I am Juliette Cowall, keeper of this list. I'm a Kent Michigan State University Extension advanced Master Gardener and an Ottawa Michigan State University Extension Master Composter (yes, there is a real certificate for that).
I'm also the Director of Marketing for Godwin Plumbing & Hardware (and Heating & Cooling and Water Softening), as well as the editor and co-owner of the former Grand Gardens magazine.
This calendar is for you - whether you have an event to add, want to attend an event, or just want to see what's available. All events are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public.
I publish as much information as I receive. Questions and/or requests for additional information should be directed to the contact information included with each event.
This page was last updated: February 18, 2012
august events
august club meetings
september club meetings
october events
october club meetings
january events
january club meetings
november events
november club meetings
december events
december club meetings
3rd Mon
noon
Muskegon County Garden Club "View Our Gardens in the Middle of Winter" Slide presentation of members' gardens by Rick Peters, club member. $6. Business meeting follows program.St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave. in Muskegon.Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
3rd Mon
noon
Muskegon County Garden Club Club member Nancy Medema will speak on the Ruby Throated Hummingbird.$6. Business meeting follows program.St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave. in Muskegon.Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
3rd Mon
noon
Muskegon County Garden Club Club President Linda Talkington will demonstrate easy ways of designing and planting container gardens. $6. Business meeting follows program.St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave. in Muskegon.Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
3rd Mon
noon
Midwest Michigan Herb Association Container Gardens. Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline NE, GR. Contact Midwest Michigan Herb Container Gardens. Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline NE, GR. Contact Joyce Kebless, 616-754-9759.
3rd Mon
noon
Muskegon County Garden Club Club member and certified judge of the MI Assoc. of Accredited Judges, Nancy Harriman will demonstrate flower arranging techniques.$6. Business meeting follows program. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave. in Muskegon.Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
15-22
European Garden Study River Cruise Rebecca Finneran, MSU Horticulture Educator, will host a group to visit the Floriade in The Netherlands. Rebecca will also provide horticulture lectures while cruising between sites along the Rhine and Mass rivers. Find a detailed itinerary at www.stuckongardening.com. Early booking discount has been extended to January 6). Contact Kent MSUE, 336-3265.
26
2:30 pm
All About Owls Lori Martin, animal care specialist from Blandford Nature Center, will teach us about owls. Visitors will learn about various owl adaptations that help them to be efficient predators. Several live owls will be on hand. Wittenbach Wege Center, 11715 Vergennes, Lowell. Contact Melanie Johnson, 616-987-2565.
thru March
7:30 am
Snowshoe Trails Open and Rentals Available (no guide, weather permitting). Please call ahead to check on snow conditions and availability of rentals. Families with young children: Try out our smaller shoes for age 4 and older, or bring a sled to pull your toddlers. Daily 9:30 am-4 pm. Snowshoe rental: $3.75/adults, $3/students & seniors. Trail use: free. RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
18
9 am-noon
Creating and Maintaining Amphibian & Reptile Habitat Workshop Join us as naturalists and herpetologists teach us about Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians and how to create and maintain their habitats. In preparation for the keynote address, Jeanette Henderson, naturalist, will start the morning off with a hands on lab introducing participants to the basic identification of these animals. This will be a great review for those of you who are familiar with herps and a good introduction for those of you who are just being introduced to the subject. Keynote speaker, David Mifsud from Herpetological Resources and Management will then go in depth in a 2-hour workshop on the basic natural history and ecological needs of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan. Topics will include the importance of slope, microtopography, predators and prey, habitat structure, refugia, nesting, breeding, immigration and migration, Best Development Practices (BDP), and various management techniques including mowing, herbiciding, prescribed burns, and subsidized predator control. Light refreshments provided. Sponsored by the West Michigan Cluster of the Stewardship Network. $25 Stewardship Network members, $30 non-members.
Register by Feb.15 online at www.StewardshipNetwork.org or by calling 734-996-3190.
