Native plant seminar scheduled at Nature Center

The Missouri Department of Conservation and Cape Girar-deau County Master Gardeners have partnered to bring a native plant seminar to the Nature Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Registration, for ages 15 to adult, starts at 8 a.m. There is no registration fee.

A series of guest speakers will talk about the benefits of incorporating native plants into landscaping. Native plant species provide habitats with wildlife and alternatives to the traditional water- and chemical-dependent manicured lawns.

The featured speaker will be Don Kurz, who retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation in 2002. Kurz has worked to protect and manage natural areas and endangered species sites around the state. His presentation will include photos of spring wildflowers, information on their characteristics, past uses and landscaping ideas.

Classes will be offered on moss collecting, growing and gardening, habitat helper, growing and cooking with herbs and plant propagation.