Runge Nature Center to hold native plant sale March 22

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Native wildflowers and grasses are attractive additions to lawn and garden landscaping. They also offer hardiness advantages and many benefit butterflies, birds and other wildlife. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City is holding its annual native plant sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 22.

Learn about and purchase native flowers, shrubs and trees from Missouri vendors including Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Prairie Hill Farm, Gaylena’s Garden, Ozark Berry Farm, DJM Ecological Services, and Forrest Keeling Nursery.

“Landscaping with native plant species provides urban habitat for a diversity of wildlife,” said MDC Naturalist Trana Madsen. “Native plants offer alternatives to the traditional water and chemical dependent manicured lawn.”

The annual native plant sale is in partnership with the Grow Native! program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation.

Runge Nature Center is located one-third of a mile north of Hwy 50 on Hwy 179. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For more information on this or other programs, call 573-526-5544 or visit mdc.mo.gov and search “Runge.”