MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Schoolcraft Conservation District is hosting its annual Native Plant Sale.
Pre-orders are now open online at schoolcraftcd.org. Pickup will take place during the District’s annual meeting at the Manistique Farmers Market in Triangle Park on August 27. A variety of plants are available, including black-eyed Susans, cardinal flowers, wild columbine, and grasses like little bluestem.
Conservation District Communications Coordinator Sara Solberg says native habitats are crucial for the health of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They also serve as food sources for both animals and humans.
“About two-thirds of the food that we consume is a direct result of pollination, so they are very important in that sense,” said Solberg. “They are also adapted to the environment so they don’t need a lot of care. You can plant them and kind of let them do their own thing. They’re incredibly easy to grow, so they’re very good for anyone who’s looking for a low-maintenance plant.”
The District is also preparing to host other public events in the coming weeks. A tree care workshop is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, followed by a mushroom foraging workshop on September 6. Solberg says the workshops are fun ways for Schoolcraft County residents to get involved in local conservation efforts.
“A lot of people, when they think of caring for the environment and ecosystems, they think on a global scale,” she said. “That is very valid, but it’s equally important to protect local ecosystems and environments. Things like helping pollinators in your own community can go a long way to solving those bigger issues.”
For details on upcoming events, click here or follow the Schoolcraft Conservation District on Facebook. To shop the Native Plant Sale, click here.