The Dawes Arboretum, a living tree museum located in Newark providing people of all ages the opportunity to explore the wonderment of nature, is recognized as a Native Plant Learning Center by the Ohio Native Plant Month Organization. The announcement was made in conjunction with the resolution by the U.S. Senate to recognize April as National Native Plant Month.
Native plants play an important role in conservation, providing hospitable habitats to indigenous wildlife and pollinators and benefiting the ecosystem in general. Virginia bluebells, eastern redbud, Dutchman’s breeches and bur oak are amongst the many native plants found at The Arboretum.
The goal of establishing Native Plant Learning Centers in Ohio is to highlight native plants that would make excellent additions to Ohio landscapes and, as a result, offer greater habitats for native bees, butterflies, caterpillars, birds, and all Ohio wildlife,” said Nancy Linz, co-founder and President of Ohio Native Plant Month.
Dawes Arboretum Executive Director Luke Messinger agreed with Linz’s sentiments about native plants and the opportunity to convey their importance.
“As a Learning Center for Native Plants, it is our hope that we can educate homeowners, landscapers, retailers, nurseries and children about the tremendous benefits of planting these trees, plants and flowers that are indigenous to Ohio,” said Messinger. “We look forward to changing perceptions of native plants and showcasing the critical and essential role they play in our everyday lives.”
To kick-off the inaugural National Native Plant Month and to celebrate its recognition as a Learning Center for Native Plants, The Arboretum has a variety of programs and activities planned for April.
Cooking with Ramps, April 7
Ramps are a species of wild onions that thrive in the soil shaded under maple, oak, hickory, buckeye and beech trees. Cooking with Ramps offers a guided video and class kit to make a Ramp Cheeseball appetizer and Ramp Pesto Pasta entrée.
Spring Ephemerals Happy Hour, April 15
Learn more about the wonderful spring ephemerals (wildflowers) that decorate The Dawes Arboretum’s Woodland Garden. This virtual happy hour will discuss the different spring ephemerals, where to see them and their historic uses.
Sundays in the Woodland Garden
The Arboretum’s Woodland Garden is home to several Ohio native plants. On Sundays in April from 12-2 p.m., one of The Arboretum’s educators will be on-hand to discuss these plants and the importance of adding native plants to home gardens and landscaping.