Native Plant Workshop November 12
INDIANA POLLINATORS NEED A BOOST
Native Plant Workshop Offers Solutions for Indiana Homeowners, Business Owners
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Little River Wetlands Project, and Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, Northeast Chapter (NE–INPAWS) offer area homeowners and business owners the opportunity to enrich Indiana’s diverse ecology by attending the Native Plant Workshop, Saturday, November 12, 2016.
What: Native Plant Workshop
When: Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11AM-2PM
Where: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost: $5 registration fee to the Botanical Conservatory, lunch included
Sign Up: Required. Contact the Fort Wayne Parks Department at 260.427.6000. Deadline to register is November 3, 2016.
Takeaway: Free native seed packet
Parking: The Botanical Conservatory will validate parking when attendees use the Civic Center Parking Garage, located on the northeast corner of Jefferson and Calhoun Streets.
Workshop participants will learn from Indiana experts how to:
• Understand why native plants are critical to a healthy, diverse Indiana ecology.
• Recognize, remove, and manage invasive species lurking in Indiana’s backyards and business landscapes.
• Create simple, pollinator-friendly corridors by using native plants in landscaping.
Who benefits: Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Landowners
Invasive species, such as Bradford pear and garlic mustard, are taking a tremendous toll on Indiana’s ecology. Betsy Yankowiak, preserves and programs director for Little River Wetlands Project, says landowners are surprised to learn they currently host one or more destructive invasive species on their property.
“Once landowners understand the benefits of native species, they become empowered to create pockets of natural habitat,” says Yankowiak. “Our native species already know how to thrive in Indiana’s temperamental weather conditions. Landowners benefit by watering less and attracting more wildlife.”
Native plants filter pollutants and hold on to soil better so waterways become cleaner and less bogged down with soil runoff. Landowners often report a return of bees, butterflies, and birds.
Need more information? Email Betsy Yankowiak at b.yankowiak@lrwp.org.
Preregistration Required by November 3
To pre-register, contact the Fort Wayne Parks Department at 260-427-6000.