By CELESTE BAUMGARTNER
Ohio Correspondent

DAYTON, Ohio — Go native – come to the Midwest Native Plant Conference at Bergamo Center, in Dayton, Aug. 6 through 8; find out about the value of native plants and native plant communities. Those who raise native plants or have nature-related photos or other artwork for sale can also consider being a vendor there.
“Native plants are those that have evolved in this area; over time, native wildlife has adapted to those plants,” said Kathy McDonald, a member of the planning committee. “They work well for landscaping because they need less water, fewer pesticides; they are meant to be here so they are easier to care for.”

Rather than planting an individual plant, for more success McDonald suggested planting an entire community. Prairies, wetlands or forests are all made up of a combination of certain native plants. Such communities can provide migration spots for birds and butterflies.

“A lot of people will plant prairies which are sun-loving, but many are beginning to convert part of their yard to a mini-forest system with spice bush, paw-paws and other native plants as an understudy. That works really well.” McDonald said.

“The mindset here is lawns and a few manicured plants that don’t draw insects,” McDonald said. “Well if you’re planting those plants that don’t draw insects you’re not going to have birds; you’re missing that whole life cycle.”

Those who attend the second annual Native Plant Conferences will have an opportunity to buy native plants from vendors, they will learn about native landscaping, forests, wetlands, and prairies and about the diverse wildlife that lives in these native habitats. There will be lectures, field trips, and workshops. A keynote speaker will be featured each day. Breakout sessions will be held on topics such as native plant basics and propagation, summer wildflowers, butterflies and native goldenrod. Tours and field trips will visit a wide variety of habitats to identify native insects, birds, butterflies and insects—all within easy driving distance. 

The Bergamo Center is located on the 150 acre campus of Mt. St. John. This campus was named an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources recognizing it as “an outstanding environmental education possessing exceptional value in illustrating and interpreting the natural heritage of Ohio.”

Vendors will be open to the public on Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm.

“It’s all about connecting with nature,” McDonald said. “Come and learn, walk the labyrinth, hang out with neat people.”

For conference and registration information visit www.cincinnatibirds.com/mwnp and interested vendors, call McDonald at 513-748-0281 or e-mail kmc@one.net