Environmentally Friendly Events in West Michigan
All About Natives!
Location
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.
Earth Day Celebration
Our annual Earth Day Celebration will be an interactive, in person all day event! We’ll have a variety of speakers presenting and informational booths representing the community and our partners. The day will include activities for children including a live reptile show and a guided hike. We’ll also have tours of the U Dig It Community Garden located behind the church. Visit our Earth Day Celebration page for more information.
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plants species at Cartier Park. We’ll 
start with Japanese barberry on the bike path. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes.
Meet by the Bark Park at the end of Rath Ave. by Lincoln Lake. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. We’ll be pulling Garlic Mustard. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start.
Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, garden trowel, 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.
Spring Walking Tour at Cartier Park
Location
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.
Ludington State Park Garlic Mustard Pull
Location
Website
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRKHelp protect the park from invasive plants like garlic mustard and spotted knapweed! We’ll cover the basic plant identification and then pull plants near the trailhead. This event is being hosted by the Friends of the Ludington State Park.
Meet at the small parking area at the intersection of Piney Ridge Rd and 19th Street, which is just north of the Hobby Crest Resort. Parking area coordinates: 44.018014, -86.473231
Long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended.
Get registered or for more information contact Emily Leslie at LeslieE1@michigan.gov.
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. We’ll be pulling Garlic Mustard, Mugwort and Dame’s Rocket (often confused with the native Wild Phlox). A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start.
Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, garden trowel, 
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.
Beach Sweep
Location
Join AFFEW to clean the beach and dunes west of the playground. Meet at the south concession stand. We’ll provide gloves and garbage bags.
Stick around after for green drinks, BYO, no glass!
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. We’ll 
be pulling Garlic Mustard, Mugwort and Dame’s Rocket (often confused with the native Wild Phlox). A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start.
Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, garden trowel, 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.
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. We’ll be pulling the challenging shrub Japanese Barberry with the Uprooter tool. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start.
Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, heavy gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes. Gardening sheers and tree loppers are also helpful. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.
Beach Sweep
Location
Join AFFEW to clean the beach and dunes west of the playground. Meet at the south concession stand. We’ll provide gloves and garbage bags.
Stick around after for green drinks, BYO, no glass!
Invasive Plant Removal
Location
Help treat and remove a variety of invasive plant species at Cartier Park. We’ll be pulling the challenging shrub Japanese Barberry with the Uprooter tool. A discussion to help identify these plants will take place before we start.
Meet at the dog park by at the end of Rath Ave. Bring water, heavy gloves and wear long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes. Gardening sheers and tree loppers are also helpful. Event will be held in fair weather, and sometimes wraps up early, depending on site conditions.