NATIVES TO KNOW: Jewelweed, Impatiens capensisBy Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Jewelweed is an annual plant in the balsam family (Balsaminaceae)—which is characterized by succulent stems, translucent leaves, eye-catching colorful flowers, and seed capsules that burst explosively, scattering seeds in all directions. The seedlings of this plant sprout in early spring and reach a maximum height of 2–5 […] Continue reading "Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)"
A small group of volunteers met at Seidman Park in Ada Township Monday evening, May 19 to pull invasive garlic mustard plants. The group was led by Jessie Schulte, who is the Volunteer Services Coordinator and Habitat Restoration Specialist for Kent County Parks. The evening started out rather overcast and cold, but it turned out […] Continue reading "May Garlic Mustard Pull"
NATIVES TO KNOW: Mayapple, Podophyllum peltatumBy Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member It’s no coincidence that many of our native woodland plants flower in early spring. They are taking advantage of the sunshine that hits the forest floor before the trees fully leaf out. Many of these plants have flowers that point downwards, beneath their foliage, to […] Continue reading "NATIVES TO KNOW: Mayapple, (Podophyllum peltatum)"
The March 2025 program for River City Wild Ones, Izhi-Minoging Mashkikiwan/Place Where Medicines Grow Well, was a well-attended Zoom Webinar. Participants learned about a not so well-known facet of Michigan history regarding the Burt Lake band of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Presenter Eva Roos, University of Michigan grad and landscape architect, shared some of […] Continue reading "March 2025 Program Recap"
Trailing Arbutus, Epigaea repens By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member Trailing arbutus is a short spreading shrub, almost like ground cover, in the Ericaeae (heath) family—a group that also includes cranberries and blueberries. This plant grows 4–6 inches high, up to 20 inches long, and has woody stems and twigs that are covered in stiff rust-colored […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Trailing Arbutus"