Public Presentation

Small Forests, Big Benefits: The Pocket Forest at Buhr Park

Saturday, April 12, 10 am to noon

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Public admission $15; AAFG members free

The Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, has gained international attention as a promising approach to reforestation and biodiversity restoration. Using native plant species and mimicking natural forests, these densely planted “pocket forests” provide a wide range of benefits for the environment and the community.

In Ann Arbor, three nonprofit groups are collaborating on a pocket forest at Buhr Park. Volunteers from Ann Arbor Wild Ones (A2WO), the Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow Project, and the Ann Arbor chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) have joined forces to turn an area in the northwest of the park, near six old apple trees, into a living demonstration of the Miyawaki approach.

Assisted by other members of the steering committee, presenters Barbara Lucas and Lissa Spitz will share the principles of the Miyawaki method, along with the planning, process, and current status of the Buhr Park Pocket Forest. Initiated in 2023, the project has brought volunteers, neighbors, and school children together to plant, monitor and learn – from the forest and each other. Join Ann Arbor Farm & Garden to explore this intriguing approach to urban forests.

Public admission is $15; seating is limited. All proceeds go to support AAF&G’s annual grant and scholarship awards. Please register online by 5 pm Thursday, April 10.

Container Gardening Inside and Out

Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 pm. Do you have an interest in gardening and want to explore pot and container gardening? A whole world of container gardening awaits you providing hundreds of gardening options. This Project Grow class is great for those who may have limited space or limited access to gardens as well as those who want to expand their gardening options year-round. Learn about the fundamentals of gardening in Michigan using containers for both indoor and outdoor plant locations. Topics include plant and container selection, nutrients, watering, plant support, long-term care and some tips and best practices using things you may already have around the home. The course materials are broad in topic - each section includes Q&A to tailor the class to your needs. Open to ages 18+. Via Zoom. Click here to register. Contact info@projectgrowgardens.org. Cost is $5.

Spring Wildflowers Block Printing Workshop

Tuesday, April 15, 1-3 pm. Join our friend Eleva Potter, Natural Area Preservation Environmental Educator, for this new workshop! Learn which wildflowers are growing in Ann Arbor parks and create your own block print of a native wildflower to take home. All materials provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

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We raise money for annual grants and scholarships, expand our gardening and environmental knowledge,

and share beauty with others through garden tours and flower therapy. In the process, we create strong social connections and lifelong friendships.

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Get to know Ann Arbor Farm & Garden!

Flowers – Friends – Food – Gardens – Giving

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