News

Monarch butterfly 2017 update in Michigan

Published on October 5, 2017
Monarch populations are increasing in Michigan, but they are still low due to factors including milkweed quality and predators. We are interested to hear if you’ve seen organisms preying on monarch eggs and caterpillars.
Garden smarter with Michigan State University Extension programs

Published on August 14, 2017
If you haven’t heard of Michigan State University Extension’s Smart Gardening initiative, its goal is to promote earth friendly and sustainable practices that will save gardeners time, effort and money.
Water gardeners beware: Keep nature and your landscape separate

Published on June 27, 2017
Safely add water features to your yard without adding risks to the environment.
Making your native plant choices for Michigan inland lake shorelines

Published on May 1, 2017
Protecting water quality means protecting inland lake shorelines from erosion and stormwater runoff. Restoring inland lake shorelines means selecting and planting the shoreline with Michigan native plants.
New landscape shrubs revealed at Smart Gardening Conference

Published on February 17, 2017
Get a sneak peak of the 2017 ColorChoice shrubs to grace your landscape with at the Smart Gardening Conference on March 4 in Grand Rapids.
Smart Gardening to support monarchs

Published on January 6, 2017
Support monarchs with a season-long display of flowering trees, shrubs and perennials in your yard. Include milkweed for the caterpillars.
Combing through Michigan’s pollinator planning efforts

Published on November 21, 2016
Why are so many Michigan pollinator planning efforts being developed? Let’s take a closer look at three programs and plans currently forming.
Why so few monarchs this season?

Published on July 26, 2016
Monarch populations appear to be down this year in Michigan. Here’s why and what you can do to help.
Beneficial insects can contribute to natural pest suppression

Published on July 13, 2016
Xerces Society offers conservation biocontrol short course at Kellogg Biological Station July 25, 2016.
Discover best plants to support beneficial insects at upcoming field day

Published on July 12, 2016
Register to attend this Aug. 2, 2016, field day where MSU researchers will demonstrate optimal plants for season-long support of crop pollinators and biocontrol agents.