Otsego Conservation District Demonstration Garden & Nature Center

Development of the Otsego County Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Garden began in 1997 by removing refuse from an old dump site. Over the last 15 years this 3-acre garden has become a home for many native flowers, butterflies, wetland plants, and wildlife.

The garden was developed to educate the public on the importance of native plants for preserving water quality and supporting ecosystems. The garden also features a home compost demonstration site geared toward educating people on how they can compost kitchen scraps and yard trimmings in their own backyard.

Several gardens make up the Demonstration Garden including

• Songbird Garden
• Butterfly Garden
• Native Michigan Wildflower Garden
• Ground Cover Garden
• Perennial Garden
• Herb Garden
• Rose Garden
• Hummingbird Garden
• Children's Garden
• Youth Seed to Harvest Garden
• Friendship Garden

A model conservation forest with nature trails adjoins the garden. This 16 acre stand of timber is used by the Conservation District to educate the public on the importance of sound forestry practices.
The garden is open to the public year round to explore the great outdoors.

The Nature Center Classroom provides a perfect place for our numerous workshops and educational programs that teach about natural resource conservation. Throughout the year we host multiple free youth programs and many free workshops for families and adults.