Events

What does it really take to turn a conventional lawn into a thriving native meadow? Join Owner & Principal, New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Sara Weaner Cooper for a candid look at her family's ongoing lawn-to-meadow transformation featured in The New York Times and BBC. Drawing from three years of hands-on experience, Sara will share the methods, lessons learned, successes, and challenges of converting turfgrass into a dynamic native plant community. Participants will gain practical insights into site preparation, planting, management, and the ecological principles that guide successful meadow establishment, along with realistic expectations for how these landscapes evolve over time.

Registration link coming soon.

Planting Native for Flood Control, presented by Dennis Fermenich, our speaker in January.

At this FREE seminar, learn how planting native trees can help reduce flooding in your yard, manage stormwater and protect our local environment! This informative seminar will explore how trees naturally absorb rainwater, slow runoff and improve neighborhood resilience. Learn more about:
How trees help prevent flooding
Benefits of native tree species
Simple ways to improve drainage in your yard
Q&A and practical planting tips

BONUS: Attendees will receive ONE FREE native tree from Big Plant (while supplies last!)

Seminar will be held in the Community Room.
FREE & open to all ages!
For more info, contact [email protected]

Our Chapter has partnered with Friends of Wehr/FOW to sponsor the Annual Summit at FAITH IN PLACE for a special showing of Bill McKibben at Wehr Nature Center on 9/29/26, doors open at 5:00pm.  It is free, and so is parking! You need to register by 9/13/26 (below)

Bill McKibben is an author, educator, and environmentalist, who helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and who has recently helped found Third Act to build a progressive organization/movement for people over the age of 60.  McKibben is an internationally known protestor and has fought the Keytone Pipeline.

Our program begins at 5:45pm.  Speaker is presenting 6:00-7:30.  Doors close at 8pm.

Join your community to watch, connect, and be inspired.  Come to the Watch Party.  If you can't join us for the fun at Wehr, you can watch it from home. You will be sent a link for viewing at home when you register.  

FOW will have a BAKE SALE during the event.

Our Chapter is doing the coolest things, like this program.  We will be tabling the Faith in Place Wehr event, and another one in central Milwaukee to promote native plants.

McKibben's productions:  "This Is Economic Self-Sabotage" - A sober 18 minute MUST WATCH that illuminates an array of negative effects due to the climate rollbacks.   He has authored many books and his fight against Keystone is featured in "Oil and Honey".

Please help us promote this program.  It's our first watch party and we want to be sure there's a great turn-out.

Help us celebrate the beauty and importance of migrating birds!

This FREE event includes:
- bird education and ways to help birds in your yard
- bird-friendly product door prizes
- face painting and kids' activities
- Wild Birds Unlimited coupon giveaways
and more!

Event Details:
Location: Greenfield Farmers Market
Date & Time:  Sunday, October 4th, 10 am - 2 pm

More info at: www.migratorybirdday.org/

World Migratory Bird Day | Greenfield, WI

Speaker Dr Esther Shekinah Durairaj, Education Director,  Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, presenting “Soil Health and Management for Urban Situations”

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Speaker Emily Helm, Conservation Biologist, Waukesha County Parks system, with the presentation “Oak Ecosystems”

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.