Native Plant Academy in Kansas City a hybrid online and on-site project by Lincoln University and partners
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ersimmon, elderberry, wild plum, goldenglow (Rudbeckia laciniata), wild leeks (Allium tricoccum) and several other native edible plants, as well as many native wildflowers naturally found in Missouri were the focus of the former Native Plants Program at Lincoln University from 2008 and 2017. Starting December 2020, the new Specialty Crops Program was launched as part of Lincoln University in Cooperative Extension. This new program will follow up to keep promoting native plants for their importance for human consumption and wildlife and to grow them as crops with the potential of generating income. One of the first projects is the Native Plant Academy (NPA) that will take place from May 6 to June 19 this year. It consists of 4 online webinars every Thursday in May, in English and in Spanish and three bilingual on-site classes the first three Saturdays in June. See detailed information at the end of this article. The Native Plant Academy is supported with funds from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and is under the management of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and Lincoln University. Cooperators in Kansas City include Westside Housing, Deep Roots, Kansas City Public Library and local businesses Green Thumb and the GardeNerd. One of the goals is that thirty or more underserved individuals will get introductory training on several aspects of native plants. They will learn about native plants commercially available—from wildflowers to trees—recognize their importance for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, uses for human consumption, and value-added
potential in the floral industry and landscaping. Hands-on activities include site preparation and establishment of a garden with native plants at Nottingham Apartments front yard managed by Westside Housing. In addition, a garden tour at the Anita Gorman Discovery Center will be done to close the program. To register for webinars please use zoom links for English classes (http://bit.ly/3eykSw8) and for Spanish classes (https://bit. ly/2PSBPXK). You can also send us an email at: nativeplantsandmore@ gmail.com or Navarrete-tindalln@ lincolnu.edu or visit Facebook page: Native Plants and More. Classes are free and open to the public. Those attending all classes will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Paid internships with local businesses will be available for those interested in taking this training as a career
NADIA NAVARRETE-TINDALL Native Plant Specialist 28
May 2021 | kcgmag.com
path. To be eligible to apply for internships, participants should register and participate in all classes. Others are welcome to register at any time and participate in as many
workshops as they want. One of the hoped-for outcomes is to increase participation of Latinos, African American and other underserved and underrepresented
Zoom webinars Thursdays 2-3 pm May 6 – Introduction to native plants May 13 – Native plants for pollinators and other wildlife. May 20 – Native edible plants and value-added products May 27 – Principles of native plant garden design To register please use this Zoom link: http://bit.ly/3eykSw8 or send us an email: Navarrete-TindallN@LincolnU.edu On-site Workshops – Saturdays 9:30-11:30 am June 5 – Preparing garden site. June 12 – Native Plant Garden establishment Address: Nottingham Apartments at Washington St. and 18th W. St. June 19 – Discovery Center Garden Tour and Graduation. Certificates and internships announced. Address: 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall is a Native Plant Specialist and Educator at Lincoln University. She offers educational workshops and other training about native edible plants and other topics on native plants. She can be reached by email at navarrete-tindalln@lincolnu.edu and on her Facebook page “Native Plants and More.”
