Native Tree Selection and Care

May 25th, 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom

When you think of the most beneficial native plants, images of coneflowers and milkweed may easily come to mind. Trees are some of the most valuable “keystone species” – meaning they are the backbone of the local ecosystem. Considering their size, value, and longevity, choosing to plant a native tree is a decision with big impact! Learn how to select and care for the biggest native plants around!

About the Presenter

Wendy Sangster began her career with the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1997 as a Wildlife Biologist. She has since worked at the department as a Community Conservationist, a Community Forester, and currently as a Community Conservation Planner. In her current position she advises communities about land-use planning and design practices that help to conserve natural resources. She has a B.A. in Biology from Barnard College, a M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University, and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

Site Assessment for Garden Success

Part sun? Full shade? Dry-to-average? Clay soil? Understanding the conditions in your yard is the key to putting the right plants in the right places! This program will help new gardeners learn how to evaluate these qualities and provide suggestions for plants well-suited to various growing conditions.

About the Presenter

Tamra Reall is an avid gardener, insect enthusiast, and science outreach advocate. She earned a PhD in Entomology from the University of Missouri and a BS in Horticulture from Brigham Young University. In her current position as field specialist in horticulture with MU Extension, she advises the Extension Master Gardener, Master Pollinator Steward, and Urban Entomology programs.

Supporting a Healthy Soil System

Americans are beginning to appreciate the importance of healthy soils in promoting the health of their yards and gardens. A well-functioning soil holds more water, captures more carbon, and supports healthier natural communities. In this webinar, you’ll learn to view soil as a system. Which actions support a healthy system? Which actions disrupt it? You’ll never look at the ground beneath your feet the same way again.

About the Presenter

Hilary Noonan is Principal of Syntax Land Design and Mad Hatter Compost Tea. Her work focuses on issues of resilience and soil health. She holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University and a BA from Yale and has certification as a Permaculture Designer. She has studied with soil microbiologists and farmers in her quest for what defines regenerative design. She continues her education at every opportunity and has had the good fortune to study with some of her heroes.

Create a Bird-Friendly Yard with Native Plants

Add beauty to your outdoor spaces, while helping birds and wildlife too! Bird-friendly gardens are a treat to anyone who appreciates gardening, wildlife, and the motion and song of birds. Join us for a presentation focused on bird-friendly plants and practices for your home landscape. With the right plants, any yard can become more bird-friendly.

About the Presenter

Mary Nemecek is an avid conservationist and Conservation Chair of Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City. She is a member of the Missouri Bird Records Committee, a state eBird reviewer, serves on the steering committee for KC Wildlands, and a board member of the Missouri Parks Association. She was a founding member of Deep Roots Core Group, and enjoys birding in any spare moment she can get. You can read her GrowNative! articles in ‘Conservation Federation’, a publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Natives as Ground Covers

Move over Vinca, stand back Ajuga. Liriope? Take a seat. Native groundcovers can do everything these non-native plants can do – suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and replace turf grass. They also can support pollinators, butterflies, and other vital insects. If you’re looking for a variety of native groundcover options, or want to learn more about planting with “green mulch” – this program is for you!

About the Presenter

Elliott Duemler provides native-plant industry leadership in the Midwest as the Native Perennial Manager at Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries. He received his degree from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he majored in General Resources Management. Prior to his current position, Elliott was a Prairie Restoration Intern for the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center; and a Wilderness Surveyor for the USFS. He currently sits on the executive committee of Grow Native, a program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation.

Addressing Drainage Issues with Native Plants

Drainage issues are common in many yards! Do you have issues with flooding, erosion, or standing water after heavy rains? Learn more about how you can manage excess stormwater – using plants that also beautify your space and enhance wildlife value. Prepare your yard today for tomorrow’s deluge.

About the Presenter

David Dods is an environmental scientist and engineer who specializes in restoring contaminated landscapes, bioremediation systems, and using natural systems for stormwater management and pollution control. David is the co-author of the “The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens” and has taught workshops locally and nationally on landscaping for stormwater and pollinators using native plants.

Conferrin’ with the Flowers: A Year of Native Garden Maintenance

Just like any garden, native plant gardens also need to be tended, perhaps coaxed, encouraged, and in some cases scolded. If you want more blossoms on an aster you cut it back. If you want less volunteer plants (weeds or freebies depending upon the plant) you might dead-head. Maybe you want to take divisions? Maybe you want to limit height or spread? Find out when and with whom to have these conversations in the native plant garden.

About the Presenter

Matt Bunch’s love for plants and gardening grew from the gardens of his parents and grandparents. Schooled as a history major, Matt has worked in the horticulture profession since 1994 in retail, municipal, and public garden capacities. From 2004 to 2013 Matt was with Powell Gardens (Kansas City’s Botanical Garden), first as a Native Plant Landscape Specialist, then as the Horticulturist for the 12-acre Heartland Harvest Garden edible landscape. Matt continues to garden at home with his family, is always in search of the next champion tree, and by informal count has planted close to 10,000 trees. Matt has been with The Giving Grove since 2013.