Events

Build a birdhouse

Mid-Mitten Wild Ones member Randy Kursinsky will be presenting the basics of making birdhouses.? He will discuss different types and pass out handouts on the subject with links to the internet for more details. The birdhouses we build will be used as fundraising items for our chapter, however if participants want to buy some they will be available for sale that night.?If you can bring a drill, bring a bit for Phillips head screws and if you have drill bits, bring a 3/32 size or smaller to start screw holes (it avoids splitting the wood). Larger bits could be used to install drain and vent holes.? This meeting will be held at the Chippewa Nature Center's Woodshop, located behind the Visitors' Center, 400 S. Badour, Midland, Mi, 6:30-8:00 pm. ? Open to the public.?For more information contact President Lucy Chargot by email at [email protected] or Jeanne Henderson at Chippewa Nature Center.

Martha Holzheuer, Landscape Ecologist

Native plant species including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, vines, and ferns can be added to your existing yard or to new developments. Learn how to create a landscape design for a portion or all of your property, in this hands-on workshop. Martha Holzheuer, Landscape Ecologist with Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., will introduce you to designing with natives, and Luba Sitar, Community Education Manager for ITC Holdings, will be presenting compatible landscaping for yards near utility lines. Then we will break into smaller groups to work on individual landowner designs and site-specific native plant species recommendations. Many of the plants discussed will be available at the Native plant Sale, May 29-31. Bring a drawing or aerial photo of your yard and a list of the plants you already have and want to keep.?The program is limited to 25 participants, so call the CNC office at 989-631-0830 to reserve your place. This program is co-sponsored by the Mid-Mitten Chapter of Wild Ones, natural landscapers. Meeting is held at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI from 6:30-8:30 pm. ?For more information contact President Lucy Chargot by email at [email protected] or Jeanne Henderson at Chippewa Nature Center.

Donna Frawley

Donna Frawley, our local Midland herb expert, will explain how to plan and plant an herb garden with easy to grow species. She will describe the uses of these herbs, when to harvest them, and how to dry and store the herbs. This meeting is open to the public.?Meeting held at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, Michigan from 6:30-8:30 pm.?For more information contact President Lucy Chargot by email at [email protected] or Jeanne Henderson at Chippewa Nature Center.

5327 N. Michigan Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48604

Jason Erickson of Blue Thumb Aquatics of Saginaw will speak on installing a water feature in your landscape and how it may not only provide beauty and serenity but also enhance the survival of wildlife in your area. Almost any amount of water, whatever the size, will have some wildlife value, even if it is only a drinking place for birds. From supporting small invertebrates, amphibians, damsel and dragonflies, to birds and larger wildlife, you could provide an extremely valuable resource for your area. Jason will speak on providing creative solutions for adding water to landscapes. Jason will help us learn about turning even small spaces into a great environment for interacting with wildlife.?Open to the public. Meeting held at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, Michigan from 6:30-8:30 pm.?For more information contact President Lucy Chargot by email at [email protected].

S'mores anyone

Mid-Mitten Wild Ones member Karol Walker will welcome us to a tour of her yard: a native plant and wildflower garden. Karol planned a native plant garden for her yard design as an alternative to a lawn.? We will tour her yard and learn about the plant choices that were made, what worked, and what she would change.? A list of Native Plant Producers of Michigan will be provided and suggested native plant and invasive species internet websites.? The meeting will be held outdoors at Karol Walker?s residence, ?Midland, Mi from 6:30-8:30 pm.? For more information contact President Lucy Chargot by email at [email protected] or Karol Walker at : [email protected]