MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers teach Michigan residents about environmentally sound horticultural practices including proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, water conservation, identification and management of invasive pests and plants, the benefits of native plants, and gardening for pollinators.
The resources below can be used by MSU EMGs to share information with the public to learn more about becoming better environmental stewards. Many of the categories overlap with each other— for example, if you’re working on shoreline restoration, you may also want to review the resources for native and invasive species.
Some of these resources are handouts, while others are websites or videos that you can easily share with clients. Still others are learning opportunities you can pass along to the public, such as the MSU Conservation Stewards program.
Raingardens
- Smart Gardening tip sheet
- The Rain Garden: An informative guide - Brochure developed by MSU Extension and MSU Tollgate Gardens
Native plants
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/going_native_can_be_a_smart_choice_for_michigan_landscapeslants
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_trees_and_shrubs_for_michigan_landscapes
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-identifying-the-oaks-of-michigan
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/trees-shrubs/selection
Invasive species
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart-gardening-to-prevent-oak-wilt
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/understanding_and_managing_invasive_plant_species
Protecting water
Smart Gardening tip sheets:
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Fertilizer_BasicsRS.pdf
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/uploads/files/DontGuessSoilTest_AA%20(2)%20(1).pdf
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/uploads/files/Frogs-shorelands_AA.pdf
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Fertilizers_Vegetable_GardenWeb.pdf
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_soils_what_you_can_do_to_reduce_phosphorus
What can you do to be Phosphorus Smart?
Conserving water
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/drought_tolerant_plants_save_water_money_and_time
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/smart-plants
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