February 9, 2026 program- Prepping Native Seed Packages 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Join us in a hands-on session in creating seed packets with labels to be given out at future events. If you have saved seeds that you are willing to give away, please bring them to this meeting. We will print labels and place seeds in envelopes. This is a great way to learn about our native plants, see what the seeds look like, and learn about their growing conditions.
This program will take place at the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI. Meet at the Visitor Center. The public is welcome to attend.
Registration for WAM Conference now open
Registration is now open for the Wildflower Association of Michigan Annual Conference. It is a two day conference covering all things wildflowers on March 7th and 8th at the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Doug Tallamy who has long been a proponent of using native plants in the landscape. I was lucky enough to see him here in Midland about 8 or 9 years ago. In addition, the conference highlights some of the most up to date research on native plant ecology. Its well worth attending if you have the time and resources. WAM Conference – Wildflower Association of Michigan
Workshop through Wild Ones
Intergenerational Care for Land and Community: A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer and Esther Bonney“
The recording of this presentation is available on-line at wildones.org.
In this special collaboration, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author, botanist, and founder of Plant Baby Plant, joins youth leader and Nurture Natives founder Esther Bonney for an intergenerational conversation about belonging, reciprocity, and native plant action.
- How do we create opportunities for young people to have a voice and feel empowered, even when they are not homeowners or decision makers?
- What kinds of relationships and mentorships help people stay engaged in native plant work?
- Why do stories, shared practices, and community invitations matter just as much as plant lists?
Great Lakes Bay Region Seed Swap and Regenerative Agriculture Expo
Saturday February 21, 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm
We are signed up to participate at the Great Lakes Bay Region Seed Swap and Regenerative Agriculture Expo on February 21 at the Great Hall in Midland. We will be handing out our native seed packets and information about the Wild Ones. We will need volunteers to represent our chapter. A sign up sheet will be at the February 9 program with two hour time slots for sign-up. If you have questions feel free to reach out to members of the executive committee.
The event is described by its planners as the following: “Join us for a vibrant event celebrating community resilience, ecological stewardship, and the shared passion for growing, saving, and sustaining life from the soil up. This expo welcomes participants of all skill levels—from curious beginners to expert growers—and offers a dynamic space to learn, exchange, connect, and collaborate. Whether you’re bringing seeds, sharing skills, showcasing goods, or just exploring, you’re welcomed and valued at this event. Come connect, learn, swap, and grow with us! “
Wild Ones Mid-Mitten native plant Grant Opportunity
Are you planning on putting in a new native plant garden locally? The Wild Ones Mid-Mitten chapter opened a request for proposals (RFP) on November 1st for a maximum of $500 per project. All proposal should be submitted by February 28th 2026 to [email protected]. Final decisions for successful proposals will be announced the end of March, 2026. See details and proposal requirements on our “Grant” page on this website.
Chapter Membership
Tell your friends and neighbors about the Wild Ones and bring them to a meeting, of which almost all are open to the public. Youth are welcome when accompanied by an adult. New ideas about attracting and retaining members can be sent to Rachel LeClair ([email protected]).
Thank you to our renewing members Julie Welsh, Treton Bowman, Holly Furlo and Cyndie Roberts. We appreciate your support!
The Light is Coming Despite the Cold
It’s a difficult time to write something inspirational. The days seem to be short and cold with little to look forward to. However, the light is returning and everyday you can see that the sun is rising earlier and setting later. If you have plans to start your plants from seeds, now is good time to think about those that require stratification. What is stratification you ask? Essentially, fooling your seeds to think that they went through a winter so that they will germinate. Many of our native seeds require 30, 60 or even 90 days of stratification to facilitate germination. To stratify your seeds, place your seeds in a container (I’ve used zip locks or take out containers) with damp sand or damp paper towels and place them in the refrigerator. Be sure to label them so you know who is who and when they were placed in the refrig. After they’re stratified, grow them as normal. Before you know it, you’ll have plants ready to be put out into your garden! Give it try and let me know how you do!
Yours in nature,
Susan Erhardt
President, Wild Ones Mid-Mitten Chapter
[email protected] |
