Caring for Creation ~ Where to Start?

During the week, I usually talk to several people about pollinator gardens, heirloom vegetable seeds, or native plant nurseries.  Then toward the end of the conversation, I usually say, “Here are 2 or 3 great resources for help with your new garden project.”  And, I name the state Native Plant Society, the Master Gardener Program, and the Department of Agriculture extension offices.  At that point, I noticed that people’s eyes tend to glaze over and the conversation winds down.  

After a while, I decided that many people are not familiar with any of these organizations or services!  So, I am including a short description of 3 of these, the Native Plant Society, the Master Gardener Program, and the state agriculture extension offices.

Each state has its own Native Plant Society organization.  Here is a description of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society from Wikipedia …

“The purpose of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, organized in 1986, is to encourage the study, protection, propagation, appreciation, and use of Oklahoma’s Native Plants.  It sponsors activities including field trips, a spring wildflower workshop, and a wildflower photo contest. The society also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Gaillardia, which keeps members informed of activities and contains stories and essays about wildflowers. In addition, the society sponsors Color Oklahoma, a project dedicated to the beautification of Oklahoma's highways via the planting of wildflowers and maintenance of naturally occurring wildflower populations in right-of ways.”

 

Master Gardener programs can be found in every state in the U.S. that I am aware of.  Here is a general online of the program …

EXPERT GARDENING ADVICE FROM A MASTER GARDENER

Gardeners often become indispensable volunteers in their communities—creating gardens, conducting research, giving lectures, and contributing to other local horticultural efforts. Individuals must complete intensive horticultural training, typically available through universities in the U.S. and Canada, to become a certified Master Gardener.

“Agriculture extension services in each state teach agriculture, home economics, as well as basics of gardening to the public.  The mission of the Extension services is to "advance agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities" by supporting research, education, and Extension programs at land-grant universities.”  For more information about Pollinators, visit farmers.gov/pollinators  

Most of these organizations have local headquarters or offices.  The Native Plant Society and the Master Gardener program are all-volunteer, so it may take a day or two for them to get back to you.  And, they will respond to your call or email!

Most USDA offices are staffed by professional agriculture folks who are able to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

In addition, there are numerous groups and organizations dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enlarging the Monarch Butterfly population!  These include …

Several organizations dedicate themselves to monarch butterfly conservation, including the Monarch Joint Venture, Monarch Butterfly Fund, Monarch Watch,  The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the National Wildlife Federation!  In Oklahoma, we have Okies for Monarchs!

So, wherever you live or whatever you want to do, beekeeping, gardening, supporting pollinators, cleaning waterways, counting birds, there is plenty to do.  And, there is extensive and knowledgeable support for you as well!

Have a Wonderful Spring season and enjoy all the Wonder and Beauty of Creation !!!