Pre and Post Events
As part of the 2024 Master Gardener Conference experience, several pre- and post-conference opportunities have been arranged.
Enjoy this time prior to or after the Master Gardener Conference to further enhance your horticultural passion, explore new locations and make the most of your trip to/from Interlochen.
Transportation to and from these pre- and post-conference events is not provided.
Thursday, August 22
The following opportunities are available on Thursday, August 22.
Pine Hill Nursery Lunch and Learn
Join the staff of Pine Hill Nursery in Kewadin, Michigan, to learn what one local plant nursery has done to be a more sustainable nursery, from marketing native plants, pollinator plants, shoreline restoration and food gardening to not selling invasive species, using earth-friendly packaging, IPM nursery management techniques, and personalized consult to help customers choose the best plants for their site. After the tour, relax with fellow MSU Extension Master Gardeners in Pine Hill’s outdoor café and enjoy lunch containing locally grown vegetables and herbs. Pine Hill Nursery brings together the joy of plants, food and a peaceful setting that is sure to improve your mental well-being before you head over to the conference in Interlochen.
Lunch options:
- Chicken Salad on Greens or in a gluten free wrap
- veggie wrap (gluten free and vegan available upon request)
Lunch includes a bottle of water and your choice of chips or fruit and a cookie or gluten free brownie.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Tour Agenda:
- 11 a.m. Nursery Tour
- 12 p.m. Lunch
- 1 p.m. Time to Browse
Location: 886 US-31, Kewadin, MI 49648
Cost: $25 per person (includes tour and lunch)
Otsego Conservation District Demonstration Gardens and Native Plant Nursery
Many Michigan residents are unaware of a hidden garden gem in Gaylord – The Otsego Conservation District Demo Gardens! The garden was developed to educate the public on the importance of gardens, most notably native plants for preserving water quality and supporting ecosystems. Several gardens make up the garden – a Michigan wildflower garden, a songbird garden, a youth seed to harvest garden, etc. Come learn about all of the gardens and the connected native plant nursery.
Rain or shine – bring rain gear as needed; comfortable shoes that can get dirty; sunscreen and hat; water bottle; and be sure to eat prior to arrival as this tour site has no refreshments.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Time: 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: 800 Livingston Blvd., Suite 4A, Gaylord, MI 49735
Cost: $10 per person
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Tour
We are thrilled to invite you to join us at Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve. This site is home to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. During the tour, you will learn about the extensive sustainable features throughout the facilities and explore the universally accessible Looyenga Family Trail to learn how this new conservation hub shapes land protection and stewardship efforts in our communities. We’ll take you behind the scenes of the McMullen Family Conservation Center, the Bob and Pauline Young Family Stewardship Workshop, the native plant greenhouse, and the goat barn.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and expect moderate walking on a trail and standing. Dress for the weather, and bring sunscreen and bug spray for safety and comfort.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: 2846 N Three Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Cost: $10 per person
Cooking Class
Join the executive chef and director of dining services for Interlochen School for the Arts for a full-service dinner in Interlochen's beautiful garden pavilion and outdoor kitchen. The class will feature local produce and proteins all sourced within the Grand Traverse region. Enjoy a flavorful meal prepared fresh on the grill and outdoor bread oven, utilizing the freshest foods!
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Interlochen Outdoor Location
Cost: $25 per person
Sunday, August 25
The following opportunities are available on Sunday, August 25.
Beauty is Therapy: Tour at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
The passion and dedication of volunteers have led to the development of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park with a mission of creating a living sanctuary. Over the past ten years, the 26-acre botanic garden has transformed from a blighted abandoned property into a thriving oasis for pollinators and plants. Join Executive Director, Matthew Ross and the docents of The Botanic Garden on an in-depth tour which includes over a dozen feature gardens and the historic dairy barn. Explore the developing Anishinabek Medicine Wheel and Foraging Meadow, get a sneak peak of the development of an innovative Children’s Sensory Garden, and deepen your plant knowledge with a brief presentation on the native plants of Northern Michigan. Enjoy light refreshments and a mocktail made from native plants grown at The Botanic Garden.
We advise participants to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Bring sunscreen and bug spray for safety and comfort.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Tour times:
- 9-11:30 a.m.
- 1-3:30 p.m.
- 4-7:30 p.m.
Location: 1490 Red Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Cost: $10 per person
Lavender Hill Farm Tour
Established in 2003, Lavender Hill Farm is the largest commercial lavender farm in Michigan. The owners are committed to growing healthy varieties to supply the ever increasing demand for fresh and dried flowers, culinary lavender and a variety of sachets for home use. The farm is an earth friendly farm using no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Over 25 varieties are grown at Lavender Hill Farm, all of which are hand planted and harvested. The tour will cover all aspects including planting, growing, harvesting and processing lavender. Attendees can learn more about the farm's history, lavender uses and the many products that contain lavender.
We advise participants to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Bring sunscreen and bug spray for safety and comfort.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Tour times:
- 11 a.m.
- 2 p.m.
Location: 7354 Horton Bay Rd. N, Boyne City, MI 49712
Cost: $10 per person (includes tour and a lavender shortbread cookie)
Learn More about Cherry and Apple Research at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center
This 137-acre center sits in the five-county northwestern region that produces almost half of the U.S. supply of tart cherries and is responsible for 83 percent of sweet cherry production in Michigan. Founded through the efforts of the northwestern Michigan area fruit industry, the center is the premier research site for integrated pest management, horticultural production and handling, value-added processing, marketing and farm financial management practices for sweet and tart cherries, wine grapes, apples, plums and hops. In addition to creating and expanding knowledge through leading-edge research on cherries and other fruits, the center disseminates state-of-the-art information to the Michigan fruit industry and the public. Join Nikki Rothwell for a walking tour of the grounds of the research facility and learn about new and ongoing projects in apples and cherries designed to benefit Michigan's Fruit Industry.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes as this is a walking tour. Dress for the weather, and bring sunscreen and bug spray for safety and comfort.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Tour times: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: 6686 S. Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Cost: Free
Other locations that can be visited before or after Conference
There are several public and private gardens that are open to the public in Michigan. The Michigan Master Gardener Association has a list of Places to Visit highlighting several locations in each region of the state. The listing is broken down by region so depending on where you are traveling from, some of these might be along your route or worth a special detour.
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