30-Z – Lawn Alternatives – Using Native Plants in Our Landscape
At a Glance
Time
Two weeks:
Wednesday, April 29 – May 6, 2026
3 – 4:30 p.m. CT
Cost
$40.00
Location
Online (Hybrid): Zoom
Class limit: None
Course Description
This course explores the decline of native plants and biodiversity caused by human activity and highlights the vital role of conservation. Together, we will consider three guiding questions: Why is promoting native plants essential? What practical steps can each of us take to foster biodiversity? And how can we design landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly? Join us to discover how small actions can make a lasting ecological impact.
Instructor
Robert Bergmann has lived in Ames since 1973 and retired from ISU as a Senior Research Analyst after nearly 40 years. He is a Master Gardener, volunteers at Reiman Gardens, and has extensively studied climate change and native plant concerns. He loves using native plants in his flower, woodland, water, rock, raised bed, and shoreline gardens.