Common Milkweed Pod Collection
To help foster the creation of habitat for the monarch butterfly, Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI), in cooperation with Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Districts is organizing a Statewide Milkweed Pod Collection each year starting September 1st and ending October 31st
Flower Fragrances That Attract Bees and Butterflies to Your Garden
The plant reproduction process requires pollination to ensure that plants produce fertile seeds and then fruit. Flowering plants require assistance from bees and butterflies for pollination. Many plants are ideal for attracting pollinators due to their scents and colors. To ensure that plant reproduction continues the way nature intended, bees and butterflies must continue to thrive. Contribute to this natural process by creating a garden that will attract pollinators. Your bee and butterfly garden will provide a place for pollination when other environmental factors, such as pesticide use, threaten this process.
How to Identify Common Milkweed Plants
Become familiar with the common milkweed to avoid harvesting pods from similar plants such as hemp dogbane and swamp milkweed. See pictures and descriptions in this brochure.
An In-Depth Companion Planting Guide
For a healthy, thriving garden, consult this companion planting guide when you’re deciding what seeds to put where.
Landscape For LifeTM shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live — whether you garden on a city or suburban lot, a 20–acre farm, or the common area of your condominium.
Monarch Watch is a nonprofit education, conservation, and research program based at the University of Kansas that focuses on the monarch butterfly, its habitat, and its spectacular fall migration.
Ohio has some of the most interesting and beautiful wildflowers. Some are prolific and can grow anywhere while others need specific soils and habitats. We encourage everyone to learn about and observe these plants, but to never harvest plants from their habitats. There are many reputable native plant nurseries around to find sustainably sourced plants. Our work to protect the lands and waters of Ohio includes protecting the diverse plant communities that are native to our state. This list is just a sample of what you will find on our preserves through the summer months across Ohio.
A Proven Winners website with suggestions of what to plant to support pollinators.
Poison Hemlock and Wild Parsnip: Control Them Now!
Two plants to watch out for. This article helps you identify the plants and offers suggestions for how to control them.
Poison Plant Blooming In Ohio: How To Spot It, What To Know
Poison hemlock is a noxious weed that is extremely harmful to humans and animals, according to the Ohio State University Extension. The roots of the plant are more toxic than the leaves and stems, but all parts of the plant (including seeds) should be considered dangerous, the extension said.
Pollinator Stewardship Council, Inc.
Studies suggest that neonics are a likely driver of the precipitous monarch butterfly decline and highlight the threat they pose to a wide range of species and ecosystem services.
Rain Garden Manual for Homeowners: Protecting Our Water One Yard at a Time
A rain garden is an attractive, landscaped area planted with perennial native plants which don’t mind getting “wet feet.” This guide provides information on how to start a rain garden on your property.
Take your nature knowledge up a notch with Seek! Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you. Earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges.
Avon-on-the-Lake Garden Club 