MSU Extension Native Plants and Ecosystem Services

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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Smart Gardening: Trees and shrubs suitable for Michigan landscapes

  Published on May 11, 2016
  Beautiful landscapes begin with a strong foundation of woody trees and shrubs.

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  Smart lakefront plants

  Published on May 10, 2016
  What lakefront property owner wouldn’t appreciate the pristine, relaxing environment found right at the water’s edge?

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  Identifying Natural Enemies in Crops and Landscapes (E2949)

  Published on November 11, 2015
  This is a pocket IPM scouting guide.

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  Conserving Native Bees on Farmland (E2985)

  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.

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  Don't Pick Poison: When Gathering Mushrooms for Food in Michigan (E2777)

  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.

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  Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants (E2973)

  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.

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  Building a Sustainable Future: Ecologically Based Farming Systems (E2983)

  Published on October 27, 2015
  A publication about natural systems and how they affect one's management practices.

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  Native Plants and Ecosystems Services: Producing Win-Win Solutions for Agriculture (E3167)

  Published on April 2, 2012
  This brochure explains the many benefits of growing native plants in a variety of settings (agricultural, urban, suburban, and semi-natural and natural landscapes).

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  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.

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  Michigan Native Plants to Provide Resources for Beneficial Insects

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

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  Common Bees in Michigan

  A PowerPoint presentation for teaching about common bees in Michigan.

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  Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants

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