Make a Home for Native Bees
Mason Bee House
by "poppet with a camera"
Flickr.com
by "poppet with a camera"
Flickr.com
April is the time to put out a bee house to help our native bees. Many species of solitary bees nest in hollow plant stems or small holes in dead trees. If you provide a place for them to nest, they will reward you by pollinating your fruit trees and vegetable gardens. For easy directions click here.
Plant a Hummingbird Feeder
Photo by Matt Kear
"maker" Flickr.com
"maker" Flickr.com
Hummingbirds return to Michigan this time of year. Putting out feeders filled with homemade nectar (recipe) can help them survive until there are flowers to provide the real thing. Plant a variety of native plants to supply them with flower nectar all season long. Click here for a list of plants they will love.
Time to Pull Hairy Bittercress!
Bittercress
"nofrills " Flickr.com
"nofrills " Flickr.com
Look for small rosettes of Hairy Bittercress and pull them now! These plants flower and set seed very early in the spring. The seed pods are able to throw the seeds up to 3' away causing a large infestation before you know it. Bag and dispose of pulled plants in the trash as you would other invasive plants. For more information click here.
Plant a Hummingbird Feeder
Photo by Matt Kear
"maker" Flickr.com
"maker" Flickr.com
Hummingbirds return to Michigan this time of year. Putting out feeders filled with homemade nectar (recipe) can help them survive until there are flowers to provide the real thing. Plant a variety of native plants to supply them with flower nectar all season long. Click here for a list of plants they will love.
Native Plant Selection Guide
Native Prairie Plants
by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
"Wildreturn" Flickr.com
by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
"Wildreturn" Flickr.com
Need some help selecting the best native plants for your area? The National Wildlife Federation has a new Native Plant Selection Guide on their website which can help. Enter your zip code and a list appropriate plants will be provided. The plants will be ranked with the one that host the most butterfly and moth caterpillars. Click here to try it yourself!
Leave Stalks Standing
Native Plants in Winter
by Anne McCormack "mccormacka" Flickr.com
by Anne McCormack "mccormacka" Flickr.com
Consider leaving native perennial stalks standing all winter. The seeds and overwintering insects in this stubble help provide food for our feathered friends. Plus bees use the hollow stems to raise their young. Follow this link for more information about the benefits of leaving native plant stalks standing... Stop: Don't Cut Those Plant Stalks
Native Garden Design
Photo by JR P
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
Native gardens can be natural looking or formal in design. It all depends on the plants you choose and how they are arranged. Michigan Audubon has collected several design ideas for sites throughout Michigan. Check them out by following this link.
Help Identifying Native Grasses
Indian Grass and Rainbow
by "USFWS Headquarters" Flickr.com
by "USFWS Headquarters" Flickr.com
Summer is the best time to identify prairie grasses because of their unique seed heads. To make this easier Grand Prairie Friends has put together an identification guide for eleven native grasses that folds into a pocket sized booklet. Download it here.
Invasive Insects Stink
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
by Penn State "pennstatenews"
Flickr.com
by Penn State "pennstatenews"
Flickr.com
The invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has become established in the Lansing area. They feed on over 300 species of agricultural crops and ornamental plants. They often try to get inside homes and other structures in the fall to overwinter. For more information from MSU extension click here.
Native Garden Design
Photo by JR P
Flickr.com
Flickr.com
Native gardens can be natural looking or formal in design. It all depends on the plants you choose and how they are arranged. Michigan Audubon has collected several design ideas for sites throughout Michigan. Check them out by following this link.
Seeds for Education Grant Deadline Oct 15th!
Children Explore Nature at Fort Ord
by Bureau of Land Management California
"blmcalifornia" Flickr.com
by Bureau of Land Management California
"blmcalifornia" Flickr.com
The Wild Ones national office administers the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program which gives small monetary grants of up to $500 to schools, nature centers, and other non-profit and not-for-profit places of learning in the United States. The deadline is October 15th every year. Follow this link for more information.
