Promoting native plants

Clark College will host two events for lovers of native plants this May. Its fifth annual native plant sale will take place at the college’s greenhouse on May 3, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m, and May 4, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the college will host a talk on native plants on May 3, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., in Anna Pechanec Hall room 201.

About the Native Plant Sale

All of the native plants available for purchase were planted and grown by Clark College biology and environmental science students in the college’s Native Plant Center greenhouse.

Community members will be able to select from a wide variety of native plants, with an emphasis on flowering perennials, self-seeding annuals, and small shrubs perfect for any yard. Species available include Yarrow, Heal All, Mock Orange, California Poppy, Red Flowering Currant, Meadow Checker Mallow, Red Osier Dogwood, and more. Other products include student-made gardener’s soaps and seed balls for attracting pollinators.

Plant sales support the college’s Science Consortium Fund, which supports greenhouse operations and the costs of unique field studies class trips to places such as Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon and the Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California. Students who participate in the four- and ten-day trips pay $500 to $750. The fund offsets those expenses, making the experience accessible to more students.

The sale will take place outside the college’s greenhouse, located at on the east side of campus near the intersection of E. Reserve Street and McLoughlin Boulevard. Most plants are priced at $10 or less. Students will be available to assist customers with transporting plants to vehicles.

For more information about the plant sale, contact nativeplantcenter@clark.edu or visit www.clark.edu/cc/plantsale.

About the Native Plant Talk

Clark College STEM Coordinator and biology and environmental science instructor Erin Harwood answers the question “Why native plants?” in this informative lecture on the importance of native plants to our local ecosystem. Harwood will also cover how to select, plant, and care for native plants in your home garden. The talk will provide detailed information on approximately 10 native plants that will attract wildlife to your yard, along with other benefits. This event is free and open to the public.

Both events take place on Clark College’s main campus. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP) or visit the Penguin Union Building room 013.

Photo: Clark College/Nova Gump