The Final Flourish: Michigan’s Asters and Goldenrods
Monday, September 21, 2026
6:00 to 7:30 pm (ET) —Note earlier start time!
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
701 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, MI, 49058 Map
Consider carpooling • Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather
Public Welcome • Free Event Nature Walk/Hike • Public Restroom
Free Public Parking • Lots of Physical Activity
This field trip will be led by Ellen Holste, founder of EnviroSpeak LLC and former Research Community Engagement Manager at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.
Goldenrod and aster flowers are the grand finale of the blooming season, with fields and forests flourishing with shades of yellow, pink, purple, blue, and white in the fall. Learn the key characteristics of these plant species, where to find them, a few common species, and their importance to wildlife and us!
Our chapter outdoor programs may be cancelled under certain conditions described below. In the event of a cancellation, notification will be posted on our website and social media platforms.
Outdoor programs will be cancelled:
● If the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Weather Warning between 5:30pm and 9:00pm for the evening of one of our scheduled outdoor programs.
● If EGLE issues a Hazardous Air Quality Alert (AQI above 300)
● If EGLE issues a Very Unhealthy Air Quality Alert (AQI 200-300), the program will be cancelled if the chapter leadership in consultation with the program speaker determines the event to be unsafe.
Photos courtesy of Ellen Holste
Ellen Holste is the founder and owner of EnviroSpeak, a company committed to creating meaningful and memorable connections to science and nature. She has over a decade of experience engaging audiences through talks, walks, and workshops and is certified as an interpretive guide and trainer through the National Association for Interpretation. Ellen earned her Master of Science in Forestry and dual PhD in Forestry and Ecology from Michigan State University, where her fascination with fungi began with a question: Could fungi help make tropical restoration efforts successful? That curiosity grew into a passion for exploring the incredible diversity of fungi and many ways these fascinating organisms can support and strengthen the world around us. Today, she proudly considers herself a “fun-gal” and even holds a wild-foraged mushroom certification through the state of Michigan. Ellen resides in Haslett, Michigan with her husband and son and enjoys hiking, biking, practicing yoga, reading, and writing.