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January 2016
February 2016
Dow Gardens Know and Grow Seminar
The seminar is held at Bullock Creek High School from 8 am until 3 pm. The Mid-Mitten Chapter has a table display during this seminar. Volunteers are needed to man the table. If you would like to help for a couple of hours please contact Karol Walker at [email protected].
Small House Farms Seed Swap
Small House Farms is teaming up with Creative 360's Community Garden to bring you their second annual Seed Swap! This is the perfect chance to share your extra seeds and take home a few new ones to plant this spring. We'll also have a number of speakers to discuss the importance of seed saving as well as share a variety of simple techniques to save your own seeds at home.
This event is open to everyone; from the seasoned heirloom seed collector to those just entering the world of gardening. Just bring yourself, some seeds, and some small baggies to take your new goodies home.?Mid-Mitten will have a table at this event.
March 2016
Phenology
We know that Michigan?s weather is always changing, which means our four seasons are never consistent from year to year.? With this inconsistency we cannot predict biological events utilizing the common Gregorian calendar.? Phenology is the use of a biological calendar that will help us better determine the timing of pest control of insects and diseases.? Chuck Martin, Dow Gardens senior horticulturist, presents this program, saying ?the use of phenology is as old as human history but is as innovative as a self-driven car.?
April 2016
The Basics of Propagation
We will review the basics of plant propagation and then cover the specifics of some of our native plants. Learn how to increase your plants for your own garden or to share with family and friends;?presented by Rob Maxwell, Mid-Mitten Chapter President. Meeting held at the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI.
May 2016
A Wildflower Big Year
Michael LeValley?set out on a ?Big Year? search to photograph as many wildflowers as he could find in one growing season in Mt. Pleasant?s park system.? LeValley is the Education Coordinator for the Isabella Conservation District, a member of Chippewa Valley Audubon Society, and the Mid-Mitten chapter of Wild Ones. Meeting held at Chippewa Nature Center, Midland.
June 2016
Rain Gardens
Take a tour of The Little Forks Conservancy?s rain garden at 105 Post Street in Midland. Conservation Outreach Coordinator Andrea Foster will talk about creating a rain garden from the planning stages to the construction and beyond. She will also discuss the best native plants to put in rain gardens and how to decide if a rain garden is right for you. ?Meet at the LFC site at 6:30 pm.? The public is welcome.
July 2016
Pine River Park on 7 Mile Rd
Join Randy Kursinsky to hike Pine River Park, a little known park owned by the city of Midland. The site has several shallow ponds and an approximately 1 mile loop trail built in the woods. Few, if any, invasive species are present. We will look for native wildflowers, plants and wildlife in the woods, meadows, and wetlands of this wetland mitigation property. This park also includes a Great Blue Heron rookery. The property is 1 mile south of Brooks Rd. on S. 7 Mile Road, one mile west of Meridian Road. Meet at CNC at 6:15 to carpool over to the park, as parking is limited at the park.
August 2016
Mid-Mitten 2022 Calendar
Second Monday of the month 6:30-8:00 PM at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland – unless noted
Jan. 10 Nature Journaling
A journal is a wonderful way to interact with your world. Journaling allows you to capture the essence of your days and to revisit them in the future. But you don’t have to love to write to journal. We will explore ways to capture your experiences in nature in unique and fun ways. Laura J. Volsejpka, scientist/artist and director of Creative 360 in Midland will provide the books and the tools – you provide the experience and imagination!
Feb. 14 City Versus Invasives
Stephanie Richardson, City of Midland Horticulturist, will describe what the city has been doing regarding invasive species management on city lands and the reestablishment of natives in various areas, along with future plans. Since 2007 Stephanie has enjoyed helping people connect with nature in an urban environment, and enhancing the quality of life for Midland residents and visitors.
Mar. 14 Saving Seeds and the Michigan Seed Library Network
Learn how you can find a variety of heirloom and modern seeds for planting this spring at local seed libraries. Bevin Cohen of Small House Farm explains how he facilitated the establishment of seed libraries throughout Michigan, and shares some stories about the seeds and the people who grow them. He will also have books for sale.
Apr. 11 How to Prune Trees and Shrubs the Right Way
Learn from Chuck Martin, grounds manager and senior horticulturist at Whiting Forest of Dow gardens, how to properly prune branches without negatively impacting the health of trees and shrubs. This meeting will take place on Chuck’s property and feature pruning demonstrations. Register by emailing [email protected] to receive the address.
May 9 Native American Uses of Native Plants
Native Americans living in this region prior to European settlement depended on a variety of plants to meet their needs for food, medicine and shelter. Join CNC’s Historical Interpreter Corrine Bloomfield for a casual trail walk to learn more about these valuable resources. This program will be held inside the Visitor Center if inclement weather.