Events

Danielle Bell, ecologist, designer and owner of Native Roots, LLC, presenting  

“Going from Turf to Habitat”

It can quickly become overwhelming to convert your existing landscape into a pollinator haven. What native plants should I choose? How do I get rid of the grass? Where should I place my plantings so I don't upset my neighbors? This talk will provide you with the tools to not only design a native landscape plan but also how to take those first steps to implement the plan and bring your yard to life!

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Damion Draeger with “Working With Water in your Native Landscape”.  Damion owns 4D Exteriorscapes and teaches in the Horticulure Dept at MATC.  His focus is on educating people on the proper ways to construct and maintain water features with the environment in mind.   

Jim Reinartz, former director of the UWM Field Station at Cedarburg Bog will present:  “So You’ve Killed the Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard:  Now What?”  When we remove invasive species from woodlands that they dominate, the area will almost certainly be re-colonized by invasives if nothing else is introduced to fill that space.  Is it effective to seed native species into degraded woodlands where invasive plants have been removed?  If so, what native species will be most effective at establishing and competing with the non-natives?  We do not have all the answers yet, but we can all actively experiment with this topic.

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Dr Jill Hapner, Executive Director of SEWISC (Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium) will present “Invasive Species Headed our Way:  Local action to a global problem” .  Learn how shifting climate conditions allow existing invasive species to expand their range while creating pathways for new invasive species to be introduced.  Our control tools need to adapt to be more resilient to the changing climate.  

We will tour a member's yard.  For members only.

We will not be having a regular meeting in June as we want to encourage you to head up to Johnson’s Nursery in Menomonee Falls for our annual June plant sale.  
Johnson’s is again graciously offering a 40% discount to Wild Ones members on all of their excellent native plant stock (trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses and ferns).  The plants are wonderful and the savings are significant and available every day in June (although Johnson’s is closed on Sundays).  Stop by on any Saturday and say hello to the chapter reps at the Wild Ones’s information table.
Go to www.kb.jniplants.com to get details of the sale, a look at their Wisconsin Native Plant Guide, their current inventory and numerous articles on native plant topics.  Please note that you must have your Wild Ones membership card when you shop - either a paper copy or digital.  Find your membership card on the Wild Ones website by clicking on “My Membership”.  Don’t miss this sale!

Tour of two member urban yards, one in Milwaukee and one in West Allis

yard tour

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. 

Yard Tour followed by a workshop on seed collection and handling & sowing options given by home owner, a Master Gardener

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. 

Pat Fojut presents:  "Nature by Moonlight:  Native Gardens at Night"

What happens in the backyard after the sun goes down.  Insects, sounds and other nature found in a 20 year old prairie at night. 

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! 

Eric Manges presents:  Where Meteorology and Ecology Meet

Former local weatherman on Channel 6, Eric connects the earth sciences to the natural world, hoping to show that each person can make an impact on their environment.

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.

Our annual holiday party and annual meeting.

Features socializing, a soup/chili buffet, door prizes, a seed exchange and a short presentation on vermiposting.