Feb 16, 2012 (Thu)    

Bedrock Geology of Kane County presented by Jon Duerr

7PM
Naperville Municipal Center
400 S. Eagle Street in downtown Naperville

Jon is retired from the Kane County Forest Preserve District and a long-time member of the Illinois Native Plant Society and has an interest in insect and bird relationships with plants. The recent mapping of the bedrock geology of Kane County gives us information on the formation of our soils, topography and plant communities that should not be too different from those of DuPage County. Jon will discuss how geology affects the plant (and animal) life of the area

    Mar 15, 2012 (Thu)    

Reptiles of the Chicago Area

7PM
Naperville Municipal Center
400 S. Eagle Street in downtown Naperville

Reptiles have long fascinated herpetologist Mark Bavetz, and he will share pictures and lore of the over 30 species which, although secretive in nature and declining in number, can still be found in Chicago area forests, prairies, and wetlands. Children are often fascinated by creepy crawly life forms. If your kids fit this description, they are welcome to attend

    Apr 10, 2012 (Tue)    

Last Day to Register for the 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

To purchase tickets, please fill out this registration form and mail with your check and choice of entrée (Pork Medallions or Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms) to:

Pat Armstrong
612 Staunton Road
Naperville, IL 60565

Please write “Anniversary Dinner” in the memo line.

Allow time for delivery. Be sure to send earlier than this to ensure your place.

    Apr 21, 2012 (Sat)    

Greater DuPage Chapter 20th Anniversary Dinner featuring Gerry Wilhelm

6PM
Hilton of Lisle
3003 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, IL 60532

In 1992, Pat Armstrong and Vicki Nowicki formed the Northern Illinois Chapter of Wild Ones, the first outside the state of Wisconsin. As local groups split off to form more new chapters, Northern Illinois changed its name to Greater DuPage. 20 years later, we are still pursuing our mission of promoting environmentally sound landscaping to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities.

Join us as we celebrate our history and honor our long-term board members. Our featured speaker will be Gerry Wilhelm.

Cost: $25 for Wild Ones members (registered by 3/1/12)
$35 for non-members
Cost includes a full dinner, dessert, coffee/tea. Bar service available separately.

To purchase tickets, please fill out this registration form and mail with your check and choice of entrée (Pork Medallions or Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms) to:

Pat Armstrong
612 Staunton Road
Naperville, IL 60565

Please write “Anniversary Dinner” in the memo line and reserve your place by April 10.

    Apr 03, 2012 (Tue)    

Ready, Set, Go! Spring Yard Preparation

Learn what, when, and how you should prepare your native landscape for season-long enjoyment of colors, fragrances, birds, butterflies, and beauty. Part of the presentation will cover "Shopping for Excellent Native Plants . . . The How and Where" 

    May 01, 2012 (Tue)    

Nature Up Close

Join the Lake-to-Praire Chapter of Wild Ones and Joan Sayers, noted photographer, for an evening full of images that will amaze your senses. Joan is known for her "close up and personal" style of photography which makes heavy use of a macro lens. She'll show images of the colorful flora and tiny fauna we find in Lake County, and even in your own back yard.

    Jun 05, 2012 (Tue)    

Savvy Lawns – How to Be Green and Still Have a Green Lawn . . . Wondering what you can do to better care for your lawn that is more eco-friendly and safe? This session will review the full array of how homeowners approach their turf grass, including how to save money, water, and time. The gamut runs from simple changes in mowing to natural lawn care and low-mow grass. Whether you do it yourself or hire out lawn care, you will gain practical tips.

    Jul 10, 2012 (Tue)    

Spotting and Eliminating “Bad Plants” . . . Weeds, Invasives, and Exotics with Peggy Simonson, Citizens for Conservatio

    Aug 07, 2012 (Tue)    

Rain Gardens . . . Easy, Effective, and Beneficial with Janice Hand, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardene

    Sep 04, 2012 (Tue)    

Fall “Cut and Shut” . . . Timing and Techniques for Putting Your Garden to Slee

    Oct 02, 2012 (Tue)    

Green Design, Using Plants and Technology Togethe

    Nov 06, 2012 (Tue)    

Edible and Medicinal Native Plants, Learning from the Past with Sandy Mille

    Dec 04, 2012 (Tue)    

Holiday Potluck Get Togethe

    Jan 19, 2012 (Thu)    

