Yes, we have more plants available — up to 5 flats– for your OSU Phenology Garden Network site! Phenology Garden sites are receiving first notice of this offer, going out to Extension offices today.

Thanks to a NIFA IPM grant for pollinator health and an amazing grower (Bob Filbrun at the OARDC Muck Crops branch), the OSU Bee Lab’s “Partners for Pollinators” project (https://u.osu.edu/certify/) is able to provide native perennial plugs (3″ containers) for OSU pollinator-related research and demonstration projects. Do you have an existing pollinator/phenology display garden or research plot you’d like to expand? A new pollinator outreach project you’d like to develop? A citizen science monitoring effort, or another good public use of native perennial plants to help pollinators?

We have nearly two dozen species of native perennials available, including milkweed, aster, liatris, lobelia, rattlesnake master, wild bergamot, mountainmint and many more. You can mix flats at pick-up (most plants are in 4-packs, with 32 or 72 plants to a flat) to create garden diversity. We also have rooted cuttings of native shrubs, including staghorn sumac, buttonbush, dogwood and willow.

Each project request can receive up to 5 flats of plants. 

To request plants, please complete this form, including total number of flats requested and intended location and use. 

Flats must be picked up on June 28th between 11AM and 2PM at OARDC in Wooster near Thorne Hall (details will be e-mailed) by an OSU employee or affiliated (phenology) volunteer. Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Plants can only be used for OSU (including OSU partner) pollinator educational, display or research projects: no home plantings, and no resale. Recipients agree to follow up with photos and brief use of site details for pollinator events, displays or programs. Quantities are limited, so make a request ASAP!

Thanks for helping the bees,

Denise

Join Denise Ellsworth from the OSU Bee Lab along with fellow bee enthusiasts at one of these Bee Blitz events across Ohio during National Pollinator Week, June 16 – 24. We’ll use nets and vials to catch (and then release) bees in the field and identify common Ohio species. Shorter events are free; longer events require registration and small fee (see below).

Nets, bee ID guides and vials provided to use in the field. Bring water, a snack or lunch in a day pack, and dress for the weather and ticks. If the weather looks threatening, call Denise to check for cancellations: (234) 249-4346. Questions? Contact Denise at ellsworth.2@osu.edu

• Saturday, June 16th: 11:00 – 1PM (no fee)

Bissell Nature Center,  3973 Callender Road, Rock Creek, OH 44084

• Monday, June 18th: 1PM – 3PM (no fee)

Smuckers Store, Orville. Meet in parking lot: pollinator plot is south of the lot.

• Tuesday, June 19, 10AM – 3PM ($10, registration required)

Secrest Arboretum, Wooster (Miller Pavilion, #5 on the map)

Ohio Pollinator Advocate Training and PM Bee Blitz

Indoor training in the morning, field time in the afternoon

Bring your lunch

• Wednesday, June 20: 1PM – 3PM (no fee)

Rittman Orchard, Doylestown. Meet at the orchard store entrance.

• Thursday, June 21: 1PM – 3PM (free for members, $10 fee for non-members to enter Holden)

Holden Arboretum, Kirtland. Meet at the visitor center.

• Friday, June 22: 10AM – 3PM ($10 fee, registration required)

OSU’s Waterman Farm, Columbus

Ohio Pollinator Advocate Training and PM Bee Blitz

Indoor training in the morning in the farm classroom, field time in the afternoon

Bring your lunch

• Saturday, June 23: Anytime between 10AM – 5PM

Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory

Come to the pollinator garden throughout this free pollinator festival!

My apologies for the previous post sent in error! There is no phenology meeting this week in Wooster.