18
9-11 am
Pancake Breakfast – HCNC Fund Raiser Amaris Holst hosts. Imagine buttered pancakes smothered in warm maple syrup, hot sausage, orange juice, and coffee. What's not to like about a pancake breakfast fundraiser? Please help support HCNC. $5/person, $4/seniors, $16/family (4 or more). RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
19
noon-3 pm
Serious Snowshoe Sundays Hosted by Cindy Perski or Amaris Holst Are you serious about getting in shape this winter? Don’t want to do it by yourself? Snowshoeing is a great cardiovascular workout. Start with an indoor program on a variety of different topics, then suit up and hit the trails for a bout of invigorating exercise, increasing our speed and distance as the weeks progress. Best suited for teens and adults. If snow conditions are not adequate, a vigorous hike will be substituted. Led by Cindy Perski or Amaris Holst. $5/session, $20 for the series; includes snowshoe rental. RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
24
6-9 pm
Daddy Daughter Date Night Cindy Perski hosts. Dad, join your favorite girl for an evening of a pizza, dancing, and lots of games and activities throughout the evening. Bring your dancing shoes and have a blast! Light pizza dinner 6-7 pm. Ages 5-16. Maximum of 75 couples $7/person. RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
3
7-10 pm
Star Gazing the Planets Bruce Mayeda hosts. Do you have an interest in Astronomy? This class will help satisfy that desire to know more about the heavens and show you how to see objects in the night. The class covers information about the earth, moon, planets and stars – from making a scale model of our solar system to understanding the difference between stars.Instruction is given in viewing the night sky using binoculars and natural sight. Following the workshop, we will go outside to view the stars. Basics will be given on how to use (provided or bring your own) binoculars to see the planets and stars. Best suited for ages 13 and up. $8/person, $6/seniors, $26/family (four or more). RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
4
noon-3 pm
Serious Snowshoe Sundays Hosted by Cindy Perski or Amaris Holst Are you serious about getting in shape this winter? Don’t want to do it by yourself? Snowshoeing is a great cardiovascular workout. Start with an indoor program on a variety of different topics, then suit up and hit the trails for a bout of invigorating exercise, increasing our speed and distance as the weeks progress. Best suited for teens and adults. If snow conditions are not adequate, a vigorous hike will be substituted. Led by Cindy Perski or Amaris Holst. $5/session, $20 for the series; includes snowshoe rental. RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
10
10 am-noon
Marvelous Mammals Karen Fiebig hosts. Mammals are marvelous! Everyone knows that, but not everyone knows what makes a mammal a mammal. Come along and learn about these amazing animals as we discover the mammals of Howard Christensen Nature Center and their habitats. $8/person, $6/seniors, $26/family (four or more). RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
17
noon-3 pm
St. Patrick’s Day Craft & Treasure Hunt Kare Greenup hosts. Follow the rainbows to a sweet treasure. We will do a simple craft that relates to St. Patrick’s Day and end the class with a treasure hunt. Who knows what sweet treat will be at the end of this hunt. Ages 6–13. $6/child (adults free with their child). RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
18
11 am-5 pm
Inspire Your Heart with Art Day Tracey Mayeda hosts. Celebrates art and the effect it can have on your heart. Art is valued and appreciated for all sorts of reasons. Look at a piece of art and ask yourself, what is it telling me? How does it make me feel? What emotions is it evoking (if any) within me? We will have an array of art to admire from natural oil prints to modern art. $4/person, $3/seniors, $14/family (four or more). RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
31
10 am-noon
Easter Egg Hunt Hosted by Cindy Perski. Celebrate the holiday by bringing your children to our Easter egg hunt and for a visit with the Easter Frog. To help ensure a safe and happy event, children will be separated into smaller groups (ages 2-3, 4-5, and 6-9 years old). Baskets from home are welcome, and we will also have bags available. Ages 2-11. In the case of bad weather, please check the status of the event by contacting us. RSVP is appreciated. Howard Christensen Nature Center, Lily’s Frog Pad Inc., 16190 Red Pine Drive, Kent City. Contact Cindy Perski, 616-675-3158.
16
12:30 pm
Annual Flower Pot Luncheon Hosted by the Muskegon County Garden Club at the home of Merle Scolnik. Hors d'oeuvres and tour of Merle's garden. 4460 Cherrywood Court, Muskegon. Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
3
9 am-4 pm
Stuck on Gardening 2012 Conference Includes “The Truth about Organic Gardening and Myth-bustin’ Garden Remedies” with Dr. Jeff Gillman, Associate Professor University of Minnesota; “Time and Space – What Makes a Japanese Garden” with Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture, Frederik Meijer Gardens; “Greening Your Garden” with Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator; and “Veggies Galore!!” with Renee Shepherd, Renee’s Garden, Felton ,CA. $55 includes lunch. Registration includes a two-day pass (Saturday/Sunday) to the 2012 West Michigan Home and Garden Show. Registration deadline is Feb. 29. Registration at the door is not available. Allow one week for processing. Confirmations will be mailed with the two-day pass for the H&G Show. Contact Ginny Wanty, 616-336-3265.
