Due to the current recommendations from the state government and concern for the health and safety for attendees, I regret to inform you that the WMNLA board has decided to cancel March Garden Day this coming weekend,
We ask for your patience as we work to issue refunds and work on alternative plants. We are unsure at this point if the event will be rescheduled for another date later this year. Please stay tuned.
Best regards,
Keith Hogan
WMNLA President
“Hemlocks and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Research in West Michigan”
presented by
Dr Alexandra Locher, Grand Valley State University
at Opel Growers, Hudsonville, MI
Wednesday, December 11th
11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
At Opel Growers
6275 Tyler St
Hudsonville, MI 49417
Please RSVP by December 6th
wmnla2013@gmail.com or 616-402-4885
Dr. Alexandra Locher, Forestry Dept., Grand Valley State University graduated with a PhD from Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in 2008, and then landed a faculty position in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Arkansas – Monticello. In 2011, Dr Locher came to Grand Valley State University where she focused her research on understanding how forest management practices impact wildlife species and communities. Dr Locher has expertise in wildlife biology and management, forest ecosystem management, and applications of geographic information systems to natural resources questions. Current projects are largely based on using remotely sensed data from satellites to model and predict characteristics of forests.
Dr Locher will be talking about some of her current projects focusing on mapping hemlock trees in west Michigan. She is actively working with the Ottawa Conservation District and West Michigan CISMA to combat the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in Michigan. Hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive insect that feeds on hemlock trees, which eventually kills them. As hemlocks provide many ecological functions and services including carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and dune stabilization, losing them would be devastating to Michigan. Dr Locher and her students are developing models using high resolution aerial imagery to predict locations of hemlocks and facilitate early detection of HWA and rapid treatment response to ultimately conserve hemlock forests in Michigan.
Lunch is provided by Opel Growers, tours of Opel Growers are available following the meeting. For more information about Opel Growers go to www.Opel Growers.com.
Lawrence Williams, Manzana LLC will be presenting a program about the basics of hiring H2A workers.
Lawrence Williams is the owner of Manzana LLC, a farm labor contractor that provides farm labor services to growers around the country. He provides labor services to a wide variety of agricultural clients, including farms, nurseries, and greenhouses. In addition to recruiting domestic workers, Lawrence utilizes the H-2A non-immigrant visa program to legally bring workers from Mexico into the United States. He has used the H-2A non-immigrant visa program since 2007 and has developed an expertise in successfully navigating it for his client’s benefit. Last year his company brought over 600 workers from Mexico to conduct agricultural work. Members and guest are welcome.
Wednesday, November 13th
11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
At Grand Haven Community Center
421 Columbus
Grand Haven, MI 49417
RSVP by November 8th
Let us know you are coming so our hosts can prepare!
WMNLA member businesses & staff are welcomed!
RSVP to Pam Cater at
(616) 402-4885 or wmnla2013@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 9, 2019, Dr. Chad Rigsby, ‘Shrub and Ornamental Pruning and the Importance of a Healthy Root System’ at Muskegon Community College, Rm 2323, Stevenson Center, 221 S. Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Lawrence Williams, Manzana LLC,’H2A: Explanation and Staffing’ at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven, Mi.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 ‘Invasive Tree Species’ presented by Dr. Alexandra Locher, Forestry Dept., Grand Valley State University. at Opel Growers, 6275 Tyler St., Hudsonville MI. Lunch provided by Opel Growers
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 ‘The Oz Project’, Allsion Jesky, Hope College. Legislative Updates Amy Upton, Executive Director, MNLA at Hope College, Maas’ Center, 264 Columbia, Holland, MI.
Wednesday, February 8, 2020, Program presented by Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan State Police
at Michigan Wood Fibers, 9426 Henry St, Zeeland, MI 49464 Lunch provided by West Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association
All meetings eligible for CPIG Credit
Meeting time 11:30 a.m.
To RSVP: Text or call 616-402-4885, email: wmnla2013@gmail.com
View exhibits, indoor gardens and Silent Auction.
“Gardening for Pollinators” with Joseph Tychoneivich.
Joseph is a lifelong gardener and lover of plants. Joseph earned his degree in horticulture from Ohio State University and worked at specialty/rare plant nurseries in Michigan and Japan. Joseph was named by Organic Gardening Magazine as one of six young horticulturists who are helping to shape how America gardens. He is the author of ‘Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener’ and ‘Rock Gardening: Re-imagining a Classic Style’ Joseph will share practical ideas about attracting pollinators and ways to approach creating gardens that are both beautiful and full of rich insect diversity.
“The Theory and Practice of Organic Gardening” with Greg Dunn.
Gregory and his wife Michelle started Blackbird Farms in 2013 where they grow certified naturally grown produce for local farmers markets and their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Starting from the ground up, Greg will teach us how to grow food that is healthy for you and the environment. Greg will include tips on preparing the site, amending soil, how to select the best varieties and rotating crops. Greg will also show techniques to prevent problems and how to respond to them.
“Fungal Wonders: Adventures with a Mycophile” with Nicole Mathiasz, Advanced Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, State of Michigan certified Wild Mushroom Expert.
“Pruning like a Pro”, with Stacey Hirvela, Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs
“Invasive Plants: Think Environmentally, Plant Responsibly” with Chris Howe, Hortech, Inc.
“Start Your Garden from Seed” with Julie Francke, Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
“Yoga for Gardeners”, with Kathi Skorupski, Yoga fit instructor for 19 years. Learn how to garden smarter and healthier with simple yoga moves.
“Rock Gardening: Re-imagining a Classic Style” with Joseph Tychonievich. This approach to gardening is water-wise, perfect for small gardens, and for gardeners interested in exploring a whole new group of plants. Joseph will share beautiful images of rock gardens to inspire, the principles of creating rock gardens and an introduction to some of the most beautiful and easy to grow plants.
Print and submit this form with check and mail to: WMNLA PO Box 96, West Olive, MI 49460 or submit payment online.