By Linda Schreiber

The Native Plant Series at Johnson County Conservation continues Sunday, June 14, at the Education Center at F.W. Kent Park with a native plant sale, educational program, and optional guided prairie hike.

Troutleaf Native Plants will offer native plants for sale beginning at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m., Eric Miller will present “Summer Prairie Blooms & Home Gardening with Prairie Plants.” 

Iowa prairie phenology – the study of the seasonal rhythms of an ecosystem – is often called nature’s calendar, reflecting seasonal changes such as flowering plants, insect emergence, and animal migration.

Miller will discuss prairie plant bloom times, incorporating native plants into home landscapes, the sociology of common prairie plants, and practical tips for gardeners. He will also explore recurring biological phenomena and their relationship to seasonal and climate changes, which serve as an important tool in ecology and climate research.

A Master Naturalist and retired sociology professor, Miller is also part of the leadership team for the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Wild Ones. Following the presentation, participants may join an optional half-mile guided prairie hike.

June 14 program schedule: 

9-9:40 a.m. – Native plant sale

10-11:15 a.m. – Prairie Blooms & Gardening with Prairie Plants with Eric Miller

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Optional half-mile guided prairie hike

Registration for this free educational program is required. Register here.

No registration needed for the native plant sale.

The plant sale and speaker series are supported by the Johnson County Master Gardeners and Troutleaf Native Plants.