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!

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!