Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter 2023 Calendar of Events
To see events offered by all the Wild Ones chapters, follow this link.
In addition to the current WORCC programs, you can scroll down to see videos of past Zoom meetings. Enjoy!
In addition to the current WORCC programs, you can scroll down to see videos of past Zoom meetings. Enjoy!
Lots of interesting programs scheduled for the remainder of the year and beyond. See details below!
Ledges in Fitzgerald Park LadyDragonflyCC
Flickr.com
Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:30 - 4:30 pm EDT Note Date Change!
Guided Tour of Geological Formations at "The Ledges"
Fitzgerald Park, 133 Fitzgerald Park Dr., Grand Ledge, MI 48837 USA
Understanding Climate Change Through a Geological Lens
Join the Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter for a guided tour of “The Ledges” at Fitzgerald Park and Lincoln Brick Park in Grand Ledge Michigan. Ian Winkelstern, Ph.D., Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University will discuss the unique geology of the area.
The Ledges are unique in lower Michigan for being a rare exposure of 300+ million year old bedrock along the banks of the Grand River. There, sedimentary rock formed along the shore of an ancient sea during a time when local climate was warmer. Studying the exposed rock, full of fossils of ancient plants and animals, reveals details of this ancient environment and helps us understand how Earth’s climate has changed over time – including perhaps implications for current climate change.
Meet the group in the northeast corner of the large central parking area in Fitzgerald Park (2nd lot as you drive in). Click on this link to view a map of the park.
There will be an optional second segment at Lincoln Brick Park, 13991 Tallman Rd., Grand Ledge, MI 48837, for those who want to stay longer. Click on this link to view a map. Wear your hiking boots and bring a boot brush! Fitzgerald Park is full of invasive Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) that you will not want to trek home to your garden.
Note that portions will cover steep, uneven terrain and may be muddy. This event is open to the public.
Guided Tour of Geological Formations at "The Ledges"
Fitzgerald Park, 133 Fitzgerald Park Dr., Grand Ledge, MI 48837 USA
Understanding Climate Change Through a Geological Lens
Join the Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter for a guided tour of “The Ledges” at Fitzgerald Park and Lincoln Brick Park in Grand Ledge Michigan. Ian Winkelstern, Ph.D., Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University will discuss the unique geology of the area.
The Ledges are unique in lower Michigan for being a rare exposure of 300+ million year old bedrock along the banks of the Grand River. There, sedimentary rock formed along the shore of an ancient sea during a time when local climate was warmer. Studying the exposed rock, full of fossils of ancient plants and animals, reveals details of this ancient environment and helps us understand how Earth’s climate has changed over time – including perhaps implications for current climate change.
Meet the group in the northeast corner of the large central parking area in Fitzgerald Park (2nd lot as you drive in). Click on this link to view a map of the park.
There will be an optional second segment at Lincoln Brick Park, 13991 Tallman Rd., Grand Ledge, MI 48837, for those who want to stay longer. Click on this link to view a map. Wear your hiking boots and bring a boot brush! Fitzgerald Park is full of invasive Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) that you will not want to trek home to your garden.
Note that portions will cover steep, uneven terrain and may be muddy. This event is open to the public.
Black Swallow-Wortby Ingeborg van Leeuwen
Flickr.com
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Invasive Species Update
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's November meeting will feature guest speaker Michelle Beloskur via Zoom. Michelle is the Midwest Invasive Plant Network’s full-time Coordinator (MIPN.org). She will bring us up-to-speed on invasive plants that may be moving into our area, and those that are being tackled right now. She will have tips on what to watch for and what to do if you discover a new population of invasive plants. Watch this space for a Zoom registration link coming soon. This event is free and open to the public.
Invasive Species Update
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's November meeting will feature guest speaker Michelle Beloskur via Zoom. Michelle is the Midwest Invasive Plant Network’s full-time Coordinator (MIPN.org). She will bring us up-to-speed on invasive plants that may be moving into our area, and those that are being tackled right now. She will have tips on what to watch for and what to do if you discover a new population of invasive plants. Watch this space for a Zoom registration link coming soon. This event is free and open to the public.
Male Cardinal in Snowy Evergreenby William Klos "wjklos" Flickr.com
December 2023
No Meeting This Month
See you in January!
No Meeting This Month
See you in January!
Speaker Mike Weis in His First Native Garden
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Designing Native Plant Gardens: Minimizing the Error in "Trial and Error"
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's January meeting will feature guest speaker Mike Weis, owner of Dropseed! Native Gardens and Ecological Restoration in Kalamazoo MI. Whether you are wondering how to get started with native plant gardening or have years of experience, this program is sure to have something for everyone. Experienced native plant gardener and designer Mike Weis will take us through the steps in the first garden he ever installed, starting in 2005. He will present a slideshow of images of his garden through the years (shown in this photo, in 2010) to illustrate how some decisions/methods that were used worked well while others did not.
