Go Wild with Native Plants at May 25 Conservation Chat

We all know the saying: April showers bring May flowers. And those flowers have even more benefits when they are native plants.

April is Native Plant Month, which makes this time of year a great time to think about the importance of native plants. That’s why Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is planning a Plants Gone Wild Conservation Chat on May 25 at Forbes Farmstead Market in Perrysville.

“Native plants offer a whole host of benefits to the landscape, from providing a food source for local pollinators to increasing biodiversity,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director.

Native plants are those that are naturally occurring to a region or habitat; they are the same plants that would be grown in our area hundreds of years ago, plants like common milkweed, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susans and wild strawberries. Participants in the Conservation Chat will learn more about native and invasive plants from local botanists and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists Tim and Paula Lacey. They will also learn what natives are beneficial to have around your home.

Denise Ellsworth from Ohio State University will also be on hand to help participants learn more about local pollinators, pollinator-friendly plants and how to include them in your landscape.

And finally, Danny Johnson from J & H Lawn Care will share his knowledge about plant types and maintenance.

Registration for the chat is $10 and includes dinner as well as an opportunity to participate in a native plant swap with other participants. Participants can also pre-order a rain barrel kit or a rain barrel kit and barrel and have them delivered to the Conservation Chat.

The Plants Gone Wild Conservation Chat will take place at 6 p.m. at Forbes Farmstead Market on May 25. Pre-registration is required. Registration can be made online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-plants-gone-wild-tickets-529683897797 or at the Ashland SWCD office.