Native Plants for Pollinators
Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
Bees are declining due to a host of factors including pesticide use and loss of habitat. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee was listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service effective March 21, 2017. You can help by planting native plants that provide nutritious pollen and nectar for these fascinating insects. For ideas on which plants will grow best in your soil and light conditions click here.
No Neonics
Photo from
usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com
usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com
Studies of plants purchased at national retailers found high levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in flowers normally planted in pollinator gardens. The levels found were high enough to kill bees or impair them. Butterflies and caterpillars are at risk too. Some retailer have marked treated plants with tags but uninformed buyers might consider having no insects a benefit. For more information follow this link.
All the Red Cedar Chapter native plant sale stock is pesticide free!
All the Red Cedar Chapter native plant sale stock is pesticide free!
Mobilize Against Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard by "hspauldi"Flickr.com
Garlic Mustard will be blooming soon. Spring is the time to pull these invasive plants out by their roots to keep them from taking over our natural areas. The Stewardship Network's Spring Invasive Species Challenge is a fun way to make a difference. Get more information by clicking here.
Make a Home for Native Bees
Mason Bee House
by "poppet with a camera"
Flickr.com
by "poppet with a camera"
Flickr.com
April is the time to put out a bee house to help our native bees. Many species of solitary bees nest in hollow plant stems or small holes in dead trees. If you provide a place for them to nest, they will reward you by pollinating your fruit trees and vegetable gardens. For easy directions click here.
What Made Those Tracks?
Photo by Owen Massey McKnight
"addedentry" Flickr.com
"addedentry" Flickr.com
Ever wonder which animals made the tracks you see after a fresh snowfall? Even city dwellers can get a wide variety of interesting wildlife visiting their bird feeders and native plantings. Follow this link for a guide to help identify which animals those track belong to... Guide to Animal Tracks
Read our Winter 2018 Chapter Newsletter by Clicking here.
No Neonics
Photo from
usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com
usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com
Studies of plants purchased at national retailers found high levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in flowers normally planted in pollinator gardens. The levels found were high enough to kill bees or impair them. Butterflies and caterpillars are at risk too. Some retailer have marked treated plants with tags but uninformed buyers might consider having no insects a benefit. For more information follow this link.
All the Red Cedar Chapter native plant sale stock is pesticide free!
All the Red Cedar Chapter native plant sale stock is pesticide free!
Pinch Perennials Now to Control Height
Joe-Pye Weed
by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -
Northeast Region Flickr.com
by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -
Northeast Region Flickr.com
Do you want to plant native flowers for the birds, bees and butterflies but find that some are just too tall? You can shorten the height of Asters, Bee Balm, Joe-Pye Weed, Culver's Root and others by pinching back the new growth. You can cut them back by as much as 1/2 to 2/3 which will result in shorter, more compact plants with more flowers. Click here for more information.
Read our Spring 2017 Chapter Newsletter by Clicking here.
Music of the Night
Spring Peeper
by Douglas Mills "dmills727"
Flickr.com
by Douglas Mills "dmills727"
Flickr.com
Spring Peepers, Chorus Frogs and Wood Frogs can be heard singing in Mid-Michigan ponds and wetlands in early April. The males call to attract mates soon after ice melts in the spring. Growing native plants will attract the insects frogs and toads need to eat. Listen to the sounds they make by clicking here.
Save a Snag
Snag With Woodpecker Holes
by "MTSOfan" Flickr.com
by "MTSOfan" Flickr.com
Dead trees are a valuable source of food and shelter for insects, birds, and mammals. Consider allowing a snag to stay standing on your property as long as there isn't any danger of it falling on a structure or person. Click here for more information.
Native Plants for Pollinators
Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
by Dan Mullen
"milesizz" Flickr.com
Bees are declining due to a host of factors including pesticide use and loss of habitat. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee was listed as an endangered species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service effective March 21, 2017. You can help by planting native plants that provide nutritious pollen and nectar for these fascinating insects. For ideas on which plants will grow best in your soil and light conditions click here.
