Category: AFFEW News

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Youth & Adult Programs at the Garden

All programs take place at U Dig It Community Garden behind United Methodist Church of Ludington , 5810 E. Bryant Road unless otherwise noted.

The Great Garden Detective

Thursdays—June 22-July 27 | TIME: 10am-Noon

Youth ages 7- 8 are invited to join MSU Extension as we explore nutrition and gardening out at U Dig It Community Garden.

Let’s get hands on! We will be planting, harvesting and tasting foods we grow over the summer. This series uses interactive games and mindfulness activities to explore healthy eating.

*Topics we will be digging into:
*What does it take to grow a garden?
*Using our senses to explore food
*Where does food come from?
*How to plant and care for a garden

TO REGISTER: (Space is limited and registration is required!) Great Garden Detective Flyer. 2023!
Contact Kendra Gibson at the Mason County MSU Extension Office
Call 231-845-3363 or Email Kendra to get registered!

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

AFFEW’s DIG IT ! Youth Summer Program

Thursdays—June 22-July 27 | TIME: 10am-Noon

Youth ages 9-11 are invited to join U Dig It Community Garden (UDICG) and A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW),  for this highly interactive program with many hands-on activities of organic gardening at UDIGC, nature, and art experiences.


Advance sign up required! Call 231-690-9561 or Email Julia.

Planting Seeds for Health!

Tuesdays—June 20-August 1 (No class July 4!) | TIME: 10am-Noon

Planting Seeds for Health is an interactive six week series for adults focusing on:

* The connection between gardening, nutrition, and being physically active
* Exploring the basics of how to plant and care for a garden
* Creating a healthy plate and sampling foods that are available throughout the summer
*Sharing resources and recipes to maximize seasonal foods while eating on a budget

This is a FREE program. Participants are asked to commit to attending at least four sessions. Prepare for weather variations and dress for working outside. We will be getting our hands dirty and having lots of fun while we learn together. Planting Seeds for Health Flyer 2023 

TO REGISTER: (Space is limited and registration is required!)
Contact Kendra Gibson at the Mason County MSU Extension Office  by calling 231-845-3363 or Email Kendra to get registered!

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Michigan Worm Works Field Trip

Friday, May 12 @ 930am-1pm

We’ll be visiting Michigan Worm Works to learn more about Vermicomposting. This process puts worms to work to help solve some of our planet’s most pressing problems. Composting worms rescue organic waste from landfills, safely sequester carbon, and regenerate the soil that forms the basis of our food system. Compared to conventional fertilizers, worm castings are safer for humans and the environment. Most importantly, worm castings offer practical benefits for farmers and growers, such as slow-release nutrients, disease resistance, and enhanced water retention. Participants will have the opportunity to touch, smell, and take home red wiggler worms and worm castings produced locally at Michigan Worm Works in Manistee.

We’ll meet at 930 am in the Meijer parking lot for those carpooling. Depending on interest, we may also have lunch in Manistee.

Email Sara Bolan at udicgarden@gmail.com to RSVP.

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Invasive Species Program

April 25 – September 26 | Second Tuesday | 10 am-Noon   *   Fourth Tuesday | 6 pm – 8 pm

Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. A discussion to identify these plants will take place before we begin. AFFEW partners with the City of Ludington, Mason-Lake Conservation District and North Country CISMA to eradicate these aggressive plants. Below is more information on some of the challenging invasive plants at Cartier Park.

Check the schedule on our Events and Activities page for dates we’ll be meeting. Meet at the Ludington Central Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions. Please note: both September events will be at 10 am.  To receive a reminder email about upcoming events and cancellations due to weather, email Sara Bolan at sarab@affew.org.

Japanese barberry

Unfortunately some of these invasive species can still be bought at nurseries and big box stores. When considering plants for your property choose native species over invasive.  Once an invasive plant escapes into a natural area it can cause significant issues for native plants and wildlife. This includes altering soil chemistry in a way that gives future generations of invasive plants a competitive advantage. 

Learn more about invasive species and how to report them on North Country CISMA‘s website. View their High Priority Species  page for more information on identify invasive plant species in Michigan.

Invasive Plant Species Identification

Native Species Alternatives

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Report Invasive Species
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Welcome to U Dig It Community Garden!

The U Dig It Community Garden is a membership based organic garden that was established in 2010. We’re located behind the United Methodist Church of Ludington. Garden boxes are provided for personal use in a organic and sustainable environment. We depend on our members to volunteer by maintaining the garden boxes, grounds and equipment. Our journey with AFFEW began in January 2022 when our organizations merged!

