Events

Join us for an enjoyable stroll around the Foster Residence to explore a variety of native plants. Discover how the landowners have skillfully incorporated native plants, shrubs, and trees into their beautiful perennial gardens surrounding the property. This event is perfect for anyone interested in native landscaping or looking for garden inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there!

Directions will be provided to all registrants through the Oceana Conservation District. 

What does it really take to turn a conventional lawn into a thriving native meadow? Join Owner & Principal, New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Sara Weaner Cooper for a candid look at her family's ongoing lawn-to-meadow transformation featured in The New York Times and BBC. Drawing from three years of hands-on experience, Sara will share the methods, lessons learned, successes, and challenges of converting turfgrass into a dynamic native plant community. Participants will gain practical insights into site preparation, planting, management, and the ecological principles that guide successful meadow establishment, along with realistic expectations for how these landscapes evolve over time.

Registration link coming soon.

Join us for an event focused on learning about sustainable harvesting and Indigenous principles of an honorable harvest - a mindset that helps to build and guide the reciprocal relationship between the people and the land. 

The first session features Connie Crancer, who will present the latest science, guidelines, and protocols for sustainably harvesting native spices, seeds, and plants. The second session offers an interactive local Indigenous knowledge session, where participants will learn the honorable harvest principles and skills, discuss local plant uses, and engage in a talk on accessible, practical approaches using local abundance. 

Overall, these sessions promise valuable insights, hands-on learning, and community connection around plants. At the end of the second session, participants can enter a lottery for a hands-on honorable harvest event at a private residence on October 24th. 

Below is more information on each session:

Connie Crancer will draw from her extensive experience with the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, as well as her role as Michigan State Seed Collection Coordinator for Pollinator Partnership. Connie will cover:

Society for Ecological Restoration

Pollinator Partnership protocols, practices, and guidelines

Seeds for Success programs

Best practices for native seed collection

Jen Burfield and Marsha Reeves will draw from Indigenous knowledge and experience with the honorable harvest principle. They will cover:

Discussion of harvestable plant types in the area

Medicinal uses of these plants

Principles of honorable harvest

Reflections and stories

Reciprocity with taking

Resources for further learning

Historical context

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.