Courting Cranes
Sandhill Cranes
by Robb Hannawacker
"Ranger Robb" Flickr.com
by Robb Hannawacker
"Ranger Robb" Flickr.com
Sandhill Cranes are back in the area and are courting.These are the largest birds in Michigan and they are coming back from their Florida wintering grounds. The DNR website states that Michigan has 805 breeding pairs.
Their courtship rituals include dancing, calling and throwing sticks. See for yourself in this video.
Their courtship rituals include dancing, calling and throwing sticks. See for yourself in this video.
Help Us Celebrate Our 15th Anniversary!
Wild Ones 15th Anniversary
March 2017
March 2017
In March of 2002 the Red Cedar Chapter graduated from a "seedling chapter" to an officially recognized chapter of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd. In the 15 years since, we have grown from 9 members to over 80 members. At our March meeting we will celebrate this milestone. See all the details here.
The Birds are Back in Town
Red-winged Blackbird
by Thorsten Becker
Flickr.com
by Thorsten Becker
Flickr.com
The first Red-wing Blackbirds were heard singing in South Lansing on February 23, 2017 (about 3 weeks earlier than usual.) These birds migrate to the Southern United States and Mexico for the winter and are just now returning to stake out a breeding territory.
Hear their song and learn more here.
Hear their song and learn more here.
New Weapon Against Buckthorn
Buckthorn Baggie from
www.buckthornbaggie.com
www.buckthornbaggie.com
University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering senior Matthew Hamilton invented a new way to keep invasive Buckthorn trees from resprouting after they have been cut--without the use of herbicides! A Buckthorn Baggie placed over the cut stump deprives the plant of light and eventually kills it. Learn more from this University of Wisconsin news article or by visiting the website.
Invasive Insects Stink
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug by Penn State "pennstatenews"
Flickr.com
The invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug has become established in the Lansing area. They feed on over 300 species of agricultural crops and ornamental plants. They often try to get inside homes and other structures to overwinter. For more information click here.
Help Identifying Native Grasses
Indian Grass Seedhead
Photo by Marilena "Arilenamy", Flickr.com
Photo by Marilena "Arilenamy", Flickr.com
Late Summer is the best time to identify prairie grasses because of their unique seed heads. To make this easier Grand Prairie Friends has put together an identification guide for eleven native grasses that folds into a pocket sized booklet. Download it below or from their website.
| prairie_grass_identification.pdf |
Deer Resistant Native Plants
White Tailed Deer by Colby Stopa Flickr.com
Are deer using your landscape as an all-you-can-eat buffet? Download our list of deer resistant native plants below for options they will avoid. Remember that new plants fresh from the nursery are especially nutritious and succulent. Keep new plants caged to protected them until they are established. Then the listed plants should be able to survive, since deer generally find them unpalatable.
| deer_resistant_native_plants_for_mid-michigan_5_7_14.pdf |
Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed
Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed
Photo by Martin LaBar, Flickr.com
Photo by Martin LaBar, Flickr.com
Did you know that Monarch butterflies are dependent on milkweed? It is the only food source for their caterpillars. Modern farming and roadside maintenance activities have reduced the amount of milkweed available. You can help by planting milkweeds on your own property. For more information on Monarchs click here or download the brochure below.
| monarch_butterflies___larval_host_plants_east_us.pdf |
Natural Control for Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie by Frank Mayfield"gmayfield10" Flickr.com
The European weed, Creeping Charlie, invades shady damp areas and can smother a lawn. If you are tired of hand weeding, Borax can help. Research done by Iowa State University indicates that this laundry booster can control Creeping Charlie when applied properly. Click here for the recipe.
Come to Our Fall Native Plant Sale on September 21st!
See the Calendar of Events Tab for all the Details
Look at Pictures of Our 2015 Events in the Photo Gallery!
Plan for Pollinators
Spiderwort and Yarrow byJoshua Mayer "wackybadger" Flickr.com
Perennial plants flower at different times throughout the season. Plan your landscape to include sources of pollen and nectar from Spring until Fall so bees, butterflies and hummingbirds always have a source of food. Here is a link to a guide from Michigan State University to help you.
