Fall Walking Tour at Cartier Park | 10 am

Learn about both invasive and native plants at Cartier Park with Dave Dister, local botanist and author. Dave will take us on a walking tour of the fall growth in the park. He’ll give information on a variety of invasive species, highlighting the progress that was made last year near the gazebo. He’ll also talk about the native plants that were added last fall. Meet by the Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake.

This event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.

All About Natives! NEW DATE!!

Need help deciding what native plants are best for your property? Then this presentation is for YOU!! Cheryl Gross, President of Plant It Wild, will give information about the benefits of ecological gardening with native plants and how best to incorporate them into your landscape based on your growing conditions. Also, a few ‘experts” will be on hand afterwards. 

Plant it Wild is a small, independent, non-profit centered in Benzie and Manistee Counties founded over 20 years ago. They offer educational Programs annually between May and September and host several field trips. Their mission is to promote the appreciation and protection of native plant communities in our region. Visit their Facebook Page PIW-Plant it Wild and website to learn more information about their organization.

   

To get registered, Email your contact information, including phone number, to makeadifference@affew.org.

NEW DATE! Home Garden Restoration on a Shoestring

Have you ever wanted to transform your personal landscape to a pollinator garden, rain garden, or a meadow area to replace traditional landscapes? In this hands-on workshop, Sarah Pregitzer will demonstrate methods of propagating and planting natives that are cheap, easy and highly successful. She will talk about native seed collection and storage, site preparation, winter sowing and making seedballs. Participants will receive information and materials to begin their own native garden transformation.

   

To get registered, Email your contact information, including phone number, to makeadifference@affew.org.

Payment is accepted the day of the event. (AFFEW Members $5/Non-members $10) Limited to 20 participants!

Invasive Plant Removal

Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. Depending on turnout, we’ll be splitting into two groups and work on weeding the native plant garden around the gazebo and installing a rock border. In addition, we’ll be pulling the plant mugwort east of the pavilion. Meet at the gazebo parking lot by Lincoln Lake. Bring water, heavy gloves and wear long pants and closed toed shoes. Small shovel or hand tool weeder is also helpful. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.

Spring Walking Tour at Cartier Park

Learn about both invasive and native plants at Cartier Park with Dave Dister, local botanist and author. Dave will take us on a walking tour of the spring growth in the park. He’ll give information on a variety of invasive species, highlighting the progress that was made last year near the gazebo. He’ll also talk about the native plants that were added last fall. Meet by the Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake.

This event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.

Native Plant Sale

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 will partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

 

Native Plant Garden & Single Species Flat Preorders

Help protect our species by gardening with native plants! AFFEW is taking Preorders through May 23 for Garden & Single Species Flats. All preorders can be picked up at our Native Plant Sale sale on June 12. 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 will partner with Birdsfoot Native Nursery to bring these amazing plants to YOU!

Learn more about this event on our Native Plant Sale page!

 

AFFEW Nature Hike Series | Exploring Nature Close to Home

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 Ludington United Methodist Church. In January 2020 Dave self-published “The Birds of Mason County, Michigan.” He’ll have copies of his book available for sale the day of the hike.

Sorry but this hike if FULL!

AFFEW Nature Hike Series | Exploring Nature Close to Home

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 Ludington United Methodist Church. In January 2020 Dave self-published “The Birds of Mason County, Michigan.” He’ll have copies of his book available for sale the day of the hike.

Sorry but this hike if FULL!

AFFEW Presentation Series | Benefits of Native Plant Gardening

Join us for an informative presentation on the benefits of adding native plants to your landscape. These amazing plants have adapted over centuries, making them easier to grow and beneficial for the birds, animals and other critters in your yard. They are better suited to handle extreme temperatures, diseases and pests in their local environment. They also adapt well to a variety of soil conditions with limited water. The best part, these beautiful plants continue to add to your landscape over time!

Sign up for the Native Gardening presentation!