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"
Bear Corn, Conopholis americana By Joyce Tuharsky, WORC Member In Michigan, if you are hiking through in a deep shady oak or beech forest, you may stumble across a strange growth poking its creepy “fingers” out from around tree roots. Upon closer look, you will find thick fleshy spikes with no leaves, but with brown scales, […] Continue reading "Natives to Know: Bear Corn"
MAY PROGRAM RECAP By Linda Shuster, WORC Member Cultivating our Schoolyards as Habitat to Grow Scholars Who Will Become Stewards Presented via Zoom May 17 by Sally Triant, Grow Wise Learning Sally began by noting that children need nature; however, children today are spending less time in nature than previous generations. The Children and Nature […] Continue reading "May Program Recap"
May 2020 Program: Plants & Ecology of Aman Park Since this Spring is different for us, we wanted to find a new (and safe) way to learn about the unique ecosystems that are found at Aman Park. Members of the Program Committee and botanist Bill Martinus did a walking tour of a portion of […] Continue reading "Plants & Ecology of Aman Park"
October Program Recap by Joyce Tuharsky Native Plantings for Winter Birds Presented by Melanie Manion No one is more enthusiastic than Melanie Manion when it comes to using native plants to feed birds during the winter. Melanie, Natural Resources Manager of Ottawa County Parks, says she is a bit lazy when it comes to filling and keeping […] Continue reading "October 2019 Program Recap"