Native Flowering Plants
Native Flowering Plants
Wild Ones T-shirt Sale for Red Cedar Chapter Members
The Wildflower T-shirt
Adult Sizes S, M, L, XL Color: Natural |
The Red Cedar Chapter is once again offering a 25% discount on Wild Ones T-shirts exclusively to Chapter members. Either of these two styles can be purchased for $15 each. Non-members can purchase the shirts for their list price of $20.
If you would like to purchase a T-shirt, send an E-mail indicating which styles, sizes, colors and quantities you would like. Plan to mail a check or pay in person at the July or August Chapter events. T-shirts will be available for pickup at fall chapter events unless other arrangements are made. If you would like to join the Red Cedar Chapter in order take advantage of this special offer click here. |
Roots T-shirt
Adult Sizes: S, M, L, XL Colors: White, Green, or Sand |
Rejuvenate Your Landscape with Native Shrubs
Buttonbush by Dan Perkins "Bulucanagria" Flickr.com
Did some of your shrubs get destroyed by heavy ice and snow this winter, or were they eaten by rabbits? Consider replacing them with native shrubs which are better suited to Michigan's weather extremes. Click here for some ideas from Michigan State Extension.
The Monarchs are Coming
and They Need Our Help!
Monarch by "TexasEagle" Flickr.com
The northward migration of Monarch butterflies is beginning. Migrating monarch butterflies are in "grave danger," according to a report that shows their colonies in Mexico now occupy the smallest area since records began in 1993.
You can help: PLANT MILKWEED!
For more information click here.
You can help: PLANT MILKWEED!
For more information click here.
Dapper Dads
Goldfinch in April Snowby "Stevesworldofphotos"
Flickr.com
Despite the cooler than normal temperatures in Mid-Michigan, male Goldfinches are changing to their brightly colored plumage in preparation for breeding season.
To learn more and hear their songs click here.
To learn more and hear their songs click here.
Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed
Photo by Martin LaBar, Flickr.com Did you know that monarch butterflies are dependent on milkweed for laying their eggs? The monarch caterpillars feed solely on the plant and it is a plant that can be pushed out by other non-native plants. For more info on butterflies and milkweed click here
|
 Honey Bee on Lilac Treeby Brandon Grasley Flickr.com Honey Bee Issues
Honey bees are a major component of any healthy ecosystem and are very important pollinators of native plants. Recently honey bees have been experiencing population declines and this is impacting native plant species heavily as well. If you would like to learn more about honey bees and the problems facing them click here |
Photo of Chickadee by
"Bella_189" Flickr.com
"Bella_189" Flickr.com
Nature's Bird Feeder
Consider leaving native perennial stalks standing all winter. The seeds and overwintering insects on this stubble help provide food for our feathered friends. Native trees and shrubs are another important source of seeds and berries for birds during the winter. Follow this link for an article about Winter Birds in the Wildlife Garden
Consider leaving native perennial stalks standing all winter. The seeds and overwintering insects on this stubble help provide food for our feathered friends. Native trees and shrubs are another important source of seeds and berries for birds during the winter. Follow this link for an article about Winter Birds in the Wildlife Garden
No leaves on the trees? Learn to identify native trees by their bark. Many have distinctive features that will help you name them regardless of the season. Click here for photos.
On April 24th, the Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter was honored to receive a
2013 Tri-County Environmental
Leadership Award!
Follow this link to view a recent Lansing State Journal article highlighting these awards.
2013 Tri-County Environmental
Leadership Award!
Follow this link to view a recent Lansing State Journal article highlighting these awards.
 Photo of the Karner
Blue Butterfly by "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region" Flickr.com Learn how you can help save the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. Volunteers are needed to help monitor populations and restore habitat in Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest. Download the file below for all the details.
|
 Trophies by
Brad Kozlek "Brad.K" Flickr.com Several Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter members received awards for their volunteer efforts at Fenner Nature Center this year. An article in the "Seasons" newsletter (below) has all the details. Congratulations to our outstanding members!
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