1-4
Growing Together We Bloom is the theme of the Standard Flower Show taking place at the West Michigan Home and Garden Show. A Standard Flower Show includes floral design and horticulture competition. This year, for the first time, a Youth Division will be featured where children from pre-school to age 18 years may exhibit. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children 6-14, and free for children 5 and under. Contact Anne Todd, 616-742-6500 or visit www.kentgardenclub.org.
17
8:30 am-4 pm
Sustainability Conference Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s annual conference is focused on helping individuals face the environmental and social challenges around them and find the solutions that will help our communities become more sustainable. The keynote speaker will be Peter Bane, a permaculture consultant, and there will be break-out sessions that vary from an introduction to gardening to energy-saving strategies at home to green jobs to how to help your community work toward sustainability. 701 W. Cloverdale Rd, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190
29
6-7 pm
Organic Gardening 101 Don't let the snow and cold weather prevent you from thinking about gardening! The next growing season is right around the corner and winter is the perfect time to start planning your next vegetable garden. Have you wanted to garden organically and didn't know where to start? Kurt Lardie from Fresh Start Farms, LLC will host an introductory class on how to begin to garden organically. Kurt will cover topics such as soil preparation, composting, seed starting, seed selection, and organic pest controls. $5 includes handouts. Registration is required. Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience & Environmental Education Center, 11715 Vergennes, Lowell. Contact Meggan Johnson, 616-987-2565.
2nd Mon
6:30 pm
Midwest Michigan Herb Association Jessie Lincoln will speak about Hydroponics. Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline NE, GR. Contact Joyce Kebless, 616-754-9759.
2nd Mon
6:30 pm
Midwest Michigan Herb Association Dyeing Easter Eggs. Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline NE, GR. Contact Joyce Kebless, 616-754-9759.
2nd Mon
6:30 pm
Midwest Michigan Herb Association Herb Plant Sale with a panel discussion on the plants available to purchase. Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline NE, GR. Contact Joyce Kebless, 616-754-9759.
2nd Mon
6:30 pm
Muskegon County Garden Club Plant Exchange. Bring in a few extra potted plants and go home with something new. $6. Business meeting follows program. St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1655 W. Norton Ave. in Muskegon.Contact Alice Pasarela, 231-755-4409 or (231)798-7622.
20-21
IPM Academy Introduces the concepts of integrated pest management and prepares participants to implement IPM on the job or in their gardens. The academy is designed to assist newcomers to pest management but can be a valuable review for growers, nurserymen, Master Gardeners, or landscape professionals looking to brush up their IPM skills. Pesticide recertification credits (16), Green Industry Professionals continuing education credits (7), and Master Gardener recertification credits (16) are available to participants. Contact Ginny Wanty, 616-336-3265.
23
6:30-9 pm
Understanding and Using Pesticides in the Garden Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
29
6:30-9 pm
Fruit Update 2 Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
29
6:30-9 pm
Growing Sweet & Tart Cherries Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
3
6:30-9 pm
Growing Grapes Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
10
6:30-9 pm
Science of Composting Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
14
10 am-noon
Seeds Aren’t Just For the Birds: Less Money, More Garden Vegetables and flowers with just a little effort. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
19
6:30-8:30 pm
Scram: Family-friendly Pest Control Critter control and integrated Pest Management. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
21
10 am-noon
Starting a Garden: What Can I Grow and Where? Site analysis and design concepts. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
28
10 am-noon
Sun Gardens: Less Lawn, More Grasses Easy-care grasses and native plants. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
5
10 am-noon
Shade Gardens: Gardening in the Dark Interesting foliage textures and tones. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
5
6:30-9 pm
Growing Pears Gary Heilig, MSUE Consumer Horticulture Educator, presents backyard garden classes via ustream. High speed internet connection is needed to view these classes. Contact Gary Heilig.
10
6:30-8:30 pm
Curb Appeal: EnhanceYour Home Foundation planting right and wrong. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
19
10 am-noon
Container Gardens: Small Spaces, Big Impact Design concepts and ideas. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
2
10 am-noon
Vegetable Gardens: Food for the Family Kid-friendly vegetables, herbs, and composting. Part of The Kent Garden Club Series: Home Gardening 101, which offers the basics of gardening to new and young homeowners with the help of master gardeners, teachers, and gardeners with years of experience. Habitat for Humanity supoprts the effort with the use of their classrooms, garden beds, and free parking. One of eight sessions. $10/session or $64 for all eight. Habitat for Humanity, 425 Pleasant Street, SW, GR. Contact Anne Todd.
