Watershed Natives
Fall Plant Sales - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Watershed Natives Nursery – 3452 S Farm Road 119, Brookline, MO
- August 31st
- September 28th
- October 19th
Wire Road Brewing
- October 12th
About Watershed Natives
Native plants are essential for biodiversity, soil health, pollinator habitats, erosion prevention, and reducing nutrient runoff. The virtues of native plants are becoming increasingly understood and used to benefit agriculture, rural development, and urban development. They are beautiful yet functional!
Purchasing plants through Watershed Natives not only immediately benefits the natural landscape, but any funds generated go back into the program to support our education and outreach efforts. Activities associated with plant production, greenhouse operations, agriculture, and soil health are integral parts of the Environmental & Natural Resource Management College and Career and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs in Springfield Public Schools.
The Darr Family Foundation and Community Foundation of the Ozarks investment provided the start-up capital to begin. We intend to build Watershed Natives into a financially sustainable program through plant sales. We are excited about the future of this program and grateful to those mentioned here for helping us get started. The ongoing collaboration between the Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield Public Schools, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Springfield, MO, and the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks has the potential to reach a much larger audience through continued support.
Watershed Natives Initiatives:
Floating Wetlands with MDC
Workforce Development
We employ two Watershed Natives each year to offer hands-on experience to emerging professionals. Our internships give college students a chance to immerse themselves in the field of natural resources, meet area professionals, and build their resumes.
Jenna Rotert, pictured, says, “It has been so fulfilling doing work that is making such a big impact in the community. I’m still learning what my interests are, and working with the Natives Program has already driven my interest even further in plants and conservation, along with introducing me to so many people in the community who are helping me form my path after school.”
Hillcrest High School
Students in our programs get first-hand experience in soil preparation, seed collection, seed germination, growing crops, site restoration, and invasive species control. Plants produced by the students are used for both restoration efforts and resale to the general public. This 3-year program starts with an Environmental Science class as Sophomores, Watershed Science as Juniors, and Restoration Ecology as Seniors. Each year students build on responsibility, skill, and knowledge as each class stair-steps. These classes visit the nursery located across the street at the fairgrounds twice a month. Students are able to learn, problem solve, and see real world application of what is being taught in the classroom.
Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Co-operative Agreement
Through a cooperative agreement with MDC, we have been working to expand our nursery operation to cultivate more plants for our community and use in conservation projects. This partner support is helping us grow to impact a broader audience.
Interactive Programs
With the nature of our program, we are always looking for schools, clubs, organizations, and groups to plug into to help provide hands-on workforce development. To schedule a field trip or educational program, please fill out the form below or contact our Native Nursery Manager:
Christy Wilder (417)399-0782
Volunteer
Looking for a way to get plugged in or experience in Horticulture? Become a Watershed Volunteer and help with our native nursery operations, gain experience, and have a great time doing it!
