The Scoop on Cultivars of Native Plants
Mennonite Church of Normal, 805 S Cottage Ave, Normal, IL, 61761 Map
What is a nativar and what makes it different than a true native plant? How do nativars affect genetic diversity? What about other concerns regarding nativars such as affects on pollinators and other wildlife, invasiveness potential, response to climate change, maintenance costs, and the potential to increase allergies? These and other questions will be discussed at this presentation as well as relevant research that has begun to investigate these plant types.
About the Presenter Mariette Nowak, who holds a Master's degree in botany & zoology, is active in a number of environmental-focused groups and organizations. She is the Founder & President of the Kettle Moraine chapter of the Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes & former vice-president of the national organization. Currently, she is a Board member & newsletter editor of Lakeland Audubon Society, Citizen member, Walworth County Park Committee, and Member of Plan Commission, Town of Troy, Walworth County. Nowak is a former board member of the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology and for 18 years, served as the director of Wehr Nature Center in Milwaukee County. Last but not least, she is the author of Birdscaping in the Midwest: A Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds.