August Environment Report by Denise Clegg In a June 2019 article in Forbes Magazine with the above name, author Jeff McMahon discusses three unusual ways to affect climate change. His source is Project Drawdown a world-class research and communication organization which serves as a non-partisan, noncommercial, highly trusted source of solutions to reverse global warming. …
What can we do to preserve pollinators?
According to the website http://metroparent.com there are some rather easy actions that we can take to preserve pollinators in our gardens. Stop buying plants pretreated with neonicotinoids. Treated pants are primarily sold at big box stores. These insecticides are sprayed onto seeds and are effective for up to 10 weeks. They were seen as less …
Floral Design Tips Learned at the 2019 MGC Convention
by Jeanette Meyer Garden Council members I learned some fun and helpful hints from one of the speakers, William Santos, who is owner of Monarch Garden & Floral Design in Petoskey, while attending the MGC state meeting. I would like to share these with you. I know you are an experienced and knowledgeable group, but …
Invasive Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe that invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts forest biodiversity. In some woodlands, dense stands of garlic mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like spring beauty, trilliums and trout lilies. Other research points toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health. …
Top Five Environmental Concerns for 2019
The top 5 environmental concerns for 2019 are: Biodiversity Water Deforestation Pollution Climate Change Biodiversity is the complex system of the environment having an impact directly and indirectly on every other thing. In the March report I reported on the stone fly, a seemingly insignificant insect. I reported on that to demonstrate how a small …
Having a Healthy Lawn While Being Environmentally Sound
April Environmental Report written by Denise Clegg My husband has often said he didn’t go to college to be a grass farmer. However, much of his leisure time is spent taking care of the lawn. The perfect lawn is not a priority in retirement. So, I’m hoping that I can impart some wisdom from the …
Michigan Master Naturalist Program
This program is open to anyone who has an interest in the great out of doors! Participants in the “Michigan Master Naturalist” program will gain a greater understanding of the natural environment and conservation techniques while learning the flora native to Michigan. Throughout the program, local volunteer opportunities may become apparent. Participants can take an …
Just added to the Council Shop! March 2019
Crowning Glory floral spray is the spray used at our Greens Sale to preserve the fresh greens arrangements. We are offering a 16 oz. spray bottle for $3.00, a significant savings over retail price! The bottle comes pre-mixed and ready to use. Also, as an eco-friendly bonus, you can bring back the empty spray bottle …
Consequences of Seemingly Harmless Activity
Are you planning a vacation this year? Going to do some hiking? Have you seen the signs for leave no trace. “Please take nothing but photos leave nothing but footprints,” they say. Or, “pack it in pack it out.” You get the idea. According to information in an m-live article rock stacking is causing environmental …
We’re Losing Monarch Butterflies Fast- Here’s Why
It’s not too late to save them, but it’s a question of whether we make the effort, scientists say. 6 MINUTE READBY CARRIE ARNOLD PUBLISHED DECEMBER 21, 2018 https://apple.news/Aa1Z3g8Y4SQW33KAhsvQI9Q
