Pollinate is a multi-day conference series for woman-identifying and non-binary people in agriculture and natural resource conservation. This conference is not exclusively for pollinator topics, rather a chance for a buzzing hive of enthusiastic and empowered people to come together and "cross-pollinate" ideas across sectors.
The conference occurs over three consecutive Thursdays at different locations around Michigan.
October 26th, 2023 - Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hastings
November 2nd, 2023 - Chateau Chantal, Traverse City
November 9th, 2023 - TBD
Day 1: PCCI
Join us at the beautiful Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in the rolling hills outside of Hastings, Michigan. Pierce's mission of inspiring appreciation and stewardship of our environment is evident in the organizations well managed wetlands, forests, lakes, and prairies, with hiking trails and endless spaces to relax and enjoy nature.
Michigan Native Plant Guild Panel - Multiple Presenters
Amy Heilman is a certified landscape designer and has been planning and implementing sustainable gardens for over 20 years, and her business, The Living Garden, refers to the ecologic life that can be brought to any space with the presence of appropriate native plant species. Her goal is to encourage property owners to take an active role in the planning and care of their gardens and to use these spaces to learn about the natural world and the web of life they support. Amy is interested in learning how Michigan women in agriculture may be using native plants to improve soil health, pest management and pollination.
Esther Durnwald has owned and operated Michigan Wildflower Farm (MWF) with her husband, Bill since 1996. Located in Portland and founded in 1988, MWF produces documented native Michigan genotype seed, is a supplier of Great Lakes Region genotype seeds, provides specialized native landscaping services and hosts educational opportunities. Esther oversees the operation of MWF with the help of an amazing team of employees and especially enjoys using the farm as an opportunity to share the value and beauty of nature with others.
Andrea Lubberts, (BA/BS Calvin University) supports active Plaster Creek Stewards team as the Program Manager. Working with PCS for 14 years from volunteering to her current position, Lubberts is passionate about all aspects of watershed ecological restoration and expert in none—thus welcoming and engaging many people and viewpoints under the understanding that “everyone can do something.”
Alysia G. Babcock is a Conservation Steward, Master Naturalist, Advanced Master Gardener, completed the KBS Field Botany Class and is a Certified Shoreline Professional. She has volunteered on The Kal-Haven Trail with the Wildflower Restoration Project, with Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and is currently a member of the Strike Team with Rockford Sustainability Committee. Alysia is the owner of The Garden Guru Kzoo, LLC (garden design/implementation/maintenance, invasive removal, garden makeovers, specializing in Native Plants) and has a Native Plant Nursery. In 2021 the business expanded and has a crew in the Rockford/Grand Rapids area. Recently goats were added to assist with invasive plant removal.
Debra Montgomery started Go Grow Plant Natives Nursery in 2017. Her nursery produces Michigan genotype only native plant material including grasses, sedges, flowers, shrubs and trees in most instances growing plant material from seeds and berries. Sales include retail by appointment, wholesale to landscapers, other nurseries and plant sales for non-profits. Deb supplies plant material to conservation districts for their plant sales as well as fund raisers for schools, libraries, and nature centers.
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Kylie McElrath, Ducks Unlimited
Kylie started with Ducks Unlimited in November of 2021. Kylie is responsible for developing, delivering, and administering agriculture programs throughout Michigan and Ohio. Kylie earned her bachelor's degree in natural resources and master’s degree in conservation biology from Central Michigan University. Kylie has prior experience with various wildlife species in environments such as Great Lakes coastal wetlands, prairie pothole wetlands of North Dakota, grasslands and agricultural land of Nebraska, and uplands of Idaho.
Networking Session
Each conference date will host a networking session, inviting all of our attendees, presenters, and additional invited experts, to meet and discuss their careers, passions, and experiences.
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Tour
Join us at the end of the conference for a tour of the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute nature preserve. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to over 800 acres of managed wetlands, forests, and prairies full of native wildlife. They are a hub of outdoors education and outreach, offering visitors a valuable opportunity to experience nature.
Questions? Contact mipollinate@macd.org or 517-543-1512 x5