NATIVES TO KNOW Ramps, Allium tricoccumBy Linda Shuster, WORC member Allium tricoccum goes by many common names, including ramps, ramp, ramson, wild leek, wood leek, spring onion, and wild garlic. Ramps belong to the onion (Alliaceae) family. It is a native herbaceous perennial that is harvested as food. Ramps are found in nearly all Michigan counties […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Ramps"
RANGER STEVE’S NATURE NICHE Helicoptersby Ranger Steve Mueller Flying about our yards are tens of thousands of silent helicopters. Our grandson, Walden, was visiting as we walked among the whirling maple seed samaras. Karen said we used to call them “helicopters”. I jokingly asked, what do you call them now? Most of us have experienced […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Helicopters"
NATIVES TO KNOWBowman’s Root, Gillenia trifoliata By Joyce Tuharsky Bowman’s Root features clusters of ethereal, white, five-petaled blossoms that will dance and whirl in the slightest wind. It is one of the loveliest of native perennials yet rarely seen in gardens. Not only is it handsome and hardy, it is also long-lived! A member of […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Bowman’s Root (Gillenia trifoliata)"
Vision for the Futureby Ranger Steve Mueller An exciting year waits for aiding plant and animal nature niches. Every year is a new beginning with hopes for keeping New Year’s resolutions, but most are not kept. Our nature niche can be to enhance living conditions for yourselves and others with whom we share “creation care.” […] Continue reading "Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche: Vision for the Future"
Wood Poppy: The Tale of Two Poppies By Joyce Tuharsky Rarely do you find two plants that look so much alike, with similar names, but have such different management concerns. That is the case with two plants commonly known as Celandine. The Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), also known as the Wood Poppy, is one of our showiest native woodland […] Continue reading "Natives to Know – Wood Poppy: The Tale of Two Poppies"
