Thinking Outside The Lawn: Fostering Native Habitats, Caring For Natural World Right In The Backyard

By Evie Hemphill

Published March 11, 2019 at 3:40 PM CDT

Milkweed (at left), serviceberry (upper right) and buttonbush are just a few of the native plants that help St. Louis-area birds, butterflies and other wildlife thrive.

Even as an especially wintry winter continues to make itself known across the St. Louis region, spring is more and more on residents’ minds – and will finally be here, at least officially, in less than two weeks.

Joining Monday's talk show were (from left) Scott Woodbury, Mitch Leachman and Josh Ward.

Along with warmer temperatures the new season brings renewed focus on gardening and yardwork, and on Monday’s St. Louis on the Air, host Don Marsh led a discussion about fostering native habitats and incorporating native plants as part of those efforts.

Joining the discussion were Mitch Leachman, director of programs for the St. Louis Audubon Society; Josh Ward, community conservation planner with the Missouri Department of Conservation; and Scott Woodbury, manager of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve.

Listen to the conversation:

Related Events

What: Lecture And Book Signing With Larry Weaner, Author Of “Gardening Revolution
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2019
Where: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (975 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132)

What: The Partners For Native Landscaping Workshop
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019
Where: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (975 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132)

“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Alex Heuer, Evie Hemphill, Lara Hamdan and Jon Lewis give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.

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