Native Ferns


Emily Sessa, a systematics and ecology graduate student in the Botany Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Cornell University in 2005, and worked at a natural history museum in Ithaca, New York for several years between college and graduate school. Her research interests are broadly the evolution and ecology of plants, in particular the seed-free vascular plants. Her Ph.D. research integrates phylogenetic systematics and ecophysiology in a study of the fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae). We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Feb 16, 2012 (Thu)    

Controlling Invasive Plants, a panel discusion


Nathan Hill, Watershed Coordinator with the Kishwaukee River EcoSystem Partnership
Greg Keilback, Land Stewardship Director with the Natural Land Institute
Jack Pizzo & Associates will have a representative

We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Mar 15, 2012 (Thu)    

Native Forbs (wildflowers) and Grasses to Attract Birds


Lee Johnson, North Central Illinois Ornithological Society, also known as the bird bander at Sand Bluff Bird Observatory as well as the second Director of Burpee Museum. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Apr 19, 2012 (Thu)    

Native Woodland Plants for Shady Areas


Dan Boehlke, Horticultural Advisor, Frenz Garden Center, Millwaukee, WI. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    May 17, 2012 (Thu)    

Native Insects in Our Landscapes


Phil Nixon, Ph.D., an entomologist with the University of Illinois Extension, Department of Crop Sciences has state wide responsibilities for integrated pest management. At home he has plantings of butterfly, bee and bird food plants and maintains mason bees to pollinate his fruit trees. This meeting is being held at the brand new Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Jun 21, 2012 (Thu)    

Seed to Flower, Growing Your Own Native Plants


Connie Ramthun, Natural Landscaping Consultant, Kettle Moraine Natural Landscaping. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Jul 19, 2012 (Thu)    

Yard Tour/Evening Social


Members Only, location to be announced. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Aug 16, 2012 (Thu)    

Native Shrubs


Corrine Daniels, Principal Nursery Manager, AES Restoration Nurseries, Brodhead, WI. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Sep 20, 2012 (Thu)    

Natural Landscaping


Bret Rappaport, legal expert assisting natural landscapers. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Oct 18, 2012 (Thu)    

Photo Yard Tours


A visual tour of native planting projects presented by chapter members. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Doors are open at 6:30 p.m. for socializing and browsing the lending library and merchandise tables. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Nov 15, 2012 (Thu)    

Pot Luck and Seed Exchange


Members only - all members welcome, with or without seeds. Bring a dish to share. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main in Rockford. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Contact Terry Mohaupt, Program Chair, at 815-399-8432 or mohaupt@comcast.net for more information.

    Sep 20, 2011 (Tue)    

September 20th (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. Louisville Chapter of Wild Ones Native Plants, Natural Landscapes Wildflower Woods tour and Annual Planning Meeting. Gather at Daniel Boone statue at the Eastern Parkway entrance to Cherokee Park at 7:00 p.m. for a casual walking tour of Wildflower Woods. Feel free to bring gloves and plastic bags to pick up litter. If the weather is nice we will find a picnic table in or near the Baringer Hill Pavilion; if weather is not good we will decide on a local restaurant to meet and discuss plans for 2012

    Oct 05, 2011 (Wed)    

Reservations ARE required by October 5th for October 19th (Wednesday), 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Annual dinner meeting! Space is limited and the food is pre-paid so we also appreciate pre-payment on the dinners

    Oct 19, 2011 (Wed)    

October 19th (Wednesday), 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Annual dinner meeting with Native Landscape/Nature Photography Workshop presented by Michael M. Meet in the Field House at Creasey Mahon Nature Preserve (http://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/). The Catering Company of Louisville will prepare a fresh buffet dinner of soup (butternut squash & chicken noodle), salad, and bread; water and sodas will also be provided. You are welcome to bring a dessert/other drink to share. Dinner is $5/per person for members and $8/per person for non-members. Reservations ARE required by October 5th! Space is limited and the food is pre-paid so we also appreciate pre-payment on the dinners. See registration form on the back

    Mar 14, 2012 (Wed)    

Kris Olsson of the Bioreserve Project: An Overview of the Program

Time: 6:45–8:30pm
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Room 125
    1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Map

The Bioreserve Project of the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) aims to assess and protect the remaining natural areas in the Huron River watershed. HRWC has created a Bioreserve Map of these areas and ranked them by 15 ecological criteria to determine those lands most important to protect in order to maintain the health of the Huron River system. HRWC trains volunteers to do rapid field assessments to gather more detailed data about natural areas shown on the Bioreserve Map. The field assessments involve walking the natural area, identifying native and nonnative plants, and describing the ecological landscape and vegetation structure of the property.

