Otsego Conservation District

Otsego Conservation District

“Your gateway to natural resource management”

Demonstration Garden and Conservation Forest

History

Development of the Otsego County Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Garden began in 1997 by removing refuse from an old dump site. Over the last 14 years this 3 acre garden has become a home for many native flowers, butterflies, wetland plants and wildlife. The garden was developed to educate the public on the importance of native plants in preserving water quality and supporting ecosystems. The garden also features a home compost demonstration site geared toward educating people on how they can compost kitchen scraps and yard trimmings in their own backyard. In addition, part of the garden is also used to raise produce for many families in the area.

Several gardens make up the Demonstration Garden including:

     Songbird Garden
     Butterfly Garden
     Native Michigan Wildflower Garden
     Ground Cover Garden
     Perennial Garden
     Herb Garden
     Rose Garden
     Hummingbird Garden
     Children's Garden

      A model conservation forest with nature trails
      adjoins the garden. This 16 acre stand of
      timber is used by the Conservation District to
      educate the public on the importance of
      sound forestry practices.

Come visit the Gardens and Conservation Forest!
Click here for directions.

Click on image below to enlarge

Contributors to the Demonstration and Community Garden

The following organizations and companies have granted generous funds to the Otsego Demonstration and Community Garden. They are interested in our mission to promote environmental quality. Please check out the links below to learn more about their work and the funding programs they offer.

Otsego County Community Foundation
http://www.otsegofoundation.org

Wildflower Association of Michigan (WAM/ Glassen Educational Grant Program) http://www.wildflowersmich.org/index.php?menu=11

Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society
http://otsegoowls.com/

Great Lakes Energy (The People Fund)
www.gtlakes.com/people-fund/recent-grant-recipients/

Gardener’s Supply Company (Garden Crusader)
http://gardeners.com/The-Gardener-s-Supply-Company-Donation-Program/default/5152.page

Consider becoming a Friends of the Garden Member

Any garden, large or small, takes time and dedication to flourish. The Demonstration Garden is no exception. Whether you wish to dig right in and help volunteer with various projects at the garden, provide insight and ideas at meetings, or offer a monetary gift to show your support, we welcome and appreciate your interest. Please click here to view the Friends of the Garden brochure or call the District at 989-732-4021 for more information.