In the fall of 2021 we began our expansion of the garden. By the spring of 2022 a dozen additional block beds were installed with the generous support of SRM Concrete  through their Giving Back program. We also received support from Lowe’s of Ludington and T & M Landscaping and Tree Removal as an in-kind sponsor who provided equipment and labor to complete the project. After a busy spring and with the help of our volunteers, UDICG now has 61 beds!

In addition to personal boxes, we work directly with our local food pantry Lakeshore Food Club. We provide healthy produce in support of food security for our community. In 2022 our members and Grow a Box Gardeners donated twenty-five percent of the produce to Lakeshore Food Club!

In 2022 with the help of Michigan State University Extension, we introduced the U Dig It! Gardening Series. This educational series is for our members and the community. In Photo by Ron Sullivanaddition we’ll host the Dig It! Youth Summer Series for 7-11 year olds. This is an interactive program run by AFFEW and MSU that grows, tastes and donates produce to our community. They also learn and experience a variety of aspects about nature, birds and our environment.

Garden Bed Availability
Existing members are given the opportunity to retain their beds before it is opened up to the public. We are currently full, but if you’re interested in being placed on the list for next years consideration, contact Sara Bolan, UDICG Director.

Our Mission
To educate its members and the general public in healthy eating by promoting sustainable practices through organic farming, composting and environmental education for children and adults. Through volunteerism and donations from our gardeners, twenty-five percent of the produce is provided to support food security for our community.

When should I start my seeds?
It’s always a challenge to decide when it’s the right time to start seeds. Here’s a handy seed starting calculator that helps take the mystery out of when to plant! Download the Spring Seed Starting Calendar for Ludington.

Help support AFFEW and UDICG by becoming a member or making a tax deductible donation!

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Household Hazardous Waste Day

Saturday, August 19th | 9 am-1 pm

Mason County Road Commission Building Scottville, Michigan

On the 3rd Saturday in August, AFFEW partners with the Mason-Lake Conservation District to collect hazardous waste. We provide financial support through proceeds from our Native Plant Sale and volunteers for this important annual event. Participation for Mason County residents is free, $10 donation is recommended. Visit the Mason-Lake Conservation District’s website for a list of accepted items.

Thank you to everyone who helped out to make it an overwhelming success!

More Information
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Sustainability Awards & Board Elections at Annual Annual Meeting

Photo by Steve Begnoche

AFFEW President, Julia Chambers presented the 2022 Sustainability Awards at the annual meeting on October 26.

Environmentalists of the Year 
Dave and Chrissie Hall have supported AFFEW from the beginning. Both have served in the past on the AFFEW board. They support a eco-friendly lifestyle including solar power for their home, native plants and organic fertilizer, composting, among other sustainable practices. The Hall’s also donated the initial funds for AFFEW to start an account with the Foundation for Mason County and has made generous donation towards the annual Household Hazardous Waste event.

Volunteer of the Year 
Local botanist and author Dave Dister has been a active volunteer in our local community for several years. He helps lead the invasive plant species identification and removal at Cartier Park. Dave also provides his expertise with guided hikes and presentations. He writes a monthly column, “The Life of a Naturalist”, for the Ludington Daily News and is the author of The Birds of Mason County, Michigan.

Sustainable business of the Year 
Ludington Bay Brewing Company has been using sustainable practices since its inception in 2017. From compostable packaging to turning spent grain into food for animals, Ludington Bay Brewing has been a sustainable leader in our community. In April 2022, between collecting electronics for recycling during their  Earth Month event and beer sale proceeds, over $900 was donated to AFFEW! Brandy Bentley accepted the award on behalf of owners, Ted & Louise Gedra.
 
AFFEW Board elections also took place at the event. Sharon Edger was re-elected for another two year term. Dawn Stowe and Dan Mahynski were new electees replacing outgoing board members Karla Cain and Ann Gilchrist. Read more about the evenings events at the Ludington Daily News.
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Julia Chambers takes 2nd Place in Cox Conserves Heroes Award

Julia Chambers, co-founder and President, earns $15,000 for AFFEW! The AFFEW board of directors is proud to announce that Julia placed 2nd in the Cox Conserves Heroes Groundbreaker Award. The Atlanta based automotive company, Cox Enterprises, recognizes individuals’ efforts to promote the environment through outreach and education. This national award is an amazing, well deserved honor for Julia.

