January 2025 Chapter News
January Program- Growing Native Seeds
Monday January 13, 6:30PM at Chippewa Nature Center
Join the Wild Ones Mid-Mitten Chapter to learn the ins and outs of working with seeds of native plants. Craig Schafer of Hoffman Farms Native Plants (below, right) will share his expertise in growing native plants from seed. These seeds often need special conditions to germinate and grow, and these conditions vary by plant type. Meet at the Chippewa Nature Center from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
The People Have Spoken- 2025 Programs
We had a great meeting in November and laid out a great list of programs. Most have been confirmed and locked in. We’re still waiting on confirmation for a few others. In any event, there is a wide variety of program subjects. Hopefully there is something that will tickle everyone’s interest.
We are also planning on adding some impromptu hikes around the area during key times of bloom or interest. For those, stay tuned as they will be posted on our Facebook page. Typically there will be about a weeks’ notice at least. There will be some great opportunities to see spring ephemera, explore vernal pools or take in other interesting locations on an ad hoc basis.
In addition, I am looking into participating in the plant swap with one of Midland’s gardening clubs in July! Lots planned for 2025! The following will be 6:30-8:00pm at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland (Jan-Jun; Oct-Nov) while July-Sept will be in various locations.
January 13th – Craig Shafer of Hoffman Farms- Starting Native Seeds
February 10th – Native Seed envelope preparation
March 10th– Martha Holzhauer- Garden Design with Native Plants
April 14th – Randy Kursinsky – Landscaping for Wildlife
May 12th– ReLeaf of Michigan- Insects and Diseases of Trees and Shrubs
June 9th– Lindsey Harrell- Native Pollinators
July 14th– Caravan to native plant gardens of interest in the area (let us know if you would like to showcase your garden- we’re looking for volunteers!)
August 11th– Bailey Bridge Park Hike
September 6 or 7th– Corrine Bloomfield- “Forest Bathing” at Elysium Heritage Farm
October 11th– native plant seed collection at Randy Kursinsky’s
November 10th – Annual Meeting, Elections and Pot Luck
Programs will be announced through the Chippewa Nature Center events page, CNC newsletter, our Facebook page and Website through Wild Ones over the course of the year. These are open to the public except for our November meeting. Feel free to bring those who might be interested in learning more about native plants and the Wild Ones Mid-Mitten chapter. All are welcome!
Wild Ones Mid-Mitten Grant Opportunity
For the first time since our chapter’s inception, we will be offering a grant application to help fund local native plant installations starting January 13th through February 16th. Funding for each project will range from $50 to $250 and should be completed within the year of receipt of funds. Information on how to prepare a grant request will be on our Wild Ones Mid-Mitten chapter website, our Facebook page, and at the January 13 meeting. Included in the description will be who may apply, what types of proposals we are looking for, as well as what should be included in the proposal. This is something new for our chapter, so please be patient with us as we work out any bugs that might come up as we move forward with this new endeavor!
We are looking for volunteers to help review proposals and award grants after applications have been received. If interested in volunteering, please contact me, at [email protected].
Continue to Save your Mesh Bags!
Remember to save your veggie mesh bags! We will continue saving the mesh bags as there were several opportunities for the Wild Ones to participate at other locations and events. This craft has had a great response from the public. Bring your bags with you to our programs and I’ll take them off your hands. Thank you for your support of these projects!
Chapter Membership
Tell your friends and neighbors about the Wild Ones and bring them to a meeting, most of which are open to the public. Youth are welcome when accompanied by an adult. New ideas about attracting and retaining members can be sent to Rachel LeClair ([email protected]).
Thank you, renewing members: Susan Erhardt, Corrine Bloomfield, Dick Touvell, Wendy Baker, and Martha Holzheuer! We appreciate your continued support! Welcome New Members: Janet Defever, Darlene Nadene.
Thoughts on the end of the year
Another year is coming to an end and what a year it was! It started with ice storms and loss of power. And was followed by the cancellation of our first program of the year, participation in the Central Michigan Seed Swap, learning about being citizen scientists, a total eclipse of the sun, learning about the best apps, learning about the Midland garden clubs, and a field trip to Elysium Heritage Farm, just to name a few programs of the year. (below: A happy visitor picks up seed packets from Susan Erhardt and Kim Hartley at the 2024 Seed Swap)
While we are saying goodbye to some things like the Central Michigan seed swap, I am looking forward to 2025. There are many new and engaging activities that I am looking forward to participating in. We are lucky to live in an area with so much local activity surrounding a love of nature and native plants which allows us to put on such wonderful programs!
As we move into the new year, I wish you all a healthy and happy new year. Thank you all for your contribution and input. Onwards!
Yours in nature,
Susan Erhardt – President, Wild Ones Mid-Mitten Chapter
