PIW - Plant It Wild

06/05/2026

Join Plant It Wild at Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary in the Huron Manistee Forest for a guided hike from 11-12:30 on June 10. This is a special opportunity to learn about a variety of plant communities protected in a joint effort of the Michigan Garden Clubs and the US Forest Service. We will be picnicing at the shelter afterwards. Watch the video to be inspired!

Field Trip
June 10, Wednesday, 11am to 12:30pm
Guided Hike at Loda Lake in the Manistee
National Forest
Leader:: Carolyn Henne
Location: 4794 N F***h Ave, White Cloud,
GPS Coordinates: W:85.83088
N:43638028

Find the video HERE:

Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary is a 72-acre natural area within the Manistee National Forest in west-central lower Michigan. The roots of our commitment, to teaching about and reinforcing the importance of the world of pollinators, are firmly imbedded in our ongoing su...

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

This is one of my very favorite part-shade, shade plant.

Perhaps because it took me so long to find it back in 2007. It is available now from many growers.

Native Plant Sale Species Highlight:
Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)
Order now through June 13
https://rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org/shop/

Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture: Wet, Medium-Wet, Medium
Soil: Loam preferred, but tolerates a wide range of soils.
Height: 4 feet
Bloom Season: July, August
Bloom Color: Green
Fruit: Maroon

Spikenard is a showy perennial that has green flowers and attractive maroon berries. The berries are inedible to humans, but loved by birds. It is a large plant for a shaded area, so broad that it could be confused for a woodland shrub, but it dies back each fall and emerges from the ground each Spring. Spikenard blooms from July to August when many woodland plants have finished flowering. Best planted in areas sheltered from strong winds to help protect the large compound leaves. Spikenard can be difficult to move once the plant is established. Since it is a taller, wider plant, be careful if planting next to smaller plants; it may soon overwhelm them. Also known as American Spikenard, it is a close relative of Wild Sarsaparilla.

Photo credit: Rob-Routledge-Sault-College-Bugwood.org

05/31/2026

Be there, or be square!

Have you ever attended our annual Native Plant Social? It’s a day at the nursery when shoppers have access to our local experts on all things habitat, ecology, gardening, and invasive species management. Everyone has a chance to enter raffles for free native plants and trees!

Dr. Josh Shields and the Manistee Conservation District are on hand to talk about your land and share their valuable resources.

Carolyn Henne is our favorite botanist and she represents the US Forest Service. Carolyn is involved in some of the most important habitat work through the Manistee National Forest.

Saving Birds Through Habitat is a Leelanau County based organization with an ecological mission focused on protecting habitat for migratory birds. The folks from Saving Birds have lots of great ideas for attracting birds to your own landscape and heal the land.

Shelley Stusick heads the Go Beyond Beauty program and is a wealth of knowledge regarding invasive species management as well as maintaining native gardens and healthy habitat.

Plant It Wild is a native plant advocacy group intended to serve Manistee and Benzie counties. It’s membership includes some of our best and most experienced native plant gardeners. The PIW volunteers are on hand to help you plan your garden spaces or find just the right plant solution to your problem.

05/30/2026

Do you have a young nature-lover who's interested in learning about birds? 🐦️⁠
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Join us this Saturday for our docent-guided "Bird Detectives" hike at Lighthouse West! ⁠
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Bird migration is in full swing, and this free, family-friendly nature hike will teach participants how to spot and identify a variety of species. ⁠
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When: Saturday, May 23 | 9:30 a.m.⁠
Where: Lighthouse West Natural Area, Northport⁠
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Sign up here: leelanauconservancy.org/events/bird-detectives-nature-hike-for-young-explorers
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📸: Indigo Bunting by Sheen Watkins Photography

05/30/2026

The invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an emerging threat to Ontario’s horticulture industry and natural areas. Although there are no confirmed established populations in Ontario at this time, SLF has caused widespread impacts in several nearby U.S. states. Awareness and early detection are key to helping prevent its spread.

Be on the lookout for egg masses and nymphs in the wild, and all life stages on imported goods. Be sure to inspect outdoor surfaces such as patio furniture, fences, vehicles, and equipment, where egg masses may be found.
If you spot SLF at any life stage, remember:

🔍 SPOT IT
Learn how to identify SLF and stay alert in outdoor spaces and on transported materials.

📸 SNAP IT
Take clear photos of the insect or egg mass to support identification.

🫙 CATCH IT
If possible, safely collect or destroy the insect or egg mass.

📢 REPORT IT
Report sightings to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Learn more about Spotted Lanternfly here: https://bit.ly/38TXN38

05/30/2026

Happy Fun Fact Friday! 🎉 If you love learning fun and slightly wild facts about invasive species, you’re in the right place.⁠ ⁠

Today’s star: Hydrilla. Did you know that hydrilla can be found on every continent except Antarctica? This fast-growing aquatic invasive species spreads easily through boating and recreation equipment, and even small fragments can grow into entirely new plants.

Want to help stop the spread? Remember to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment before and after every adventure on the water. 💧🚤

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QdFor3

05/30/2026

Our annual gathering of the like-minded and habitat conscious is on June 12 this year. We’re calling it the Native Plant Social! Put it on your calendar and stop through to see all these wonderful organizations and get free advice on your garden from Plant It Wild!

05/29/2026

Native plants are the natural choice for low-maintenance, healthy gardens that work with nature instead of against it. These nurseries can help you start restoring your own little patch of the planet. Our favorites include Sow Wild Natives in Kansas City, Missouri, and Native Roots Nursery in South....

05/29/2026

Hello Friends!

This is a not-to-be-missed EVENT!