Events

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2022 includes provisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  What will the projected impacts of these changes be? Will these actions be enough to limit climate change to less than 2 degrees Celsius?

Mike Colucci will lead participants in the use of the En-ROADS climate simulation model to test the climate change provisions in the IRA, as well as other policies and solutions suggested by participants. You will learn how much impact the IRA provisions are expected to have and what else will be needed to limit global warming to below 2°C. The simulator is a transparent policy simulation model that provides participants with the ability to explore the likely consequences of different policies on climate change. Mike is currently serving as one of the group leaders for the Saginaw Bay Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby  (CCL).

Join us in a hands-on session in creating seed packets with labels to be given out at the Central Michigan Seed Swap on February 25 at Chippewa Nature Center. If you have saved seeds that you are willing to give away, please bring them to this meeting. We will print labels and place seeds in envelopes. This is a great way to learn about our native plants, see what the seeds look like, and learn about their growing conditions.

Tim Bugenske of Better Finds LLC, a native plant propagator in Saginaw, presents information and stimulates questions. Is the Green Industry business model outdated, even detrimental to the native plant movement? Are ‘nativars’ a disservice to consumers’ ever increasing embrace of native plants? After clarifying the groundbreaking work of Annie S. White and sharing his fears for the future, Tim opens a discussion about whether the native plant community can affect Green Industry change, and if our “message” is now also outdated.

Frankenlust Township in Bay County has a nature park of 23 acres complete with walking trails, ponds for fishing, and nature for viewing.  However, invasive shrubs were taking over many areas of the park, and bank erosion was diminishing water quality in the main pond.  Learn about our efforts to remove invasives, plant natives, stabilize eroding banks, and increase the recreational potential and accessibility of the park.   Martin Arford, professor of Geography at SVSU, along with his students, local volunteers, and the township board forged a partnership to improve this park. He shows the steps involved in the on-going transformation. CNC’s Land and Facilities staff assisted in invasive species removal and reseeding some fields. This program will be held at CNC’s Visitor Center.

Meet at the Tomlinson Barn Education Center located at 814 E. Olson Rd. Midland, MI., for a tour with Midland Conservation District administrator Karen Thurlow.  Learn about the MCD’s history and programs. She will show a powerpoint presentation on where they've been and share the vision and future goals for the center. We’ll also enjoy a walk through the interpretive trails and new pollinator gardens. Midland Conservation District works with local and state partners to help landowners with education and implementation of best management practices to protect our natural resources.

Meet at the Thomas Township Nature Center at 6660 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI. Once a former golf course, the new nature center sits over a canal connecting to an island in the Tittabawassee River. Coordinator Lynda Thayer will share the space that they created, a brief history of the property and the development of the Nature Center and Preserve. Then she leads us on a tour outside to view the on-going restoration of the 67 acre preserve.

Meet in the Chippewa Nature Center parking lot at 5:30 pm to carpool to Mt. Pleasant, or meet us at the Ziibiwing Center at 6:30pm, 6655 E. Broadway.  Staff of the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways will lead us on an outdoor tour of their native plants. Learn the importance of these species to the Saginaw Chippewa tribe, why they were chosen for this garden, and how they are used by indigenous people. RSVP to 989-225-0059 by July 9. In case of inclement weather we will contact you about alternate plans or cancelling. There is a charge of $8/person for non-Wild Ones members.

Meet at the Stratford Woods parking lot, 3922 E. Ashman St., Midland to start our walk of the new Eagle Ridge Nature Area. Lisa Williams of the US Fish & Wildlife Service leads us on a guided tour of the trails, woods, and wetlands on this new preserve, which opened in June 2022. Meet by the Eagle Ridge interpretive sign. Restoration of the native plants was coordinated with Dow Chemical, DNR, EGLE, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Attorney General, and Chippewa Nature Center.

Join us in collecting seeds of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. Bring your own dry containers or brown bags. Also you can bring plants potted from your yard to exchange with others; please label your plants. 

Karen Murphy, Director of Public Services, City of Midland shows us what has been done and what the future holds for this project. During the past seven years the city of Midland has been working with the Michigan Baseball Foundation to revitalize the Tittabawassee River front under the Poseyville Road Bridge into wetlands, walking trails, and more. The old 4D concrete block plant was removed through a FEMA floodplain mitigation grant to expand the floodplain capacity. About 12 feet of concrete rubble in the soil was removed to make the ground more porous.  The plan will add wetlands, a storm water detention area, a river overlook platform on the old Benson Street bridge abutment, and fishing spots. Native plant species will be grown in the open ground. Also a new pedestrian bridge will be built that will link the East End Building to the restoration area. Additional funds to be used for plants and seeds will come from the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Tittabawassee River Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan. The city hopes to complete the project in 2024. 

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

Enjoy a hearty potluck meal with fellow Mid-Mitten members, in the Visitor Center at Chippewa Nature Center; bring a dish to pass. Afterwards, we'll show our Annual Review of 2023 activities, election of 2024 officers; and generate new ideas for programs and activities.

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora.