Michigan Botanical Club

Organization formed in 1941 with the purpose of conserving all plants native to Michigan. The name of the organization was originally the Michigan Wildflower Association. The name was changed in 1949.

The Michigan Botanical Club was founded on May 31, 1941. It was first named as the Michigan Wildflower Association. The aims of the organization are: (1) conservation of all types of native plants, (2) education of the public to appreciate and preserve plant life, (3) sponsorship of research and publications on the plant life of the State, (4) sponsorship of legislation to promote the preservation of Michigan native flora and to establish suitable sanctuaries and natural areas and (5) cooperation in programs concerned with the wise use and conservation of all natural resources and scenic features.

On June 2, 1946 the name of the organization was changed to Michigan Association for Native Plant Protection. Finally, after some controversy among the members, the name was changed again on February 27, 1949 to the Michigan Botanical Club.

Since the beginning of the organization, the members agreed to encourage the foundation of regional chapters. Soon thereafter, four chapters were formed. The first one was the Bay County Wildflower Association, which was active until 1952. The second chapter formed was the Saginaw Wildflower Society, which consisted of a boy scout group and became inactive during World War II because the members entered military service. The third chapter founded was in Marquette and the other chapter founded was the East Grand Rapids Junior Chapter which lasted until 1948. There was also another chapter founded on 1949, called the Wildlife Chapter. It became inactive in 1951. Now there are five chapters as part of the organization: Huron Valley Chapter, Red Cedar Chapter, Southeastern Chapter, Southwestern Chapter and White Pine Chapter.

Publications have been an important resource for the organization. One of its first publications was a series of bulletins given out by the Southeastern Chapter. Some of the titles were, Flowers of Spring, Autumn Colors and Names of Plants among others. With the formation of the Huron Valley Chapter, the idea of publishing a botanical journal was conceived. The result was the publication of The Michigan Botanist, a quarterly journal. This journal stills circulating to the members.

The Michigan Botanical Club also publishes its Special Publication Series. The first booklet was Some Common Mushrooms of Michigan Parks and Recreation Areas, published on 1963. The Club has published other booklets and a member newsletter. It has a web page, http://michbotclub.org.

Another major Club effort is the Big Trees Project. The project started soon after 1941 and its mission is to discover, measure and record Michigan's biggest trees and shrubs. Other activities organized by the Club have been Campouts and the foundation of the Natural Areas Council on 1951.