Events

Our next meeting is:

JANUARY 11, 2025 (1:30 PM): Local restoration experts Marek Landscaping

Mike Marek and Mara Redding of Marek Landscaping will join us with “Tips, trade secrets and lessons learned in native landscape management”

Mike started Marek Landscaping almost 30 years ago and has been in the forefront of local restoration with innovative techniques to protect water and landscapes that both people and nature depend on. Mara is a landscape designer with a variety of field work experience.

Join us for an informative time with two of the leading landscape professionals in the region.

A Wealth of Nature: Parks and Natural Areas in Southeast Wisconsin

“A Wealth of Nature” is a project spearheaded by Eddee Daniel and Preserve Our Parks, a non-profit dedicated to preservation and promotion of parks and open space. Eddee has traveled throughout the Milwaukee region documenting the area’s abundance of nature and recreational opportunities. Eddee will describe the project, the challenges parks are facing, what Preserve Our Parks is doing about them and share his beautiful photographs from all over SE Wisconsin.

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Note this is a different date from our regular schedule.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Going from Turf to Habitat

Excellent for new members!

Join us for a joyful celebration of the season at the Milwaukee Public Market's very first Festival of Flowers, taking place Saturday, May 3 from 11am to 3pm at Riverwalk Commons, right across from the Milwaukee Public Market.

Wild Ones National Board Secretary Jermey Rappaport will present on how people can help support a healthy planet by transitioning away from traditional lawns and gardens to more sustainable alternatives featuring native plants. 

This free, family-friendly event is bursting with color, fragrance, and fun! Explore a vibrant flower market featuring locally grown blooms and botanicals perfect for brightening your home or garden. Enjoy live music from local artists as you wander, shop, and relax along the riverfront.

Bring the whole family- there’s something for everyone! From interactive activities for kids to garden-inspired crafts, the Festival of Flowers is designed to delight visitors of all ages. Grown-ups can savor seasonal beverages, while everyone can dig into a variety of tasty eats from local food vendors.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a fresh way to spend your Saturday, the Festival of Flowers is the perfect spring outing.

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!