Upcoming Events

Gardening for Wildlife Spring Speaker Series
Join us at the Grandville Branch of the Kent District Library for four seminars on making your landscape more welcoming for wildlife. All programs are FREE and start promptly at 7 pm. All ages are welcome, but the content is oriented toward adult beginners. The May 8th and 22nd programs will include plant giveaways.

Monday April 29th
Build Your Own Nature Sanctuary by Mitch Leachman, West Michigan Open Yards
This program will discuss how birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other cool critters can be attracted to landscapes through the use of native plants that furnish food and other essentials for their life journey. Specific examples of the most versatile native plants will be included. The session will close with a brief review of resources to help with your adventure.

Wednesday May 8th
Healthy Gardens, Healthy Waters - Rainscaping at Home by Anna Kornoelje, LGROW
Rainscaping is a method of capturing stormwater as close as possible to where it falls. Learn how rainscaping can make your yard a haven for bees and butterflies, improve wet problem areas in your yard, and prevent pollution from reaching our waterways. Join us for tips and tricks to getting started, plus insider info on the best plants and tools for the job.

Monday May 13th
The Invasive Plants of West Michigan by Jessie Schulte, Kent Conservation District
Invasive plants are non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause major harm to the ecology, our economy, or human health. This program will describe some of the most common of these problem plants in our region plus some that are emerging as threats. Some of the most common practices to address invasives in your landscape will also be outlined.

Wednesday May 22nd
Habitat Hero: Connecting with Urban Nature through Native Plants by Travis Kurtz, John Ball Zoo
Travis will discuss the Zoo’s Habitat Hero program that engages local communities by giving away a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. He will outline the different types of animal pollinators while giving special attention to bees and butterflies and describe some of the plants best suited to support each group of pollinators including specific examples ideal for home gardens.