Roots and Wings Workshop
Native Plants and Feathered Friends
This program will be offered again in August of 2027!
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
2310 Science Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864
$95 for Michigan Audubon Members; $125 for Non-members
Join Us for Roots & Wings: Native Plants and Feathered Friends
Explore the world of gardening, habitat creation, and landscape design at our all-day workshop, “Roots & Wings: Native Plants and Feathered Friends.” Featuring expert speakers, two exciting locations, and an exclusive sale! Discover the crucial role of native plants in attracting beneficial insects, identify the best plants to support birds and wildlife, and uncover innovative landscape design techniques for crafting vibrant and sustainable native gardens. All participants will receive a packet of information and resources, as well as a shrub to get them started! A light breakfast and buffet lunch are included with registration.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
If you love gardening, please join us to learn how you can support our birds by stewarding healthy native habitat around your home, office, school, or neighborhood.
What to expect:
Participants will start the day with an introduction to Michigan Audubon, including some updates on new and exciting programs and opportunities. We’ll review our new Bird City Michigan program and give participants some ideas for being more involved in bird conservation in their communities.
Maci Zuniga, Xerces Ambassador, will present “Bring Back the Pollinators” which focuses heavily on native bees and the ways we can support their populations in our own backyards and communities. From native plants to leaving the leaves, every effort helps support the life that sustains us!
Maci Zuniga has been a Xerces Ambassador for two years. Growing up, she always loved caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. Her senior year of college, Maci worked in a facility rearing Michigan’s endangered Mitchell’s satyr butterfly as part of conservation efforts to learn more about the needs of this rare species. Now, she gets to share her love of invertebrates across the state.
Join Olivia Onago, owner of Liv’s Native Nursery, for an engaging presentation on the importance of native plants, plant selection, and beginner-friendly design principles. Olivia will cover what defines a native plant, highlight species that thrive in our region, and explore how native flora benefit pollinators, biodiversity, and local ecosystems. This talk will provide practical guidance to help you bring native beauty and purpose into your garden.
Olivia Onago owns and operates Liv’s Native Nursery with the help of her family. She earned her degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Environmental Biology from the University of Toledo (UT) in 2023. It was during her first years at UT that she discovered her passion for native plants, ultimately deciding to dedicate her life to natives and their implementation. Growing up on her family’s farm, Olivia has always known the importance of the environment, and through her career she hopes to protect our natural world and serve to re-establish both native plants and animals.
Our workshop will conclude with a tour of Wildtype Nursery with owner Bill Schneider followed by their final public sale day for the season.