Eureka Springs has become an epicenter for people interested in native plants, including flora good for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. A partnership has been formed between several groups to propagate native plants for Eureka Springs parks and private gardens. All members of the community are invited to take part.
Free educational programs and workshops will be offered at the Eureka Springs Community Center. The collaboration includes Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation, Eureka Springs Community Center, Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists, Carroll County Master Gardeners, and a newly formed Ozark Chapter of Wild Ones.
Wild Ones is a national organization whose mission is promoting native plants and landscapes with environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities.
“Native plant hikes and seed collection events will also begin this spring, with propagation of native plants in the community greenhouse beginning next fall,” Eric Fuselier, a representative of the Eureka Springs Native Plant Collaborative, said.
Those who participate in volunteer workdays will receive free native seeds and native plants to take home with them. These events are all free and open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, classroom workshops are at the Eureka Springs Community Center.
Saturday, Feb. 19 10 –11 a.m., “Sustainable Gardens Using Native Plants” with instructors Mariellen Griffith and Scott Miskiel.
Saturday, Feb. 26 10 –11 a.m. “Permaculture and Organic Gardening Techniques” with Jerry Hembd and Mariellen Griffith
Sunday, March 13, 10 – 11 a.m. “Rain Garden Planning and Design” with Eric Fuselier
Saturday, March 26, 10 – 11a.m. “Gardening in the Spring” with Scott Miskiel
Saturday, April 9, 10 – 11a.m. “Saving Monarch Butterflies” with Mark Hughes
Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m. – noon, Field workshop Native Plant Hike with Eric Fuselier at Lake Leatherwood City Park
Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – noon, “Growing Mushrooms” with Ashley Hill
Sunday, May 15 10 a.m. – noon, Native Plant Hike Eric Fuselier at Lake Leatherwood City Park
Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – noon, Native plant hike with Eric Fuselier at Black Bass Lake
Sunday, June 12, 10 a.m. – noon, Volunteer Workday Seed Collection with Eric Fuselier, location TBA
Contact Fuselier at EFuselier@wildones.org.