HRWC works with conservancies, local governments, and parks departments to establish strategic conservation priorities, and it uses the field assessments to target properties for permanent protection and restoration activities. HRWC also works with local governments to implement land use planning tools that manage growth to protect the most important natural areas.

Kris Olsson of the Bioreserve Project will also describe how volunteers can help perform rapid field assessments of high-quality natural areas.
 

    Apr 11, 2012 (Wed)    

A Woodland Wildflower Walk Along the Huron River

Time: 6pm–7:30pm (Note the earlier times. Park closes at 8pm.)
Location: Dexter-Huron Metropark
    6535 Huron River Drive
    Dexter, MI
    Map (Meet in the east parking lot at the end of the drive.)

Come and enjoy an evening celebrating the recovery of one of the loveliest displays of springtime ephemerals close to town (whether you are coming from Dexter or Ann Arbor). Toni and Ken Spears along with a lot of other folks have been working for the past few years to rescue this area from an overwhelming number of invasives.

Early April is the beginning of the spring wildflower season, and we hope to find one of the earliest bloomers, harbinger-of-spring, which has been observed previously at this park. The lovely small woodlot near the Huron River has a wealth of wildflowers, and we’ll look for other early starters, such as bloodroot and the large patches of false rue anemone and trout lily. The trillium, wild ginger, and cutleaf toothwort typically appear a bit later, but who knows what this weather pattern might bring. Large chinquapin oaks also live here.

The wildflower walk is free and open to the public, but there is a $5 vehicle entry fee for the park. Please do not bring pets.
 

    Apr 28, 2012 (Sat)    

Kurt Sonen’s Woodland Restoration

Time: 2pm–4pm (Note the unusual date and time)
Location: 314 Huntington Dr
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Map

In Kurt’s words:


We're the caretakers for a wooded acre in the city that backs up to a 7-acre private nature preserve with Rock Creek flowing through it. It's a restoration in progress for 6 years now. We've cleared the woody invasives, encouraged the natives that are here, and planted natives trees and plants. Lots of honeysuckle, buckthorn, privet, baltic ivy and vinca were removed—not only from our property, but from the nature preserve, too.

On the sunny southern edge of our property, I planted an orchard (including pawpaws). I created a rain garden to control the water runoff from the neighboring pavement. The northern part has mature oaks on the moraine/hill, with natives infilling as the vinca is removed.

The nature preserve has upland and riparian areas and a nice path where we can walk to see the skunk cabbage, golden ragwort, trillium, etc.

Parking is always problematic. Some can park in our driveway, several can park on the north side of the "island" (that is, the turnaround), and probably some could park in the neighbor’s driveway. [Kurt needs to discuss that with them.]

Free and open to the public. Please consider carpooling to this event, and please leave pets at home.
 

    May 09, 2012 (Wed)    

Plant Sale and Exchange at Native Plant Nursery

Time: 6pm
Location: 3052 Nordman Road (Entrance on Butternut, west of Nordman)
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Map

Need native plants? Have extras to share? Join us at our annual plant exchange and sale with Greg Vaclavek, owner of Ann Arbor's very own Native Plant Nursery. Staff from the nursery will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions. Take advantage of this special opportunity to visit the nursery, which is not open for retail sales at any other time of the year.

Note: Because the Native Plant Nursery is not a retail business, this sale is held with special permission. Please do not visit except during this sale! To purchase plants at other times, stop by the nursery's booth at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, May through September. Or, visit the NPN website at www.nativeplant.com.

It's pleasant and economical to share a ride; please consider carpooling to this event. Or, take the AATA bus, route #7.
 

    Feb 22, 2012 (Wed)    

Wild Ones Members Share Sorrows & Joys—How They Learned, Through Mistakes & Successes, to Follow Nature’s Own Ways, February 22

For the second Wild Ones program of the new year, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, three veteran members of Kalamazoo Wild Ones will share some of what they’ve learned over the years and some of the disappointments and delights they’ve experienced.

Dave Wendling will tell us how his perennial garden has become a bird haven. He’ll talk about how to do it on our own properties, how to avoid problems, and how it’s sometimes best to have patience and wait.

