AFFEW Friends for the Environment
Promote public awareness, host balanced discussions and develop solutions helping to generate the existence of a healthy environment.
This year AFFEW will have an in person native plant sale on June 6 at 10 AM. This event will be in partnership with Mason County Garden Club (MCGC) at Rotary Park. AFFEW will have a variety of quart plants available the day of the sale. The MCGC will also have their Spring Plant Exchange that day. The exchange rules are “bring a plant, take a plant. No invasive plants!” Don’t have a plant to exchange? Additional plants will be available for a $5 donation to the club.
This year AFFEW will have an in person native plant sale on June 6 at 10 AM. This event will be in partnership with Mason County Garden Club (MCGC) at Rotary Park. AFFEW will have a variety of quart plants available the day of the sale. The MCGC will also have their Spring Plant Exchange that day. The exchange rules are “bring a plant, take a plant. No invasive plants!” Don’t have a plant to exchange? Additional plants will be available for a $5 donation to the club.
Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW has been hosted an annual native plant sale since 2019! Orders will be accepted until March 15!
Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW has been hosted an annual native plant sale since 2019! Orders will be accepted until March 15!
This year AFFEW will have an in person native plant sale on June 6. This event will be in partnership with Mason County Garden Club (MCGC) at Rotary Park. AFFEW will have a variety of quart plants available the day of the sale. The MCGC will also have their Spring Plant Exchange that day. The exchange rules are “bring a plant, take a plant. No invasive plants!” Don’t have a plant to exchange? Additional plants will be available for a $5 donation to the club.
Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW has been hosted an annual native plant sale since 2019! The online Native Plant Sale page will be live from February 10-March 15.
Go Beyond Beauty is a statewide initiative that encourages garden professionals, organizations, and individuals to stop selling or using high-priority ornamental invasive plants while promoting native alternatives.
This presentation explores how invasive ornamentals harm Michigan’s natural ecosystems, introduces the 14 species restricted by the program, and highlights the ecological, economic, and habitat benefits of choosing native plants to support biodiversity and healthy landscapes.
You will also learn about programs offered by AFFEW including the annual native plant sale and invasive plant removal program at Cartier Park.
RSVP to makeadifference@affew.org
On September 23 at 10 AM we we’re excited to have Tania Hanline, Conservation Technician with Mason-Lake Conservation District, who will be leading a plant identification and citizen science program. The program will last about an hour. We will be taking a walk on the paved trails in Cartier Park so this program is accessible and friendly to people who have mobility limitations. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring bug spray if you feel you need it. Snacks and handouts will be provided at the end. Park by the gazebo along Lincoln Lake.
Help protect all species by gardening with native plants! These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for insects, birds and animals. They also require minimal maintenance and water. AFFEW has been hosting the native plant sale since 2019! Learn more and place your order on our Native Plant Sale page.
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 fall of 2023 eighteen 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 in-kind sponsors who provided equipment and labor to complete the project. After a busy spring and with the help of our volunteers, UDICG now has 65 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. Many of the seeds grown for this program are donated by our partner Baker Creek Seed Company. Since 2021 our members and volunteers donated more than twenty-five percent of all produce grown!
U Dig It Youth Program
Since 2022 and the help of Michigan State University Extension, we introduced the U Dig It! Gardening Series for our members and the community.
U Dig It Summer Youth Nature Program
Ready for an awesome summer adventure in 2026? U Dig It is the perfect in-person program for youth looking to explore, learn, and have a blast. Dive into hands-on activities, make new friends, and discover nature in a fun, casual setting. Don’t miss out on this chance to make your summer unforgettable!
We meet weekly on Thursdays from 9am-12pm from June 18 through July 23rd. Ages 9-12 welcome. Space limited. Garden is located behind the church. Register NOW!
Thanks to our 2026 sponsor, West Shore Bank, for helping support this program!
Garden Bed Availability
Existing members are given the opportunity to retain their beds before it opens up to the public. We contact new members in February depending on bed availability. If you’re interested in getting added to our wait-list contact Sara Bolan, UDICG Director.
UDICG Mission
To educate its members and the general public in healthy eating by promoting sustainable gardening, organic practices, composting and environmental education for children and adults. Through volunteerism and donations from our gardeners, more than 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!