Give the Rake a Break: Your Guide to Sustainable Leaf Management


Each cool autumn is contrasted by the transformation from lush green to fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow. Yet, after the big show, many of us are left with a sea of leaves to rake, bag, and dispose of. So, why not leave them where they are? Nature’s Fertilizer Be-leaf it or not, leaf […]
Bats: Your Secret Neighbor


If you’re like me, you probably don’t give much mind to bats unless it’s Halloween or you’re talking about a certain superhero. Well, what if I told you bats are our neighbors all winter long? That’s right, Wisconsin has one of the largest populations of cave-hibernating bats in all of the Midwest! A Winter Hideaway […]
Wisconsin’s Native Oaks


Especially in summer, it’s clear that our state is covered in forests. No matter where you look, there seems to be green! Oaks are nearly the most abundant type of tree in Wisconsin, second only to maples.1 Yet, oak ecosystems have been disappearing and are of high concern in conservation efforts. How could this possibly […]
5 Ways to Save Water Outdoors This Summer


As awareness of water conservation increases, more and more people are looking for ways to cut back on their daily use. What most people don’t realize is that a whopping 30% of average American household water use takes place in their yard.1 So how can we save water outdoors this summer? Ditch the Sprinkler Sprinklers […]
6 “Black Sheep” Pollinators You Should Get to Know


With the popularity of No Mow May, I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about bees and how we can help them. After all, they do play a huge role in maintaining our plant biodiversity, and getting food on the table. However, bees have risen to pollinator poster child status, and most people […]
Butterflies: More Than Just Beautiful Wings


Butterflies are the beauties of our gardens and landscapes. Their beautiful colors and delicate wings bring life and color into our lives. But what purpose do they serve in our environment? Butterflies are beautiful but mighty workers. They help our environment more than we realize! Butterflies are Pollinators Butterflies are attracted to bright flowers and […]
Bees, the Buzzing Superhero


Bees are more than a cute little fuzzy insect… they are hard at work making your landscape, neighborhood, and world a better place! Even though they may sting once in a while, bees play an important role in the natural world. What Do Bees Do for You? Besides being the best producers for honey, bees […]
Where Animals Live During Winter in Wisconsin: Birds, Badgers, & Others Brave the Cold


Bitter cold, snow, and barren ground are typical characteristics of a Wisconsin winter. Sometimes temperatures warm up or less snow falls, but animals of all kinds have to adapt to this dormant season. Some migrate to warmer places while others hunker down in temporary habitats where they can. Others fully hibernate or go into torpor […]
Nature-Inspired Gifts for the Holiday Season


Looking for gifts for the loved ones in your life or even yourself? Consider one-of-a-kind, long-lasting gifts that are good for the local environment too! Let’s check out what’s available at our WPS Trellis Gift Shop for your holiday shopping this year. For the Book Lovers We all have a loved one that enjoys reading […]
Native Plants to Fill Your Fall Gaps & Containers


As we transition further in fall you might be stuck on what to do with your garden or landscape at home. When we think of fall, we think of plants and blooms dying off because the air is colder and the sun isn’t around as much. On the contrary, there are multiple different plants that […]