Nature in Niagara Series 2011

Following the success of last year's Nature in Niagara Series of public outreach seminars, The Bert Miller Nature Club is partnering with the Fort Erie Public Library once again to bring our environmental message to the community.

On Wednesday, March 23rd, 7:00 pm, at the Library's Centennial Branch, The Bert Miller Nature Club will be presenting "Go Native," a seminar on the benefits of growing native plants in the home garden. The guest speaker will be Theresa Forte, a Niagara Falls based garden consultant, writer, and nature photographer whose illustrated weekly column has appeared in both the St. Catharine's Standard and the Niagara Falls Review for the past twelve years.

Theresa is a tireless advocate of native plants, and she regularly sings their praises in both her writings and presentations. Her topic for the March 23rd seminar is "Sweet Caroline: A Look at Carolinian Natives" and focuses on easy-care trees, shrubs, and plants for Niagara gardens. Being part of the Carolinian zone, local residents will find this presentation extremely relevant.

As our natural spaces continue to disappear, it is most essential that we, as individuals, help maintain the biodiversity of our area by growing native species on our own property. By "going native," each of us can make a difference in helping to protect wildlife populations and species diversity. Whether it be just a few plants or a total backyard naturalization, every effort will help to improve our environment for future generations.

A second seminar, entitled "Nature's Jewels," is planned for Wednesday, June 8th, 2 pm, at the Library's Crystal Ridge Branch, and will highlight the butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies of Niagara. A guided outing to look for these lovely creatures will be scheduled for the following weekend