Programs

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Meadows of Northeast Ohio:
Openings in the Forest

Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Noon
Dave Tomashefski, Co-owner Meadow City Native Plant Nursery

When European settlers first arrived in Ohio, they found a land that was 98% forested and rich in wetlands. Gardeners of today know, however, that a number of our native flowers and grasses prefer sunny, drier conditions. These include meadow species like little bluestem and nodding wild onion. What were the natural factors that allowed these plants to colonize our area and persist to the present day? This presentation examines meadow communities of northeast Ohio, with an emphasis on their origin, characteristic plant species, and ecological significance.

Dave Tomashefski co-owns Meadow City Native Plant Nursery in Cleveland, where he is head of educational programming. Prior to Meadow City, Dave worked at the Soil, Water and Environmental Lab at Ohio State, where he also earned his M.S. in Environment and Natural Resources. He is a lifelong nature lover, having grown up birdwatching in Lakewood. His gift is finding the perfect plant for everyone!