Thank you to everyone who helped with getting the vote out for Julia! For more information, read the October 13 article published by the Ludington Daily News.

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AFFEW Annual Meeting & Awards

Join the AFFEW board for its annual meeting on October 26 at Jamesport Brewing Company, Reds Room. Members and friends welcome!

Learn about the many amazing programs AFFEW has hosted in 2022. Come celebrate with us! 
  • 6-6:30 pm: Social Time         
  • 6:30-7 pm: Eat and drink, Free yummy appetizers, dinner and drinks for purchase
  • 7-7:45 pm: Annual meeting-Committee reports, elections, and environmental awards
Please RSVP by email to makeadifference@affew.org if you plan on attending with your name and how many will be in your party.
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Native Plant Sale 2022 — With Preorders

Saturday, June 11 | 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Rotary Park, Ludington

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! AFFEW will offer a variety of native plants for sale the second Saturday in June. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for many insects, birds and animals. They are also hosts for many butterflies all year long. Native plants also require minimal maintenance and their deep root system absorb more water than a traditional lawn. With the continuous decline of the Monarch butterfly population you can make a difference by creating a habitat for these beautiful and important orange butterflies!

Last year our sale introduced over 1600 new native plants to our community! AFFEW will again partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

There will be a LARGE selection of individual quarts and gallon plants available the day of the sale and a representative from Birdsfoot Native Nursery will be on hand to answer any questions. Preview the 2022 Species List-Guide that may be available the day of the sale. This list is neither complete nor guaranteed, but is a great way to see approximately what we will have to offer.

AFFEW MEMBERS who PREORDER Garden or Single Species Flats will be discounted $10 off Garden & Shrub Flats | $7 off Single Species Wildflowers & Grass Flats PLUS admission to the 9-10 am presale AND an additional $1 off quarts/$2 off gallons purchased at the presale!


2022 Preorders will be accepted through May 8.

Garden and Single Species Flats

Each Garden Flat comes with 38 native plant plugs and a design plan with a mixture of plants. They include instructions and layout for a 4’x10’ garden. Single Species Flats also comes with 38 plant plugs. These one year plants are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides and are Michigan Genotype. They typically do not bloom or reach full maturity until the second year.

Garden Flats | $88 (Tax Included)

Butterfly GardenGrassland Garden (New)Pollinator Garden
Rain GardenSemi-Shade GardenShoreline Garden
 Tall Prairie Garden (New) 
PLEASE NOTE: Plant substitution may take place due to availability for Garden Flats.

Single Species Flats

Single species flats of 38 plugs are also available for wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. Wildflowers & Grasses: $66 | Shrubs: $88 (Tax Included) Species NOT AVAILABLE: Harebell, Wild Petunia, Lead Plant and Prairie Smoke.

2022 Species List-Guide

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Preorder Flats
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Enjoying a Plant-Based Diet

One of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health, boost energy levels and reduce your impact on our environment, is to move to a plant-based diet. Many scientists praise the health benefits of transitioning towards a plant-based diet over meat and processed foods. Moving in this direction can help achieve better health and easier weight management while enjoying a variety of delicious meals. And living in Michigan, many resources for locally grown vegetables and fruits are available right here in our community.

The best part, you don’t have to completely change your diet to make a difference. Start off by making adjustments to some of your favorite recipes. Try adding rice, beans or other hearty vegetables in place of meat in a soup or casserole recipe. Substituting plant-based milk alternative in your recipes and for daily use is just one small way you can have an affect. As you become more accustomed to these changes, you’ll find plant-based meals can be just as delicious, healthier and have less impact on our planet.

View the presentation by Dr. Bob Breakey on Plant-Based Health from AFFEW’s November 12, 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting.

Dr. Bob Breakey’s Eight Keys to Health and Success

Eat for Health | Choose abundant vegetables, whole grains, fruits and all types of beans, along with some nuts and seeds (including 2 TBSP of ground flax seeds) daily. Minimize, and ideally eliminate, animal foods – meat, dairy and eggs — and minimize refined sugar, oils and other processed foods. Fill your pantry with health supporting foods and make a conscious choice to eat when you are hungry and to choose foods with both great taste and great nutritional value.

Drink Water | Water is our natural beverage and thirst quencher and makes up about 70% of our bodies. Beverages with caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fat and/or a host of artificial ingredients slow you down, interfere with sleep cycles, increase the risk for obesity and should be enjoyed only on occasion.

