The annual Bradford Research Center native plant sale will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14.
The event will include informative booths and demonstrations, indoor presentations, and Missouri native plant and shrub vendors.
"Native plants are a critical part of the ecosystem that we all live in," Bradford Superintendent Andrew Biggs said. "Not only can attendees buy plants for their home garden during our plant sale, we have several presentations lined up with very interesting and timely topics."
Before the event officially begins, John Besser, with the Columbia Audubon Society, will lead a walking bird tour of Bradford from 7-10 a.m.
Terry Woods, a research specialist at the South Farm Research Center, will speak about beneficial insects at 10 a.m. David Davis will follow with a presentation at 11 a.m. on how to make maple syrup at home. Davis is the superintendent of the Forage Systems Research Center in Linneus. Becky Erickson, Hawthorn Chapter of the Missouri Native Plant Society, will close out the presentations with a discussion on seed foraging at noon.
"Each presentation will showcase different parts of the ecosystem and their importance," Biggs said. "As an entomologist, Terry will discuss which of those insects are beneficial for plants. David has been making his own maple syrup for years, and will provide insight into how an individual can do the same on their own property. We're also excited to have Becky speak on recognizing, processing and storing native plant seed."
The vendors will offer a variety of plants for individuals to check out.
"By placing the plant vendors and experts in the same place, at the same time, we really hope to give interested individuals the best opportunity possible to learn the how and why all of these things work together," Biggs said.
The Bradford Research Center is at 4968 Rangeline Road in Columbia. For more information, visit bradford.missouri.edu or call 573-884-7945.
The Fulton Garden Club also will be hosting a native plant sale this spring. Watch for more information.