KJFM NEWS — You don’t have to be a biologist or a landscaping expert to plan a yard or flower garden that provides good habitat for insects and local wildlife. All you need are the right plants in the right places. With a number of species, you don’t have to wait for spring to begin planting, either.

People can learn more about what plantings can be made in future weeks to establish good habitat in their yards for future years at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free virtual program “Native Plants: Planting in the Fall.” This program, which will be Sept. 8 from 10-10:45 a.m. is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. At this program, MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos will provide information about native plants and have recommendations for yard and garden designs that will work around the home. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/186529

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters. This program will also be an opportunity to get information about the native plant sale at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 24.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. People wanting more information about this program or other upcoming events at the nature center can call 417-888-4237. People can also call this number to get signed up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins about upcoming programs at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and other nearby MDC facilities.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.