Events

Join us on a walk through the Thompson Township Nature Preserve.  Opened in 2023, the preserve is on the site of an old golf course located on an island in the Tittabawasee River.  The new preserve has hiking trails and hosts a blue heron nesting colony.  Last year, we had to chance to see the site still under construction.  Lets see what a difference a year can make!

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

We'll be taking another hike though Eagle Ridge Nature Area, hopefully without the rain this time.  We meet at the parking area along side Stratford lake and head off into the head lands to see what new habitats and blooming plants we can see.

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Do you need seeds of native plants to help jump start your garden?  Karol Walker has an extensive native plant garden with all the seeds that go along with it.  Come and collect for your use and collect a few more to help out with the seed swap next February.  Karol, along with other members will provide tips and tricks on how to successfully collect and store your seeds to maintain their viability.  

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

This is our annual meeting and pot luck to review all of our activities and elect the next slate of officers.  Bring a dish to pass and enjoy a look back at the previous years activities.  

Learn about the Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's newest demonstration garden funded in part by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Jeanine Sharkey about this newest San Diego native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon. 

Learn about the Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter's newest demonstration garden, funded partly by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Kate Brittenham about this newest Albany NY native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!