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Jon and Susan Cross are passionate about restoring the rare habitat where they live—The Oak Openings Region, located in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. They have successfully restored their own 20 acres of rare woodland, sand barren, and wet prairie to provide a home for rare and state-listed species. Their experience models how private citizens—no matter where they live or how much space they have—are critical participants in the stewardship of healthy environments. Professionals can’t shoulder this burden alone. The Crosses are now on a mission to influence others to plant natives as often as possible one garden or landscape at a time.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS

Jon Cross is a highly regarded native plant advocate, speaker, and award-winning nature photographer. Jon’s alter ego is that of an information technology leader for over 20 years. He was named 2022 Landowner of the Year by the Green Ribbon Initiative (GRI) for work on behalf of the globally rare Oak Openings Region where he and Susan live. GRI is a consortium of public and private organizations, landowners, and individuals working to preserve, enhance, and restore critical natural areas in the Oak Openings Region.

Susan Cross is a native plant advocate, author, and speaker. Susan’s alter ego is that of a public relations professional for over 30 years in corporate America.

Jon and Susan are frequent hosts to environmentalists and landowners who share their passion for restoring The Oak Openings Region to its native state and want to see and apply learnings from their efforts. They also speak frequently about their habitat restoration experiences. To learn more visit www.zenvironment.net.  

PARKING: Metered parking is available at Matthaei Botanical Gardens; members park for free.