from an authority on proper seeding and maintenance techniques for large areas!. Location: Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Center (BIC) 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 (map)
November 14, 2011 (Note - start time will be 6:30 pm)
Topic: Fifth Annual Auction Each auction has been bigger, better and a greater success. Last year we raised over $1,000! This is our main fund raiser for the year and the money is put to good use supporting our various and increasing number of community projects and outreach. Location: Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Center (BIC) 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 (map) March 21, 2011 Speaker: Dr. Robert Krueger, Professor, College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University Topic: Lecture on the facts and fallacies of Michigan native plants and their medical properties. Location: Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Center (BIC), 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 (map)
Past Meetings
April 18, 2011 Speaker: Mary McKinney Schmidt Writer, Photographer and Lake Michigan Advocate. Topic: Photographic tour and details of how her book “Discovering Tiny Treasures” came about. It is a tale of her adventures exploring the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the wildflower species she encountered. Location: Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Center (BIC) 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 (map)
May 16, 2011 Speaker: Kristen Hintz Naturalist, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. Topic: This field trip will focus on riparian ecosys-tems and wetland plant species that grow in this 162 acre park along the banks of the Grand River. Location: Grand River Park, 9473 28th Ave., Jenison, MI 49428 (map)
June 20, 2011
Hosts: Carol and Fritz Rottman’s Topic: This is an opportunity to be thrilled by a diversity of blooming prairie forbs. Crack open your Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide and practice plant identification, take copious photos, spot some beneficial bugs or song birds… or just relax and take in the sites on this 70 acre property which also includes a rain garden, kettle lake with native wetland plants and surrounding woodlands. Location: 11300 Hart St. NE, Greenville, MI 48838 (map)
July 18, 2011
Speaker: Nathan Haan Project Manager, Plaster Creek Stewards. Topic: We will learn about the importance of the Plaster Creek Watershed, its diverse community of plants, and view restoration work along the creek banks. Location: Meet at Ken-O-Shay School 3155 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (map) Park at end of Kenosha Park Drive.
August 15, 2011 (Note: New start time - 6:00 pm)
Speaker: Matthew Dykstra Education Director, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Topic: Learn about the geology of SW Michigan as we hike through the diverse ecosystems of this unique environmental education center. Location: 701 W. Cloverdale Road, Hastings, MI (map)
September 19, 2011 Speaker: Dr. David Dornbos Associate Professor, Biology, Calvin College. Topic: Discussion of his research into invasive woody shrub species includes a field trip into the BIC Ecosystem Preserve. Focus is on autumn olive and glossy buckthorn competition and control. Location: Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Center (BIC) 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 (map) Previous Year(s) 2010 2009