Resources from our monthly speaker series. Scroll down to browse past presentations.
2026 |
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APRIL 2026 |
How to Create Your Own Native Habitat 101Brendan Nolan, Plants for Ecology
Brendan is the owner of Plants for Ecology, a native landscaping business specializing in the design and care of native plantings in urban and suburban environments. A Detroit native, he holds a BA in Political Science and History from Wayne State University. His expertise in landscaping and ecology is largely self-taught—earned through hands-on experience, experimentation, and, as he puts it, a “doctorate in learning by doing (and sometimes getting it wrong first).” Brendan shares how native species play a vital role in creating healthy ecosystems—and how your own yard can become a thriving habitat for both people and wildlife. When planted in the right place, native plants can be a powerful step toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. |
MARCH 2026 |
Tool Cleaning and Sharpening WorkshopJanet Macunovich, Garden A to Z
Janet Macunovich has worked as a garden designer and professional gardener since 1981. She is the author of multiple gardening books, a longtime columnist for The Detroit News, Better Homes and Gardens, and Michigan Gardener magazine, and founder of the Michigan School of Gardening. She has also shared her expertise through radio and educational programs. Janet has been a Michigan State University Master Gardener since 1989. Participants learned how to safely clean tools by removing sap, dirt, and rust, as well as how to sharpen dull edges using files and stones. Janet also shared tips on protecting tools from corrosion and everyday wear—helping gardeners extend the life, safety, and performance of their equipment. |
2025 |
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2025 |
Speaker information not yet added. Check back soon. |
2024 |
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2024 |
Speaker information not yet added. Check back soon. |
2023 |
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2023 |
Speaker information not yet added. Check back soon. |
2022 |
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February 2022 |
The Milkweed Community: More Than MonarchsJoyce Drife
Joyce Drife was born in Michigan and has been interested in nature since childhood, spending many hours roaming through fields and woods. She met her husband Don Drife on a white-water rafting trip to Idaho, and they have been exploring the natural world together for over 40 years, finding interesting plants and insects to photograph. The Michigan Nature Guy — Don Drife’s blog with photography and entries about Michigan flora and fauna. |
January 2022 |
Spring Beauties: Native Wildflowers for the Woodland GardenCheryl English, Black Cat Pottery
Cheryl M. English is an Advanced Master Gardener living in Detroit, Michigan. Formally educated as an Art Historian, Cheryl has parlayed her varied training and experience into a career as a professional gardener, artist, writer and garden and art educator. She has volunteered in various capacities with The Greening of Detroit, Master Gardeners of Greater Detroit, the Detroit Garden Center and the Wildflower Association of Michigan. Cheryl penned the first article on native plants to appear in Michigan Gardener in May 2012 and wrote for that publication on topics relating to native plants and Clematis. She opens her garden to the public twice a year free of charge. She also offers private group garden tours, a clematis-pruning workshop, tree and wildflower walks at local destinations as well as a variety of pottery workshops and other programs upon request. Cheryl can be reached at cenglish@blackcatpottery.com.
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2021 |
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November 2021 |
Clinton River Watershed Council & Seed SwapKatie Yates, Clinton River Watershed Council
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October 2021 |
Grow Back Better: Planting Natives in the Fall & Fall Native Garden Clean-up TipsMarilyn Trent & Stephanie Smith, Rochester Pollinators
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Older Presentations |
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August 2012 |
Practical Phragmites ControlBob Williams  |
October 2010 |
Rain GardensPeggy Malnati
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