Wildflowers for Wildlife

by Jim Dittmann
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By: Discover Dodge Tourism – Juneau, WI

Are you yearning for spring? Do you wish you could have a beautiful garden that is bursting with color all season long? Are you looking for a way to attract butterflies, birds and pollinating insects to your yard? Then mark your calendars for Saturday, May 14th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the third annual “Wildflowers for Wildlife” event at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.

“Wildflowers for Wildlife: Enhancing Your Own Backyard” is an event hosted by the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. They have partnered with Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries and Applied Ecological Services for a native plant sale that will help enhance your backyard, schoolyard, park or natural area and in turn, benefit wildlife. 

At the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center located on Hwy. 28, there will be a native plant sale, displays and consultants available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A wildflower walk to look for woodland wildflowers will take place from 9:30  to 10:30 a.m. The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center located on Hwy. Z will hold native landscape demonstration tours between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Why native plants? Native landscaping restores ecosystems that once covered the Midwestern landscape but are now reduced to small parcels. Once native plants are restored, birds, mammals, reptiles and beneficial insects return as well. Native plants also enrich the soil, decrease run-off and filter pollution. In the long run, native landscaping can save money annually in maintenance costs. Native plants have developed to thrive in a specific environment which means less watering, fertilizer and time.

Native landscapes offer hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to learn about habitats and ecosystems. A native landscape also provides the ideal setting for bird and butterfly watching, photography and nature walks.

Native plants are available for pre-order until March 18, 2016. Pre-order forms and additional information can be found at www.horiconmarsh.org or by calling 920-387-7893. Plants will also be for sale the day of the event. The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725, Hwy. 28 in Horicon, WI.

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