The speaker was Cheryl Gross, President of Plant It Wild, who spoke about “Growing Native Plants: Where, Why and How.” Cheryl’s message is that native plants feed native pollinators, who in turn pollinate our food supply.

 

Homeowners often select plants based on looks or ease of care, incorrectly believing that all plants are beneficial to the ecosystems that support pollinators.  However, non-native plants offer very little to native pollinators and can be harmful. As more non-native plants are introduced into our environment, their is less room for native plants, which contributes to the decline of pollinators.

 

Cheryl’s presentation included slides of plants and flowers that she has in her own yard.  She offered several suggestions as to which native trees and plants support Manistee County pollinators. Cheryl talked about ways to create a pollinator-friendly yard without offending your neighbors, who might not understand the need for natives.  The suggestions are available at plantitwild.net.