Nature Niche

08/09/2026

Happy Monday! This week I share another fantastic wildflower, bee balm or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). This species does well across a variety of site conditions and offers lots of pollinator support, including nectar for our ruby-throated hummingbirds during prime nesting season. I hope you consider adding this adaptable prairie plant to your sunny pollinator pockets, bird oases, and rain gardens!

This week I share another fantastic wildflower, bee balm or wild be...

08/07/2026

Come see us at Dow Gardens Education Center today 10am-noon for the Viva la Pollination event.

08/06/2026

Share your sightings!

There are just a few days left in the 2026 Monarch Blitz!

From now through Sunday, help us find monarch butterflies! How many observations of monarch butterflies and milkweed plants can you share between now and the end of Sunday, Aug. 9?

Your observations provide a valuable snapshot of the monarch butterfly activity during one of their peak breeding periods. Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun outdoors with family and friends while helping provide data for monarch community science.

Get involved by reporting your observations of monarchs and milkweed plants on the Journey North website!

08/06/2026

A shameless plug for the value of wetland habitats for monarchs and other pollinators :)

08/03/2026

Happy Monday and Happy August! As we gear up for our next native plant sale, let me share an under-appreciated Monarda species, Monarda punctata, aka horsemint, spotted bee balm, and dotted mint. See this lovely pollinator powerhouse plant blooming in all its glory in the Nature Niche dry sand prairie and learn about its numerous wildlife values and human uses.

This week I share an under-appreciated Monarda species, Monarda pun...

08/03/2026

A productive and fun work day :)

07/26/2026

Happy Monday! This week I share a targeted goat grazing project at Little Forks Conservancy's (LFC) Nelson Woods Preserve in Midland, MI. The adorable mixed-breed goat herd from Sandhill Farms is working hard to help knock back invasive woody vegetation, including oriental bittersweet, Japanese barberry, and autumn-olive. Special thanks to Benjamin VanDyke of LFC and Jen Albaugh-Mogg of Sandhill Farms and Blue Eyed June Collective, for sharing their knowledge of the restoration project and introducing us to the charismatic and industrious goat herd.

This week I share a targeted goat grazing project at Little Forks C...

07/24/2026

A great way to spend your Friday afternoon...

Join the Little Forks Conservancy and Nature Niche on July 24 as we restore native habitat by managing invasive plant species at Nelson Woods! To learn more about this event and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3RcYvlK.

07/20/2026

Happy Monday! This week I ask Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest Great Lakes Chapter Board President, Mark Krivchenia, to share the story of his path to becoming a very active volunteer ecological steward. Whether you want the opportunity to get outside more, learn about certain wildlife or plant species, and/or serve your community (both human and landscape), there's a place for you in local ecological restoration and volunteer stewardship efforts! Find the place and people to reinforce your connection with nature and enjoy the process of helping to heal the one Home Place we all share!

This week I ask Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest Great La...

07/18/2026

This free webinar should help you talk to your neighbors about your native plantings!

🌿 Meet the Speaker: Lorraine Johnson

We're excited to welcome author and community activist Lorraine Johnson as part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge with Wildr Places.

Lorraine has spent more than 30 years helping people reconnect with nature through native plants. An author, community activist, and former Honorary Director of Wild Ones, she's written 14 books on native plants, pollinators, and ecological gardening, and has inspired countless people to create landscapes that support biodiversity.

In this free webinar, Lorraine will share practical strategies for talking with neighbors, navigating HOA concerns, and building support for native plant gardens in your community.

Whether you're preparing for an HOA review or simply wondering how to answer, "Why does your yard look like that?" you'll leave with practical, grounded advice you can put to use right away.

📅 Wednesday, July 22
👉 Register for the free webinar: https://wildones.org/how-to-talk-about-native-plants-with-your-hoa/

Not part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge yet? Join thousands of people transforming everyday outdoor spaces into habitat: https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/?ref=wildones