Midwest Native Plant Conference
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Midwest Native Plant Conference to be held on July 8, 9 and 10, 2011 at Bergamo Retreat Center in Dayton, Ohio. Note that lodging at Bergamo is going quickly. Please reserve your spot soon, so that you can enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding the Bergamo Center; the Mount St. John Preserve. The Mount St. John Nature Preserve was named an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1988, recognizing it as "an outstanding environmental education area possessing exceptional value in illustrating and interpreting the natural heritage of Ohio." This 300 acre preserve has been partially restored by the Marianist Environmental Center under the direction of Don Geiger and staff, and features prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and a native plant labyrinth.
Please visit their website at www.midwestnativeplants.org for a list of outstanding speakers at this year's conference. The conference opens with a free pre-conference butterfly workshop and field trip on Friday afternoon. This workshop led by Jim Davidson will go from classroom to the field to ID butterflies or practice your photography skills with Brian Jorg. A program on Ohio Orchids Friday night opens this 3 day event, and Saturday promises to be educational and fun with speakers, vendors, and plenty of opportunity to explore and network with others. Saturday full audience speakers are: Jim McCormac, Guy Denny, and Steve McKee. Breakout speakers include Janet Creamer, Tom Borgman, Bob Kehres, Brian Riley and David Brandenburg. Vendors will be open to the public on Saturday from 9-4 pm and feature outstanding native plants and other items that will connect you to nature. Sunday provides time in the field with expert field trip leaders to a variety of habitats. Early registration helps to guarantee your spot on your favorite field trip choice.
NOTE: A few Young Naturalist Scholarships are still available for 9-18 year olds with an interest in the outdoors. For older students, a working scholarship is available as well. Please contact Kathy at kmc@one.net for details.
CEU's for Master Gardeners and Ohio Certified Naturalists are available.
Resources
- Bringing Nature Home, How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy, updated and expanded paperback edition published in 2009 by Timber Press, Inc., ISBN 978-0-88192-992-8, retail $17.95
As Doug Tallamy eloquently explains, everyone can welcome more wildlife into their yards just by planting even a few native plants. With fascinating explanations and extensive lists of native plants for regional habitats, this scientifically researched book can help us all to make a difference. No prior training is needed to become a backyard ecologist - but Doug Tallamy's book can be a vital first step. This book is available through the Brukner Nature Center Nature Shop (Brukner members receive a 10% discount on the publisher's price).
Websites
- www.backyardhabitat.info
Toni Stahl is a volunteer Habitat Ambassador Host working with the National Wildlife Federation in the metro-Columbus area of Ohio. She works as part of a team of National Wildlife Federation volunteers to help the general public create wildlife habitat in their yards. Toni designed a Wildlife Habitat in a small, typical residential yard (100 ft X 50 Ft) that was certified by National Wildlife Federation in 2003. One example of bringing diversity to this yard by adding many Ohio native plants and eliminating chemicals is that 2 kinds of butterflies in 2001 went to 34 different kinds in 2006 with representation from all 5 major butterfly families. - www.nativeohioplants.com
Native Ohio Plants is a nursery specializing in the propagation and sale of native Ohio trees and plants in the Tipp City, Ohio area. The purpose of Native Ohio Plants is to make native Ohio plants available for others interested in maintaining or restoring land to its native condition. Includes reference to plant descriptions, which provide photos and descriptions of virtually every plant available at the nursery.