The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation’s most beloved species — the monarch butterfly — and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific protections. Public comments will be […] Continue reading "Monarch Butterfly Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection"
International Crane Foundation Date & Time : Dec 12, 2024 11:00 AM The story of the Sandhill Crane is one of true conservation success. Only recently, the species—one of the oldest on the planet—was nearly extirpated (regionally extinct) in the Midwest and Wisconsin. Sandhill Cranes are thriving due to a mix of factors, including better […] Continue reading "Free Webinar: Helping Farmers, Saving Cranes"
Goldenrod belongs to the genus Solidago and encompasses over 100 species native to North America. Goldenrods host 104 species of caterpillars and 42 pollen-specialist bee species. The caterpillars are also important protein sources for many birds, especially for their young. Goldenrod’s nectar-rich flowers are a favorite among pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps and other beneficial […] Continue reading "Goldenrod – An Important Keystone plant"
If you’re a fan of monarch butterflies, meadow blazing star would be a great addition to your garden. Continue reading "Plant of the Month: Meadow Blazing Star"
Yellowjackets often come to mind whenever a person hears the word wasp; evoking images of ruined picnics and carcasses floating in drinks. In a recent study comparing peoples attitudes toward wasps and bees, the top five wasp descriptors were: sting, annoying, pain, nest and dangerous. See: “Why we love bees and hate wasps” However, the social […] Continue reading "In Defense of Wasps"
MRA Wild Ones is partnering with the Friends of Havenwoods to clean up and replant the native plant garden at the front entrance of the Nature Center. The garden was replanted shortly before the pandemic, but due to DNR staffing cuts, it has become over-grown with aggressive native roses and invasive plants. We hope through […] Continue reading "Volunteer Project – Havenwoods State Forest"
Redeemer United Church of Christ is hosting a FREE community event to celebrate the beauty of Redeemer UCC’s natural prairie. The four-acre prairie and six flowerbed gardens contain over 50 varieties of native plants and grasses. With all plants being native to Wisconsin, one can imagine what this area would have looked like to Native Americans and […] Continue reading "2024 Prairie Fest – July 27th"
We all know that planting native plants, reducing chemical use and replacing turfgrass are the best ways to help protect and restore biodiversity and nurture wildlife on our properties. Here are a few more steps you can take in your yard to help the natural world. Your yard can make a difference! Reduce landscape lighting as […] Continue reading "Sustainable Landscaping"
Presented by Heather Holm, The Pollination of Native Plants is a fascinating journey showcasing the development of different flower types and the presentation of floral resources to pollinators. Exploring the types of insect pollinators, their foraging behavior, and the floral features that attract pollinators, Holm provides many specific examples of how native plants are pollinated and what […] Continue reading "Free Webinar: The Pollination of Native Plants – 6/18"
Summer is a great time of year to visit local native/pollinator gardens to see a wide variety of sustainable landscape designs. In the Milwaukee area, there are plenty of gardens for inspiration. Some of the spaces are all native plantings; while others incorporate natives into more traditional landscapes. Here are a few spaces that we […] Continue reading "Need Design Inspiration? Visit Some Local Gardens!"