Avoid Cow’s Milk | Cow’s milk and its associated foods: Cheese, yogurt and ice cream, are derived from “nature’s perfect food for baby cows” and are a totally unnatural component of human nutrition. No other mammal drinks milk after infancy, and most of the world’s human population has “lactose intolerance” meaning they get diarrhea and bloating right away if they drink milk. Cow’s milk is more than half fat, high in saturated fat and cholesterol and most of the rest (70%) is sugar. Milk proteins contribute to allergy, autoimmune disease, chronic kidney disease, mucus production, acne, osteoporosis and the promotion of breast, colon and prostate cancers. Cow’s milk always contains bovine estrogen and is nearly always contaminated with antibiotics, growth stimulants, bovine leukemia virus, pus cells and environmental toxins. Many other non-dairy alternatives are now readily available (i.e. soy, rice, coconut, cashew, flax or almond “milks”, cheeses, yogurts and ice creams). Calcium needs are easily obtained by eating “beans and greens”.

Eat Fiber | Health supporting whole foods contain dietary fiber. Avoid white bread, white rice and white pasta that are just metabolized quickly to sugar once they hit your digestive system. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole grain breads, pastas and cereals are much more slowly digested providing consistent energy for your cells and abundant additional nutrients. They also support healthy bowel bacteria that help with hormone balance, detoxification of several toxins, overall colon health and immune function. Eat a broad variety of whole plant foods for the greatest effect and lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and several cancers. Think “fiber in every bite” with plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains while avoiding animal and processed foods that are devoid of fiber.

Be Active | Walk, run, dance, swim, jump, cycle, skate, ski, lift or whatever else gets you moving. Play and make it fun! Make daily physical activity a regular part of your routine and aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (think an average of 30 minutes 5 days/ week). Choose activities you enjoy that help you stay with your plan. Use stairs instead of elevators, park further away when you drive, and whenever you get the chance, “take the scenic route” under your own power.

Your Environment Matters | Avoid poisons and contaminants in your body by not smoking anything. Also, avoid even second or third hand smoke or tobacco exposure of any kind. Avoid other “recreational drugs”—they are a “dead end”. Choose foods low on the food chain and eat organic when practical. Use a good solid carbon water filter for clean drinking water and limit the use of pesticides and other toxins in your home environment.

Sleep Well | Plan time for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night and develop good sleep hygiene habits: Develop a “wind down routine” an hour before bedtime with relaxing activities (no TV or Internet), a regular rising time each day, avoid caffeine, nicotine & alcohol, use your bed for sleeping only, limit naps and control your sleeping environment. With a good restful night’s sleep, you will enjoy more energy, improved concentration and better overall health.

Make Time to Relax & Play! | Stress is a part of life, but you can manage and harness it for the good by finding balance, prioritizing your responsibilities, setting and writing down challenging but attainable goals and making time for whatever form of adventurous play and/or peaceful relaxation that will help you to optimize your enjoyment. Make time for laughter, love and being with friends, family and others who share these same goals!

Download more Lifestyle Medicine Resources from Dr. Bob Breakey on Plant Based Health.

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Below are links to a variety of plant-based recipes and more information on this healthy lifestyle.

Websites

Books

  • How Not to Die | Michael Greger, MD
  • How Not to Diet | Michael Greger, MD
  • How to Survive a Pandemic | Michael Greger, MD 
  • Reversing Diabetes | Neal Barnard, MD
  • Forks Over Knives Plan | Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman
  • Eat to Live | Joel Fuhrman, MD
  • The Pleasure Trap | Douglas Lisle, PhD
  • The Cheese Trap | Neal Barnard, MD
  • The Whole Heart Solution | Joel Kahan, MD
  • Whole | T. Colin Campbell, PhD
  • Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease | Caldwell Esselstyn, MD
  • The Starch Solution | John McDougall, MD
  • Empty Medicine Cabinet | Dustin Rudolph, PharmD
  • Proteinaholic | Garth Davis, MD
  • The End of Diabetes | Joel Fuhrman, MD
  • Fiber Fueled | Will Bulsiewicz, MD
  • Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life | Barbara, Kingsolver

Apps

  • Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen
  • 21 Day Vegan Kick start from PCRM

Social Media (Facebook)

Documentaries

Support Groups

Do you have a link to a favorite plant-based recipe or website you’d like to share? Fill out the form below and we’ll post it after review.




