Teaching Tools

PowerPoint presentations

An Introduction to Natural Enemies for Biological Control of Pest Insects

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about natural enemies for biological control of pest insects.
Michigan Native Plants to Provide Resources for Beneficial Insects

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about Michigan native plants to provide resources for beneficial insects
Common Bees in Michigan

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about common bees in Michigan.
Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about beneficial insects with native plants.

Visit our Videos and Webinars page for informational videos on native plants and more.

Listen to an interview with Anna Fielder, one of out Native Plants website authors, titled Bats, Native Plants and Earth Friendly Organizations. This broadcast is brought to you by blogtalkradio.com.

Looking for smart ways to incorporate native plants in your garden or support pollinators in your backyard? Visit MSU's Gardening in Michigan's Smart Gardening Resources page for tip sheets, videos and more on Smart Gardening to protect pollinators, smart plants, smart vegetables, smart lawns and smart soils.

These publications from MSU Extension are helpful in planning native plant habitats that support beneficial species.

Smart Shorelands: Soak Up the Rain with a Smart Rain Garden

Published on January 4, 2024
Beautify your yard and neighborhood while helping the environment with a rain garden.
Smart Shorelands: Stormwater Solutions for Protecting Your Waterfront

Published on January 4, 2024
Not only can smart stormwater practices improve water quality, they can also enhance the natural beauty of your landscape, improve wildlife habitat, and conserve water.
Smart Gardening: Trees and Shrubs Suitable for Michigan Landscapes

Published on December 20, 2023
Beyond the popular array of easy-to-find exotic plants, there are many native plants that can provide natural beauty and enhanced habitat for wildlife.
Smart Lakefront Plants

Published on December 20, 2023
What lakefront property owner wouldn’t appreciate the pristine, relaxing environment found right at the water’s edge?
Bees of the Great Lakes Region and Wildflowers to Support Them

Published on September 9, 2021
This pocket-sized, 110-page guide introduces bees of the Great Lakes region and their favored native plants – wildflowers.
Establishing Wildflower Habitat to Support Pollinators of Michigan Fruit Crops (E3360)

Published on July 26, 2017
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for establishing a perennial wildflower planting to support pollinators of Michigan perennial fruit crops.
Growing milkweeds for monarch butterflies

Published on June 10, 2016
This two-page tip sheet includes colorful pictures of milkweeds and explains how you can support the survival of monarch butterflies by growing milkweeds in your home landscape or garden.
Identifying Natural Enemies in Crops and Landscapes

Published on November 11, 2015
This is a pocket IPM scouting guide.
Conserving Native Bees on Farmland

Published on November 10, 2015
Another colorful, four-page fact sheet for farmers of insect-pollinated crops. Includes native bee biology with practical advice for increasing native bee abundance on farms. Order E2985 from MSU Extension Bookstore.
Don't Pick Poison: When Gathering Mushrooms for Food in Michigan

Published on November 10, 2015
The ultimate decision whether to eat a wild mushroom is yours. MSU, the Michigan Department of Public Health, the authors of the publication and those contributing to the subject assume no responsibility for the safety or well-being of mushroom collectors.
Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants

Published on November 10, 2015
Conservation of natural enemies of insects (predators and parasitoids) and pollinators (bees) around the farm or garden can help suppress pests and increase crop yields. Many beneficial insects rely on plants for nectar and pollen or shelter.
Building a Sustainable Future: Ecologically Based Farming Systems

Published on October 27, 2015
A publication about natural systems and how they affect one's management practices.
An Introduction to Natural Enemies for Biological Control of Pest Insects

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about natural enemies for biological control of pest insects.
Michigan Native Plants to Provide Resources for Beneficial Insects

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about Michigan native plants to provide resources for beneficial insects
Common Bees in Michigan

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about common bees in Michigan.
Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants

A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about beneficial insects with native plants.