What's Happening at Matthaei-Nichols - March 2017

Looking to learn something new about nature and the environment? Check out our March calendar offerings from the nonprofit groups that meet here regularly.

All programs take place at
Univ. of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Programs are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise in the listing.

* Fee-based programming

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Wed., March 1, 7 pm

Ann Arbor Garden Club

Garden Club members will explore the topics of Korean gardening and Korean cuisine, container gardens, and landscaping with flowering bushes for its March and April programs.

Mon., March 6, 7 pm

Herb Seed Giveaway

Presenter: Herb Study Group

Herb Study Group president and advanced master gardener Madolyn Kaminski hosts this giveaway of herb seeds that includes handouts on seed starting and choosing transplants. Seeds are given out first-come, first-served.

Thurs., March 9

* Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presenter: Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor. $20 which covers flowers and instructor. Reservations required. Info:  a2ikebana@gmail.com.

Mon., March 13, 10-11:30 am

Catching Your Breath

Presenter: MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Tues., March 14, 7 pm

Biodynamic Beekeeping

Presenter: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

Cindy Schroeder of A2B2 talks about biodynamic beekeeping, a natural beekeeping approach that treats the colony as a unit rather than as separate parts. Also, “The Hour of Decision,” documentary about a beekeeper who devotes
his life to saving the honeybee.

Wed., March 15, 7:30 pm

Dead Birds (...for Science!)
Presenter: Washtenaw Audubon Society
In order to save birds, we need to save their habitats. But birds have wings, can't read maps, and don't stay where they're safe. So how can we create a more bird friendly world beyond parks and refuges? 
In this talk, Hedie Trudell focuses on window collisions and how to prevent them and uncomfortable topics such as wind farms, cats, and where birds go when they die.

Sat. & Sun., March 18-19; hours: noon-4:30 Sat.; 10 am-4:30 pm Sun.

Ann Arbor Orchid Festival

Presenter: Ann Arbor Orchid Society

A two-day orchid extravaganza with orchid displays, orchids in bloom, and regional commercial vendors. Tropical and hardy orchids and orchid-growing supplies and related items for sale. Free informational talks and demos. Info: aaosonline.org.

Mon. March 20, 7:30 pm

DNA - Just Why Are So Many Plant Names Changing?

Presenter: Michigan Botanical Club

A presentation by University of Michigan Herbarium assistant director Tony Reznicek.

Tues., March 21, 7:30 pm

Local & Long Distance Osprey

Presenter: Sierra Club Huron 2017, Valley

Ospreys in southern Michigan have made an incredible comeback, from zero nests to 60+ in less than 20 years.  Barbara Jensen, of Michigan Osprey, will guide us through the process of hacking nestlings in the late 90s to the current satellite imaging of juvenile migration.

Wed., March 22, 6:30–9 pm

Things I Didn’t Know as a Bonsai Beginner (50 Years Ago)

Presenter: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society

A presentation by Jack Wikle, a long-time member of the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society and a nationally respected bonsai artist who pioneered the technique of raising bonsai indoors under fluorescent lights.

Sat., March 25, 1–3:30 pm

2017 American Dahlia Society New Dahlia Introductions

Presenter: Michigan Dahlia Association

A video presentation on new introductions at 1 pm; auction of society members’ 2017 dahlia tubers at 2. Free dahlia-growing handouts. Info: 734.429.5796.