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    Earth Day 2022 | Invest in our Planet

    Saturday, April 23 | 10:30 am-4:30 pm (Doors open at 10 am)
    United Methodist Church of Ludington | 5810 E Bryant Rd

    (The CDC does not currently require masks for indoor events. However, AFFEW will have some available. We will follow the venue’s COVID protocols. Any changes will be posted here.)

    Volunteer for Earth Day

     

    AFFEW is excited to share a variety of in-person presentations during our Earth Day Celebration! The theme for 2022 is Invest in our Planet. This all day event will include many topics of interest including a live reptile show featuring Michigan native turtles presented by Nature Discovery. We’ll also have many organizations and groups represented at the information booths. This is also your opportunity to take a tour of U Dig It Community Garden and take a guided hike with Dave Dister!

    Event Schedule
    10 am | Doors Open to the public
    10:30-4 pm | Informational Booths
    11 am-12 pm | Green Investing / Meet the “Grand Slam” of Michigan Turtles
    11:30 am-2:30 pm | U Dig It Community Garden Tours
    12-3:30 pm | Live Painting with Marie Marfia
    12:10-12:55 pm | Guided Hike with Dave Dister
    1-2 pm | Building a Bluebird Trail /Vermicomposting for Your Garden
    2-3 pm | Musical fun with the String-a-Longs
    3-4 pm | Green Burials/Energy Transition & Solar Power for Your Home

    Green Investing | 11 am-12 pm  

    Sustainable Investing: A socially conscious approach. Are you interested in investing your money in a socially conscious way? ESG investing incorporates environmental, social and governance considerations along with traditional financial measures. Learn how one may choose to incorporate sustainable investing into their financial goals.

    Mike Heckman believes that financial advisors who invest in their own education achieve better outcomes for their clients. He is working on his Doctor of Business Administration: Financial Management. Mike has a Master of Science Degree in Finance, Financial Planning Concentration. He is has completed many other certifications: CFP® Certified Financial Planner, BFA™ Behavioral Financial Advisor, CEPA® Certified Exit Planning Advisor, AWMA® Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, CRPS® Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CDFA® Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.

    Tanya Lesinski is a financial advisor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist with Edward Jones in Ludington. She and her family have lived in the community for 23 years. Tanya enjoys helping clients become more comfortable with investing and meeting their financial goals through personalized service.

    Claudia Myers is an individual deeply interested in sustainable investing. She manages her own and her spouses investments all with an eye to ESG investments. She’ll share where she goes for information on funds and how she selects what to put in their portfolios. She believes you can make a difference, and can influence positive change, through your investments.

    Meet the “Grand Slam” of Michigan Turtles | 11 am-12 pm

    Introducing a unique opportunity to see live specimens of all ten turtle species native to Michigan while they swim in pools at your feet! Learn to identify them while also learning the specific range and habitat requirements of each. In the presentation, Michigan Turtles in Trouble, learn about Michigan’s four rare, state-protected species. Then learn the four greatest threats to turtle survival, and what you can do to help them thrive in your yard, in your neighborhood and beyond. 

    Biologists Jim & Carol McGrath founded and operate Nature Discovery, a private nature center attached to their home north of Williamston, Michigan. What they bill as “the biggest little nature center in Michigan” is home to the state’s largest zoo of Michigan-native reptiles and amphibians. Jim and Carol travel all over the state offering presentations and exhibits for youth and adult audiences utilizing these live specimens, in addition to offering a wealth of other opportunities to learn about Michigan birds, insects, and more.

    Live Painting with Marie Marfia | 12-3:30 pm (Auction winner announced at 4 pm)

    Watch local artist Maria Marfia bring a painting to life from start to finish! She’ll demonstrate her skills in person and through her live Facebook feed. Throughout the day  we’ll  have a silent auction and one lucky winner will take home the finished painting! 

    Marie Marfia is an artist who likes painting skeletons, portraits and landscapes. She works in soft pastels as well as other mediums. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College of Art & Design, Marie worked the next 30 years as a graphic designer. In 2011, she discovered pastels and promptly fell in love with the medium. Now she paints nearly every day. She currently lives in the Ludington area with her husband and two lucky dogs. Her studio is located in front of her house, and she’s there most weekdays. Learn more on her website.

    Guided Hike with Dave Dister | 12:10 am – 12:55 pm

    Learn about unique plants, trees, animals and birds close to town with local author and botanist Dave Dister! He’ll point out the variety of species found in the wetland, open field and hiking trails found behind United Methodist Church of Ludington .

