The MCCD Facilitates Planting Of Over 2,000 Native Plants

The Marquette County Conservation District (MCCD) recently held their Spring Native Wildflower Sale! This sale allows the MCCD to offer native wildflowers and grasses to Marquette County residents. District Manager, Maddie O’Donnell, says, “We are excited that our sale allowed Marquette County to get over 2,000 native wildflowers and grasses in the ground this June!”

Planting native vegetation benefits our immediate environment in ways non-native plants just cannot. Endemic flora have longer root systems to prevent erosion, and they also absorb pollution from runoff. However, they really shine when it comes to supporting our pollinators here in the U.P. Not only does planting native vegetation supply our pollinators with a food source, but also a habitat to thrive in. Without our pollinators present, we’d see serious effects to our food systems & deterioration of our forest friends’ habitats. Creating food and habitats for them with the use of native plants is a great way to make an immense impact on local conservation efforts.

O’Donnell also made this statement about local businesses doing their part in planting natively: “Ore Dock Brewing Company and Iron Bay have both begun to incorporate native plants in their landscaping in Downtown Marquette! We are so appreciative of local businesses leading the charge in planting native.  Marquette County also put in native plants throughout our county this year. Our team as well as the Marquette County Wellbeing Committee planted natives at Sugarloaf Mountain, Perkins Park, Big Bay Harbor, Little Trout Lake, and the Marquette County Courthouse.”

Michigan is home to some stunning native plants with impressive properties. Imagine a peninsula where we all use these types of plants as crucial mainstays in our gardens or yards. We may find ourselves closer to our Michigander roots and culture in this practice.