Watershed Natives Spring Plant Sale
You can find the Flowering Dogwood and more Missouri favorites as part of the Watershed Natives plant sale May 8th at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. This sale is a pre-order and curb-side pick-up format like last year. Plants will be made available to purchase through the online Watershed Natives Plant Store. No plants will be available to purchase on site the day of sale. The store is now open and sales will continue as long as inventory lasts. A limited selection of wildflowers are available for this spring’s sale. A larger variety of native tree/shrub species are available. A much wider selection of wildflower inventory will be available during future summer and fall sales.
The Watershed Natives program is a significant part of our education and outreach efforts. Activities associated with plant production, greenhouse operations, agriculture, and soil health are integral parts of the FFA and Environmental & Natural Resource Management College and Career programs with Springfield Public Schools. Students in these 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. Purchasing 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. The ongoing three-way collaboration between Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield Public Schools, and Watershed Committee of the Ozarks has the potential to reach a much larger audience through your continued support.
Watershed Natives #FunFact:
On June 20, 1955 Missouri adopted the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) as the official state tree. The white flowers are prized by Missourians in spring as they put on their showy glory. #FunFact Did you know those white petals, are not “true flowers”. The white petals are called “bracts”. Which are modified leaves that surround the miniature yellowish/green “true” flower heads. The flower head consists of 20-30 individual flowers. The miniature true flowers and showy white bracts work together to attract pollinators around this time of year.
Any questions contact our Native Nursery Manager –
Christy Wilder [email protected]