Judy Dircks will illustrate a brief history of their property (77 acres, mostly forest, in Cooper Township), their struggles with invasives, some of the areas restored with natives, their attempts to introduce zebra swallowtail butterflies, and many of the other fascinating, photogenic residents of the land (insects, birds, critters).

Ruth Caputo will tell us how to enlist the neighbors and keep them happy in a neatnik neighborhood and a city (Portage) which doesn’t always make things easy.

Presentations will be brief, leaving plenty of time for questions, shared delights, and incriminating confessions from the audience.

Included in the evening’s program will be presentation of the first Nancy Cutbirth Small Distinguished Service Award, established to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to our Chapter, to environmental education, and to restoration of native plants and natural landscapes in southwest Michigan. This year we will be honoring Dr. Richard Brewer, for his many services and kindnesses to the chapter and to all of us, and for his outstanding, unfailing support of environmental education and restoration throughout the area. Please come and help us to honor Dr. Brewer.

Program will be at the First United Methodist Church, 212 So. Park, Kalamazoo (directions on our new web site: kalamazoowildones.org). Socializing at 6:30; program begins promptly at 7 p.m.

    Mar 28, 2012 (Wed)    

Rick Meader, Ann Arbor Landscape Architect, Shows How to Design Native Plantings for Wildlife, March 28

Rick Meader, Ann Arbor landscape architect, will continue the year’s “how to do it” theme for the Wild Ones program on Wednesday, March 28. He’ll discuss how to assess your property in terms of site conditions (current and historical), surroundings (both natural and built) and personal wishes, and then show how adding native plants can help accomplish these objectives while increasing its attractiveness, both to the human eye and to wildlife. There are many different landscaping styles, and native plants can be incorporated into all of them. He’ll also talk about some specific plants you can use for different conditions (light, soils, moisture) to help you accomplish your objectives.

A native of Michigan, Rick Meader has explored and enjoyed nature across the state (including Copper Country and the rest of the Upper Peninsula). He’s a registered landscape architect who works whenever possible to include native species in his designs (usually they dominate the design). As a member of both the Wildflower Association of Michigan and the Wild Ones, he has enjoyed learning even more about native plants from other members, from the groups’ journals, in meetings, and on field trips. Since 2009, he’s been the author of a blog in AnnArbor.com devoted to native plants and encouraging their use in people’s personal landscapes.

The meeting will be held at First United Methodist Church, 212 So. Park St., Kalamazoo (directions on our new web site: kalamazoowildones.org). Socializing at 6:30; Program begins promptly at 7:00 p.m

    Jan 11, 2012 (Wed)    

Mid-Mitten Chapter Meeting Set this date on your calendar as this is the start of the year's activities. First on the agenda is the election of officials for 2012. The meeting begins at 6:30 - 8 pm at Chippewa Nature Center Room #1. This is the time and place where requests for the activities that you most want to do in 2012 are scheduled. Become an active member of the chapter. Learn more and grow more!

    Feb 08, 2012 (Wed)    

"Wild About Flowers" Come watch a 30 minute video from National. This video will help you choose native plants and show you how to grow them in your yard or acreage. Made in Michigan by cinematographer Tom Huggler, the film identifies each plant and demonstrates how to create a natural landscape or garden. Resource and plant lists will also be shown. Additionally, member, Randy, is sharing how he developed his property with a new pond, meadow, woods, and butterfly garden. Randy will showcase his stamp and bank notes collections featuring wildlife. Video starts at 6:30 pm at the Chippewa Nature Center. Public is welcome

    Feb 18, 2012 (Sat)    

Dow Gardens Know and Grow conference The annual conference is at Bullock Creek High School from 9 am-3 pm. Pre-registration through Dow Gardens is required. Deadline is Feb. 3rd. Mid-Mitten Chapter has an educational booth to attract new members and explain the "native plants natural landscaping" benefits to local gardeners and master gardeners

    Mar 21, 2012 (Wed)    

"Michigan Summer Flowers" - Presented by Mike LeValley of the Isabella County Conservation District at Chippewa Nature Center beginning at 6:30. Learn about the July-September blooming species, when and where they grow, and their benefits in the ecosystem

    Apr 21, 2012 (Sat)    

"GreenFire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time" - This production of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the US Forest Service, and the Center for Humans and Nature shares highlights from Leopold's life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation in the twentieth century and still inspires people today. Although probably best known as the author of the conservation classic A Sand County Almanac, Leopold is also renowned for his work as an educator, philosopher, forester, ecologist, and wilderness advocate. Green Fire highlights "some really inspiring people doing great work to connect people and the natural world in ways that even Leopold might not have imagined." Come celebrate Earth Day with us by wearing an environmental themed shirt and join in a discussion after the film. Program begins at 6:30 pm at Chippewa Nature Center

    May 12, 2012 (Sat)    

International Migratory Bird Day Celebration: Mid-Mitten Chapter will have a table display at the Ziibiwing Cultural Center, in Mt. Pleasant, from 1-4 pm for this event. If interested in helping please contact Vice-President Lucy Chargot.

