About Watershed Natives Nursery
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 our plant production, greenhouse operations, agriculture, and soil health are integral parts of the Springfield Public Schools Environmental & Natural Resource College & Career Pathway and Future Farmers of America programs.
How we got started
The Darr Family Foundation and Community Foundation of the Ozarks investment provided the start-up capital to kick-start Watershed Natives. 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 going. The ongoing collaboration between the Ozark Empire Fair, Springfield Public Schools, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Springfield, MO, and Watershed has the potential to reach a much larger audience through continued support.
Blooming Endeavors:
Floating Wetlands with MDC
Cultivating Careers: Workforce Development at Watershed Natives
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.”
Hands on Environmental Learning at Hillcrest High School
Students in our programs gain hands-on experience in various aspects of environmental stewardship, including soil preparation, seed collection, germination, crop cultivation, site restoration, and invasive species management. The plants cultivated by students contribute to both our restoration projects and are sold to the public.
This 3-year program starts with an Environmental Science class as Sophomores, Watershed Science as Juniors, and Restoration Ecology as Seniors. Each class builds on the previous one, enhancing students’ responsibilities, skills, and knowledge incrementally. Students visit the nursery located across the street at the fairgrounds twice a month. Students are able to learn, problem solve, and experience real world application of what is being taught in the classroom.
Building a Greener Future:
Our Partnership with MDC
Through a co-operative agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation, we have been working to expand our nursery operation to cultivate more plants for our community and use in conservation projects. Our partnership with MDC is helping us grow to impact a broader audience. Partnering with MDC has been crucial to developing the new nursery location.
Immersive Learning Opportunities
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 contact our Native Nursery Manager: Christy Wilder (417) 399-0782
Volunteer with Watershed Natives
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!