4th Tue
7 pm
Rockford Garden Club "Invasives & How to Control Them" by Ginny Wanty, Director of the Master Naturalist Program at Kent MSU Extension Office. United Methodist Church, Community Room, 159 Maple, Rockford. Contact Karen Chickering, 616460-2557.
27
7 pm
Growing the Nursery Industry Through New Plant Development Kelly Oates, Walters Gardens’ (www.WaltersGardens.com) newest on-site hybridizer, is eager to share with you and answer your questions in this field. Hosted by the West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group. Walters Gardens, 1992-96th Avenue, Zeeland. Contact West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group.
Wetlands and Woodlands Summer Camp 2012 Looking for a fun hands-on learning adventure for your children or grandchildren ages 4-13 this summer? Check out our summer day camp. Our program encourages campers to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for God’s amazing creation in a comfortable and safe learning environment. During these week-ong camps, children spend their time exploring our nature preserve through short hikes, activities, and nature art projects specifically designed for their age groups. Six sessions of camps are offered in June, July, and August. Cost is $85-$175 per session. For more dates, themes and additional information check out www.calvin.edu/academic/eco-preserve/programs/camp.html. Bunker Interpretive Center, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, GR. Contact Jeanette Henderson, 616-526-7601.
1
Registration Opens
3
10-11:30 am
Birds & Beaks Birds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from hummingbirds to hawks! In the same way, each bird also comes with a unique beak. Join Curtis Dykstra, Naturalist as we investigate the different shapes and functions of bird beaks and try our hand at using different beaks to get food with a fun and interactive beak simulation game. Bunker Interpretive Center, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, GR. Contact Jeanette Henderson, 616-526-7601.
9
6:30-8 pm
Book & Discussion Club “The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas” by Jerry Dennis. Written as a personal journey through the Great Lakes on a wind-powered schooner, author Jerry Dennis explores the history, nature, and science of the world’s greatest collection of freshwater seas. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
11
11:30 am & 1 pm
Michigan Back Roads Author Ron Rademacher will present on seven hidden gems of Michigan. The presentation will focus on historical and natural areas with side trips to some unusual shops and a couple of mysteries. Brunch served. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
13
7 pm
Q&A Kent County Master Gardener Diagnostic Team Leader Nancy Hoovler will be speaking and answering questions. Hosted by the Cedar Springs Garden Club. Springs Free Methodist Church, 135 Grant Street, Cedar Springs. Contact Sandra McEwen, 616-969-8660.
29
6:30-8 pm
Companion Planting This presentation by Connie Hanson, of Grand Shire Farm, covers many ideas to become a more successful gardener through companion planting. The goal of companion planting is to get plant communities to work together to create a thriving ecosystem. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
7
10-11:30 am
Michigan’s Super Salamanders Nancy McIntyre, Volunteer Naturalist leads this program about Michigan’s little known amphibian. Miss Nancy will start our adventure with a story and then head outside for a walk through the preserve to search for these amazing creatures. We will explore life in a vernal pool where salamanders lay their eggs. Additionally, we will investigate some rotten logs to discover where they like to live and what they like to eat. This program is appropriate for families with children over the age of 4 years old. Dress for the weather. Bunker Interpretive Center, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, GR. Contact Jeanette Henderson, 616-526-7601.
8
11:30 am
North Country Trail Association Running from New York to North Dakota, directly through the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, the North Country Trail will be the longest national trail when completed. The Association will share highlights of the trail, which runs through Barry County, and how you can support it. Brunch served. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
16
6 pm
West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group Potluck Pam Cater, owner of Hidden Grove Greenhouse and Nursery will have a greenhouse full of plants available to purchase, and she will highlight new varieties of plants available for Spring. Bring a dish for the potluck. Hidden Grove Greenhouse and Nursery,15872 Stanton Road, West Olive. Contact West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group.
