Events

An introduction to lichens and what they are, how to recognize them including in our own neighborhoods, and how they are used as indicators of human pollution.

How to Build a Prairie and Wild Yard in the Land of Riding Lawn Mowers

We bought our house in 1983 because we loved the yard with woods in the back and sun in the front and its infinite possibilites.  The yard was interesting because it had an extra deep well dug to make sure the first owners could keep the grass watered yet a part of the front yard was "early" meadow.  Join me as a I share our journey to create a yard that would be a place for wildlife, pollinators, people, and a place to show that your acre does not have to be all mowed grass to be beautiful.  

Using Science to Expand the Benefits of Native Plants

 Come learn about the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory’s Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Project (NHIP). This program uses social science to make it easier to utilize native plants in a variety of contexts and uses biological science to improve our understanding of how birds are affected by native plants. Dr. Jennifer Phillips-Vanderberg, Director of the Observatory, will share what has been learned so far and how the Observatory is working to expand the program in the region. She will share lessons learned about working with diverse partners with different goals, about public opinions about native plants, and the tremendous potential for expanding the benefits of native plants beyond our backyards.

Wisconsin Dragonflies

Tour of Seminary Woods to see spring flowers and tour a member's adjacent yard

Tour of the propagation areas at the nursery led by Ben French

Tour of yard belonging to presenter from February meeting.

tour of members' yard

Tour of members' yard

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

Speaker Kristine Heuser of Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.  Discussion of Root-Pike WIN's work to solve issues with stormwater run-off using native plant restoration projects

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora. 

Speaker Dr Dana Garrigan;  topic is the flora and fauna of Chiwaukee Prairie, a Wisconsin State Natural Area in Kenosha County, WI 

Our annual holiday party with a chili/soup buffet, seed exchange, door prizes and a presentation by Jeff Veglahn, land manager at Wehr, with his assessment and plans for the nature center management.