Announcements
Books of the Month (September, 2025)
Grow a garden for cutting, install a water garden or read about why gardeners garden in this month’s selected books.
Rare rusty-patched bumblebee found in Kalamazoo County
A rare species of bumblebee thought to be extinct in Michigan was recently rediscovered in Kalamazoo.
Books of the Month (August, 2025)
Did you know that our Blanche Babcok library has a wonderful selection of books about Native Plants and Composting? We want to highlight three of these books today.
How To Trim Microplastics From Your Life
Researchers are showing that microplastics can make their way into the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and have found that microplastic levels are higher in the brains of people with dementia.
Find out how to reduce your exposure.
Books of the Month (May, 2025)
Check out these books about Native Plants and the Environment in our private library!
2024 Spotted Lanternfly Tracking
The rapidly spreading spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) but also feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapevines and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple.
2024 Flower Show Results
Here are the results from the 2024 NGC Standard Flower Show that was presented by the Kalamazoo Garden Council in September.
Why Plant Native?
If you’ve heard about the movement to plant more native species but wonder why is it important, the following resources will answer your questions!
Dr Barkman’s DIY Deer Repellent
Dr Todd Barkman, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University,shares his deer repellent recipe with us.
June 17-23, 2024 Michigan Pollinator Week
Governor Whitmer declares June 17-23, 2024 to be Michigan Pollinator Week
Endangered and Threatened Species in Michigan
Dr. Todd Barkman shares a list from the MSU Extension of Endangered and Threatened Species in Michigan.
About the Hazel Wirick Scholarship
An annual scholarship in memory of founder and past president, Hazel Wirick, is presented to a WMU student.
The Importance of Pollinators by Dr. Jeanette Meyer
Did you know that 1/3 of our food is dependent on pollinators which are threatened by climate change?
Western Hills Garden at KGC House
A photo of the Western Hills garden is featured on the cover of the MGC Garden Gate newsletter.
Memory Lane Dedication
The Memorial Garden honors and remembers those who have contributed so much to this organization and to this property.
What are Keystone Native Plants and Why are They so Important?
14% of native plants (the keystones) support 90% of butterfly and moth lepidoptera species.
