Smart Gardening Presentations - Windmill Island Gardens (WIG)

Tuesday, June 25^th
and
Wednesday, July 17^th
6 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Windmill Island Gardens Pavilion
1 Lincoln Ave.,
Holland, MI 49423
Cost: $10.00 for each presentation

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Now in its third season, Michigan State University Extension is pleased to present two Smart Gardening presentations at Windmill Island Gardens (WIG). Each class will be held under WIG’s beautiful open-air event tent to take advantage of the gentle lakeshore breezes paired with popcorn and lemonade.  As in 2023, classes there will be a nominal fee which will serve to fund the new Smart Pollinator Garden maintained by MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteers. The pollinator garden showcases a plethora of blooming plants that entice and nurture native pollinators all season long. A short stroll from WIG’s central village is where guests of all ages can explore and enjoy this educational display. Register and submit payment via credit card to reserve your seat for one or both presentations.

Tuesday June 25^th from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Smart Gardening to Deter Deer and Critters
-with Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension Senior Horticulture Educator
While beautiful to look at, many gardeners are disappointed when their ornamental plants have been munched on by 
deer. Deer populations continue to be on the rise in urban landscapes with no natural enemies. During this presentation, you will learn more about different types of urban wildlife and techniques to deter damage. While there is no silver bullet, choosing plants that are less attractive to feeding will be a gardener’s best defense.
Registration Deadline for the June 25^th class:   JUNE 23, 2024

Wednesday July 17^th from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Lakeshore Conservation:  Challenges of Protecting and Restoring Nearshore Vegetation
-with Erick Elgin, MSU Extension Water Quality Educator
Widespread loss of wetland and nearshore habitat along inland lakes has heightened the need for conservation activities that focus on protecting and re-establishing native vegetation in the shoreline zone of lakes. However, restoration demand using natural techniques along residential shorelines remains relatively low compared to the need. To increase conservation practices on densely populated residential shorelines, societal norms and the human dimension of restoration need to be addressed. In this presentation, Erick Elgin will explore restoration scenarios that balance riparian landowner wants with ecosystem needs and discuss societal norms that are barriers to the conservation of Michigan’s shorelines.
Registration Deadline for the July 17^th class:  JULY 15, 2024

Payment:  Register for one or both presentations and submit payment by credit card to reserve your seat.  
                                         
Refund Policy:

• A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for any registration cancelled prior to 7 days before the first class date.
• No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled within 7 days of the first class date.
• No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled after the first class has started.