MSU Extension Offering Native Plant Kits, Registration Required
(Oakland County Parks, May 22, 2024)
Ferndale, Waterford, MI – Oakland County Parks, in partnership with Michigan State University Extension and the City of Ferndale, will host its fifth Native Plant Event in June. Preregistration for the free plant kits begins today. The MSU Extension registration link will open at 6 p.m. May 22 and remain open until all plant kits are reserved. More than 600 native plant kits will be distributed.
Interested persons must register in advance to pick up their plant kit from 4-6 p.m. June 7 at the Oakland County Farmers Market or from 9-11 a.m. June 8 at Ferndale High School.
One free plant kit is available per household. It is recommended that interested persons register early as plant kits have sold out in the past. These pre-assembled collections of plants are native to Michigan and grown by a local plant nursery.
In addition to distribution of the free native plant kits, participants attending the June events will have the opportunity to engage with local conservation and garden organizations on native plants, pollinators, invasive species and other natural resources topics.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners established the Native Plants Event in 2020 to raise awareness of the ecological benefits of native plants. Oakland County Parks and its partners are continuing the effort in 2024.
Research shows that native species are more adept at fostering biodiversity, protecting local habitat and attracting wildlife – including ever-important pollinators. The deep roots of native plants means they will need less maintenance once established, requiring less watering in the hot summer months and no need for fertilizer or chemicals to thrive, resulting in reduced negative environmental impacts.