Check back for a Zoom registration link. This event is free and open to the public.
Designing Native Plant Gardens: Minimizing the Error in "Trial and Error"
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's January meeting will feature guest speaker Mike Weis, owner of Dropseed! Native Gardens and Ecological Restoration in Kalamazoo MI. Whether you are wondering how to get started with native plant gardening or have years of experience, this program is sure to have something for everyone. Experienced native plant gardener and designer Mike Weis will take us through the steps in the first garden he ever installed, starting in 2005. He will present a slideshow of images of his garden through the years (shown in this photo, in 2010) to illustrate how some decisions/methods that were used worked well while others did not.
Check back for a Zoom registration link. This event is free and open to the public.
Trillium and moreby Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Flickr.com
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Planting for Shade
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's February meeting will feature guest speaker Bill Schneider, Owner of Wildtype native plant nursery in Mason, Michigan.
“What should I plant and where should I plant it?” are the gardener’s eternal questions. The answers always depend upon three main features: light, soil and water. Shade is often considered the most challenging of the three. But there are all sorts of different shade conditions, with different implications. Tune in for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation on understanding the nuances of shade.
Check back for a Zoom registration link. This event is free and open to the public.
Planting for Shade
Zoom Format
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter's February meeting will feature guest speaker Bill Schneider, Owner of Wildtype native plant nursery in Mason, Michigan.
“What should I plant and where should I plant it?” are the gardener’s eternal questions. The answers always depend upon three main features: light, soil and water. Shade is often considered the most challenging of the three. But there are all sorts of different shade conditions, with different implications. Tune in for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation on understanding the nuances of shade.
Check back for a Zoom registration link. This event is free and open to the public.
Wetland Restorationby US Department of Agriculture
Flickr.com
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm EDT
Removing Invasives and Planting Natives to Protect Our Fresh Water
Michigan Nature Association Bldg., 2310 Science Pkwy #100, Okemos, MI 48864
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter March meeting will focus on protecting our precious water resources. Our guest speaker will be Paige Filice, Natural Resources Educator with Michigan State University Extension. She will highlight the value of native plants and how they can improve our waterways. This can include having buffer zones and natural shorelines along lakes and rivers. Rain gardens and bio-swales can be used to remove pollutants and slow the flow of storm water. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is important as well.
Join us and learn all the details. This event is free and open to the public.
Removing Invasives and Planting Natives to Protect Our Fresh Water
Michigan Nature Association Bldg., 2310 Science Pkwy #100, Okemos, MI 48864
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter March meeting will focus on protecting our precious water resources. Our guest speaker will be Paige Filice, Natural Resources Educator with Michigan State University Extension. She will highlight the value of native plants and how they can improve our waterways. This can include having buffer zones and natural shorelines along lakes and rivers. Rain gardens and bio-swales can be used to remove pollutants and slow the flow of storm water. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is important as well.
Join us and learn all the details. This event is free and open to the public.
Past Programs
 Spring Beautiesby khteWisconsin Flickr.com Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 7:00 pm EST
Spring Beauties: Native Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden Tired of tulips? Find daffodils dull? How about trying out some of Michigan's native spring ephemerals! From trout lilies to trillium, from the exotic to the familiar, explore some native alternatives for the spring garden with Cheryl M. English, Advanced Master Gardener and owner of Black Cat Pottery. Hope you can join us! To watch a recording of this webinar follow this link, or click on the following window. |
|
 Bath in the Lightby Martin Gommel Flickr.com Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 7:00 pm EST
Forest Bathing: A Nature Boost We all know we feel better after a walk in the woods. The Japanese call this Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," simply spending time in nature to relax, rejuvenate, and reduce stress. Join us for this Zoom program to learn more about how and why immersion in nature increases our sense of well-being. Our virtual guest speakers will be Maureen Stine, Certified Environmental Educator with Natureology.me and Georgia Peterson, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University. Hope you can join us! To watch a recording of this webinar follow this link, or click on the following window. |
|
 Asian Jumping Wormby Tom Potterfield Flickr.com Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 7:00 pm EST
Exotic Invasive Earthworms in Michigan: Asian Jumping Worms Asian Jumping Worms have recently been found in the Greater Lansing area. They are much more destructive to plants and soil than other earthworms. Our virtual guest speaker will be Scott Tiegs, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences at Oakland University. He and his colleague, Holly Greiner-Hallman, first found Jumping Worms in the Oakland University Biological Preserve in 2008 and can help us learn what to look for and how to avoid moving them around. Join us for this interesting and important talk. To watch a recording of this webinar follow this link, or click the following window. |
|