18
7-8:15 pm
Meet the Author Author and poet Paul Willis will read from and discuss his books. A professor at Westmont College in California, Dr. Willis is interested in exploring the connections between farm and wilderness. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
19
6:30-8 pm
Earth Day Event - Natural Pest Control While many people enjoy wildlife, there are many instances where wildlife becomes pests. This workshop examines common vertebrate and invertebrate pests and why they become problems. Also, strategies for reducing and discouraging problem pests without putting your family or the environment at risk will be discussed. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
21
9-11 am
Earth Day Event - Spring Hike Matt Dykstra will lead participants on a 2-mile ramble through the prairies, woodlands, and wetlands of the Institute looking for the return of spring. Participants are encouraged to bring along a pair of binoculars and any of their favorite guidebooks. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
21
noon-3 pm
Trees for Life Families that have welcomed a new baby at Pennock Hospital this year may pick up a certificate and an oak tree sapling. If you are unable to pick them up on April 21, you can come to the Institute the following week while supplies last. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190. info@cedarcreekinstitute.org
28
3-5 pm
Cooking Class - Salad Mania Learn proper techniques in chopping, cutting, and using garnishing tools. After everyone has had the opportunity to sharpen their cutting skills, participants will assemble fresh salads and learn how to create the perfect dressings. Members: $15, non-members: $18. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
28
6:30-8 pm
Bee Amazed at the Life of Bees - Family Program Don Snoeyink of Thornapple Woodlands shares his knowledge of and enthusiasm for honeybees. Participants will be able to view live bees in an observation hive and use beeswax to make a candle to take home. $3-$7. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
5
9-11 am
Spring Wildflower Hikes Participants will be hiking to the Little Grand Canyon to see the wonderful diversity of wildflowers amidst the dramatic glacial ravine. The hike is 1.5 miles and at times the trail is steep. Members $3, non-members $6. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
5
1:30-4 pm
Volunteer Work Day - Garlic Mustard Pull Help protect the Institute’s wildflowers from this invasive species. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
11
6:30-8 pm
“1493 – Uncovering the New World Columbus” The follow-up to “1491,” Charles Mann continues his examination of the impact of Columbus’ expedition to the Americas. The Columbian exchange brought new foods, animals, and plants around the world and began a process of globalization. Hosted by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
12
10 am-noon
Grandparent Program - Build a Birdhouse Workshop Spend quality time with the grandchildren. Participants will be building a cedar birdhouse. The nestbox is perfect for back yards and will be used by a number of different birds, including bluebirds, tree swallows, and wrens. All tools and materials to build one birdhouse are provided. Members $15, non-members $25, $11 per additional birdhouse. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
13
11 am-2:30 pm
Native Plant Sale Plants featured in this sale are native to Michigan and provide ecological benefits to your landscape. Plants available for purchase include: prairie wildflowers and grasses, wetland sedges and wildflowers, and woodland plants such as ferns and spring ephemeral wildflowers. Please visit cedarcreekinstitute.org after April 1 to view a complete list of plants available. Pre-sale orders can be made on or before May 9 by calling 269-721-4190. Availability of plants the day of the sale cannot be guaranteed. Many of the spring ephemerals (trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, etc.) sell out fast! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
13
11 am-1 pm
Mother's Day Brunch & Program Vern Stephens of Designs by Nature will lead an informative presentation on the role of native pollinators and what you can do to attract these beneficial insects to your property. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
17-18
8 am-5 pm
Wetland Science and Regulation Workshop This workshop will feature a combination of classroom instruction and field activities and will provide valuable information to students looking to enter environmental consulting. Participants will learn ways to conduct a wetland delineation using the Army Corps of Engineers manual, how to identify wetland presence based on field indicators, wetland hydrology, hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation, and state and federal wetland regulations . Army Corps of Engineers publications will be provided.Dr. Hugh Brown, biological field station director, and Jen Howell, stewardship manager, present. $50-$90. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
17-18
6:30-8 pm
Make a Living Wreath Connie Hanson of Grand Shire Farm will provide instruction on how make a living wreath using simple materials including sheet moss, a variety of fragrant herbs, succulents, and flowers including colorful impatiens, begonias, polka dot plant, and more. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. 701 W Cloverdale Road, Hastings. Contact Maribeth Groen, 269-721-4190.
21
6 pm
Nursery Tour Linda Charvat, of Rosebay Nursery, will lead a tour of the growing areas and discuss her nursery and plants. Rosebay is a wholesale nursery specializing in Rhododendrons, Pieris, and Azaleas. Rosebay is known for producing heavily branched, dark green, well-budded plants. Their plants survive 3-7 Michigan winters in the field before being sent into the real world. Snacks will be provided at this meeting. Hosted by the West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group. Rosebay Nursery, 6394 Old Allegan Road., Saugatuck. Contact West Michigan Professional Gardeners Group.
14-Oct 28
Chrysanthemums and More! This annual celebration of the autumn season features an extensive chrysanthemum display with hundreds of flowering plants in both interior and exterior areas. Indoor highlights include varieties on display along the winding Scenic Corridor and the Seasonal Display Greenhouse, while outdoor plantings are featured in the English Perennial Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, and Volunteer Tribute Garden. Color tours, tram rides, and seasonal children’s activities are available. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Avenue NE, GR. Contact, 616-957-1580.
