Get Back to Your Roots in 2019
There are a plethora of ways to try your hand at planting native this spring. Our county offers a wide range of resources, from workshops to discounted (or free) plants. Check out one of the options below!
SWCD Tree Sale: Final order by April 5; pick up April 13
The Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Tree Sale is an annual fundraiser for SWCD educational programs, outreach and other district needs. Ordering information can be found on the SWCD website. After April 13, leftover tree inventory will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the SWCD for availability at 574-267-7445 x3. The order form is located at kosciuskoswcd.org.
Native Planting at Winona Lake Limitless Park: May 14-15 (rain date May 16), (9am-12pm and 3pm-7pm)
We need you! Please join us in installing thousands of native plants to create a beautiful buffer along 500 feet of lakeshore, along Cherry Creek, and in a new rain garden to clean runoff from the parking lots. These plants are “clean water superheroes!” They filter polluted runoff, hold the shoreline in place with their deep roots, feed pollinators, and deter geese from hanging out in the park and polluting the lawn. We will provide snacks and refreshing beverages. Sign-up at tinyurl.com/plant-winona. For questions contact Lyn or Paige at The Watershed Foundation via admin@watershedfoundation.org or 574-834-3242.
Lakes Festival Native Plant Workshop: May 25, 2pm-3pm (pre-registration required)
Join the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and the City of Warsaw for a native plant workshop led by Mike Van Laeken, director of restoration services at Heartland Restoration Services, Inc., and Freya Berntson. You’ll learn about the benefits of planting native species and how to start and maintain a native garden. Then you’ll put together your own starter plot to take home! This workshop will take place at the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival at the Center Lake Pavilion. Register online to reserve your place. Sign-up at tinyurl.com/nativelakes.
WACF Lake Talk and Eats Native Plant Sale: June 5, 9am-11am
Enjoy a light breakfast in the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation pavilion while you learn the importance of native plants along your lake shore and in your landscape. After a short presentation, buy your plants from a variety of vendors. The first 50 people will receive a free native plant! We are located at 11586 N. SR 13 in Syracuse. No registration required.
CWP Native Plant Workshop: June 18, 7pm-8:30pm
One of the hottest current gardening trends is to plant a pollinator-friendly garden, which can play a significant role in nurturing pollinator species by providing food, water, shelter and habitat to complete their life cycles. This workshop will give homeowners tips on how to establish a pollinator area and provide pollinator 6-packs that will cover a 10 square foot plot with native plants. Limit 30 participants; pre-registration required. Contact Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District to register. 574-267-7445 x3
Cardno Open House: July 26, 9:30am-4pm
- Tour the nursery grounds and production facilities
- Take part in one of several engaging workshops or presentations led by industry notables
- Enjoy a catered lunch
- Buy native plants
- Discover new products
- Take a botanical tour
- …and network with your peers!
Keep an eye on the Facebook event for more details.
BONUS: Indiana Wildlife Federation Native Plant Sale: (May-November depending on availability) Order Online at indianawildlife.org.