Moving Hope Forward: Native Plants, Pollinators & Community

Moving Hope Forward: Native Plants, Pollinators & Community

What if changing your front yard could change your whole neighborhood? In this episode of Moving Hope Forward, host Marilyn sits down with Kelly Konieczki — aka Momcat Kelly — a self-described art major who knew nothing about native plants just five years ago. Today, she's a City Beautification Commissioner, community science volunteer, and passionate pollinator advocate. Kelly shares how watching a monarch emerge from a chrysalis sparked an entire journey — from a small backyard garden to removing 1,000 square feet of lawn, launching Detroit Butterfly Nursery with her daughter, and installing free native plant kits for her elderly neighbors. This episode is full of joy, wonder, and practical encouragement. You don't need a degree. You don't need a big yard. You just need to start. Just plant one or two. You'll get to know them. You might like them.

Isle Royale: Michigan's Wild Botanical Stronghold

Botanist Abraham Stone of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory joins us to unpack the wild, layered world of Isle Royale National Park. From billion-year-old basalt lava flows to rare native orchids, Boreal forests, and the famous Wolf-Moose dynamic, Abraham reveals why this remote island is one of Michigan's most precious natural treasures — and what it teaches us about the power of large, undisturbed conservation land. A must-listen for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who cares about the future of wild spaces.

Three Sneaky & Powerful Michigan Invasives

Not everything green is good. We sit down with Dr. Shikha Singh, biologist with the Jackson County Conservation District, recorded live at the 39th Annual Wildflower Conference of Michigan. She walks us through three invasive species quietly threatening Michigan's native landscapes: Mile-A-Minute weed, Stiltgrass, and Lesser Celandine — a pretty yellow flower many people once planted intentionally. We cover how invasive species spread, how homeowners unknowingly help them, and how Michigan's conservation districts and CISMAs are working to fight back. Plus, find out Dr. Singh's favorite native plant and its surprising connection to an endangered butterfly. Find your local Michigan CISMA or contact the Jackson County Conservation District for help, resources, and speaker requests. We Have a Plant for That — growing awareness, one native plant at a time.

Why Native Plants Matter | Introducing We Have A Plant For That

What if one plant could change your yard — and help restore biodiversity at the same time? In this launch episode of We Have A Plant For That, Marilyn Trent and the leadership of Rochester Pollinators discuss why native plants matter, how small local actions create real ecological impact, and why supporting pollinators starts right at home. Small action. Real change. We Have A Plant For That.