    Dave Dister earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in botany from Miami University and a secondary education teaching certificate in biology and earth science at the University of Cincinnati. Dave moved to Ludington in 2008 and was a seasonal botanist for the Manistee National Forest and conducted a vascular plant survey of the 5,400-acre Ludington State Park. His expertise in field ornithology includes identification of Great Lakes breeding bird species by songs and call notes. Dave is the compiler for the Ludington Christmas Bird Count as well as the Mason County Migration Count. In 2012, he took over an annual Breeding Bird Survey Route for the US Fish & Wildlife Service that runs 25 miles through parts of Mason, Lake, and Newaygo Counties. Dave is a published author including his 2020 book The BIRDS of Mason County, Michigan.

    Building a Bluebird Trail | 1 – 2 pm  

    Bird lovers will learn the benefits of establishing a Bluebird trail at your home or in your community. This presentation will discuss site selection, nest box design, predator management, and tips to enhance successful Bluebird nesting at your location. Following the presentation we will go outside to look at the U Dig It Community Garden Bluebird trail for a hands-on lesson.

    Phil Johnson is vice president of Michigan Bluebird Society. He is an avid Bluebird trail monitor and lives near Williamston, Michigan and oversees 60 nest boxes

    Vermicomposting for Your Garden | 1 – 2 pm  

    Vermicomposting puts worms to work to help solve some of our planet’s most pressing problems. Composting worms rescue organic waste from landfills, safely sequester carbon, and regenerate the soil that forms the basis of our food system. Compared to conventional fertilizers, worm castings are safer for humans and the environment. Most importantly, worm castings offer practical benefits for farmers and growers, such as slow-release nutrients, disease resistance, and enhanced water retention. 

    In this hands-on presentation, participants will learn about the benefits of using worm castings in home gardens and how to set up a basic home vermicomposting bin to turn kitchen scraps into plant food. Participants will have the opportunity to touch, smell, and take home red wiggler worms and worm castings produced locally at Michigan Worm Works in Manistee. 

    Michigan Worm Works started from humble beginnings in 2016. Founder Elana Warsen brought a bucket of composting worms into her laundry room to help reduce her family’s food waste. She started sharing worms and castings with family and friends, and soon discovered that there was an unmet demand for safe, natural products to regenerate soil. Today Michigan Worm Works is Manistee’s first and only commercial vermicomposting company.

    Musical fun with the String-a-Longs | 2-3 pm

    Enjoy some musical fun with the String-a-Longs, a local ukulele group out of Ludington & Pentwater. They will perform songs celebrating our wonderful world and welcome young and old to sing and play along with this energetic group. Musical instruments will be available.

    Green Burials | 3 – 4 pm

    This presentation will detail what a “Green” burial mean and how it differs from a traditional burial. It will also cover the difference in cost from a traditional burial and how to arrange a green burial. Learn what green burial options are currently available in  Ludington and how to make the necessary arrangements.

    Russ Burns, Kirk Caithamer, and Randy Wyman in the field will explain and answer questions about Green Burials. Russ Burns is the manager of the green burial program at All Saint Cemetery in Clarkston, Michigan. He will outline the best practices to establish and operate a green burial program at a municipal cemetery such as we have in Ludington. Kirt Caithamer is the sexton of Ludington Lakeview Cemetery. Kirt will provide an update on Ludington’s progress towards implementing green burials. Randy Wyman is the funeral director for Wyman Funeral and Cremation Services in Scottville. He will explain the process of arranging for a green burial in Mason County.

    Energy Transition & Solar Power for Your Home | 3 – 4 pm 

    This presentation will focus on energy transitions, what is happening now with energy, what the utilities offer for businesses and residential. Learn more about what we can do now in this field. This session will also focus on what’s needed to move forward with solar energy for your home and the costs involved.

    Robert Rafson, P.E., NABCEP, is the owner of Chart House Energy, a solar development firm that strives to expand and increase solar across Michigan and the greater Midwest Region of the United States. They focus on community scale systems from 20 kW to 2 MW. Rob is also an expert witness in Michigan Public Service Commission Electric rate cases and lobbies on behalf of solar customers and low income rates.

    Our friends at Ludington Bay Brewing Company are working with Valley City Electronic Recycling and AFFEW Friends for the Environment in effort to keep lithium batteries out of landfills!

    During the month of April, Ludington Bay Brewing Company will be collecting old cell phones and laptops. Receive a token voucher for each item you bring in! (Value $6, Limit 3). Visit LBBC website for details!

    Volunteer for Earth Day
    Join AFFEW!
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