Kathy Widin will discuss techniques and benefits of adding local native plants to your garden and landscape. Native plants are essential host plants and nectar sources for pollinators. Even a modest increase in native plants in your yard can increase the number of species of birds in your neighborhood. Their deep roots absorb rainfall, preventing runoff.

Kathy Widin holds MS and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Pathology from the University of Minnesota. Kathy started her business, Plant Health Associates, in 1983, and worked as a consulting Plant Pathologist and Municipal Forester until her retirement in 2015. She is an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture in 2003. Kathy wrote the “Plant Health” column in Northern Gardener magazine of the MN State Horticultural Society for over 30 years. She served as President of the St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter of Wild Ones 2015-17 and she continues to serve on the chapter board.