Open Yards Program
Kent Conservation District is seeking landowners just like you to be site hosts for the the West Michigan Open Yards (WMOY) program. Read more details below and learn how to sign up.
Save the Date
Grand Rapids Native Plant Yard Tour
Single day event will feature 10 residential yards that feature native plantings for wildlife.
Learn about habitat conservation and how to create space for wildlife in our diverse human-dominated landscapes. For more details scan the QR code.
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Landscapes will be available from 9 am to 4 pm the day of the tour.
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Tour is self-guided with at least 10 stops. You start and stop whenever and wherever you like.
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Registration fee is just $15 for adults, children under 18 are free.
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Paid registrants will receive access to the tour e-book with tour stop listings – one or more pics, a yard description, and the exact address for each.
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Registration to open June 10th through this same webpage; we suggest a calendar reminder.
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Tickets will be limited to assure a quality experience, and we do expect to sell out.
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Net proceeds support Kent Conservation programs and services.
A landscaping for wildlife program
Interest Survey
Do you have a habitat? And a passion for sharing your nature knowledge with others? If so, consider inviting folks to visit your habitat to engage and learn more from you.
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At WMOY, we know the power of on-site mentoring discussions, and our mission is to directly connect you with others equally interested in improving their own landscape for wildlife. We will work with you to create a website listing for your landscape that highlights its unique aspects and reflects your own personal availability for visitors.
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All visitors will be registered through the website, and only confirmed paid registrants will receive access to your street address. Your privacy is important to us, and even your name will be kept private.
We suggest hosts allow an hour for visits and that registration be limited to no more than 6 people at a time. We will also schedule monthly Open Yards Weekends to help us promote the program, and hosts will be encouraged to be open for at least some of those dates.
Yet, all of that is flexible; you decide exactly when you are open for visits, for how long, and how many people can register. Your presence on-site as a guide and mentor is one of the only firm requirements for site hosts.
The $5 fee adult registrants pay will cover program costs, such as the website, and help support other KCD services.
We are pleased to provide this program to help support the nationwide movement to build more interesting, sustainable, and beautiful landscapes for both wildlife and people.
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For further info or questions, please contact the Open Yards program coordinator at openyards@macd.org or 314-599-7390. If you want us to reach out to you directly to schedule a site visit to discuss the program further, visit the google form.