    May 24, 2012 (Thu)    

Chippewa Nature Center Annual Native Plant Sale The annual plant sale begins on Thursday, May 24th for CNC members only and is open to the public Friday and Saturday May 25th and 26th. Mid-Mitten Chapter's booth will feature the sale of bee blocks, suet logs, and plant markers. Sale is held on CNC's grounds near its visitor center from 1-8 pm on Thursday and 9 am-8 pm on Friday & Saturday

    Jun 16, 2012 (Sat)    

Field Trip to Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary: This is a docent led hike to see native flowers, shrubs, and trees at the sanctuary. The plan is to carpool to the site near White Cloud, Michigann. Please bring a picnic lunch. To attend please contact President Jeanne Henderson by June 12th. Time approximately 8:00 - 3:00

    Mar 07, 2012 (Wed)    

A Chemical Reaction: The Story of a True Green Revolution

Sponsored by us, the North Oakland chapter of Wild Ones!


Join us for a screening of this fascinating documentary that illustrates how one doctor's conviction and perseverance led to the ban of pesticides in Canada. More about the movie can be found here. After the movie, Lois Robbins, author of Lawn Wars, and Kathy Rollins from North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy will be available to answer questions you may have about alternative lawn care.


Where: St. Daniels Church (7010 Valley Park Dr, Clarkston, MI)

When: 7:30 - 9:00 PM (doors open at 7)

Who: Open to the public! Donations greatly appreciated!!

Flyer: Please see the flyer for more info!

    Mar 14, 2012 (Wed)    

North Oakland Chapter Business Meeting

Please join us as we discuss upcoming Wild Ones events!


Where: St. Daniels Church (7010 Valley Park Dr, Clarkston, MI)

When: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Who: Members, chairs, officers

Agenda: Coming soon

    Apr 04, 2012 (Wed)    

Ecology in Action

Presented by the Clinton River Watershed Council


Join us for an amazing presentation on a variety of topics, from rain gardens to native plants!


Where: St. Daniels Church (7010 Valley Park Dr, Clarkston, MI)

When: 7:30 - 9:00 PM (doors open at 7)

Who: Open to the public! Donations greatly appreciated!!

Flyer: Coming soon!

    Apr 11, 2012 (Wed)    

North Oakland Chapter Business Meeting

Please join us as we discuss upcoming Wild Ones events!


Where: St. Daniels Church (7010 Valley Park Dr, Clarkston, MI)

When: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Who: Members, chairs, officers

Agenda: Coming soon

    Jan 18, 2012 (Wed)    

Going Wild in the Lansing Area


Our first meeting of 2012 should get us all thrilled about the past accomplishments of our Red Cedar Chapter and excited about the possibilities of the coming year.

Your club contributed grant money to three gardens in 2011. Hear a little about their efforts to add natives to the local landscape. There are also two ongoing projects for you to get involved in (Lansing Rain Gardens and Fenner Landscaping) and we will hear of a possible new one for this year.

After this program we should all be elated with our efforts to add native plants in our area and energized to get us going forward in the new year. The meeting begins at 7 pm at Fenner Nature Center, 2020 East Mt Hope Road, Lansing. We look forward to seeing you there.

    Feb 15, 2012 (Wed)    

Ants, More Than Just Picnic Pests
Bernice Bacon DeMarco, Adjunct Curator of Hymenoptera, Michigan State University

    Mar 15, 2012 (Thu)    

Lansing Home and Garden Show
March 15-18, 2012
Michigan State University Pavilion
Visit us in booth #1065!
web site

    Mar 21, 2012 (Wed)    

American Chestnut Trees
Christopher Hull

    Apr 18, 2012 (Wed)    

The Ecological Role of Fungii
Paul Olexia, Professor Emeritus, Kalamazoo College

    May 16, 2012 (Wed)    

Ingham County Rural - A Township Tour Through the Seasons


Jim Hewitt will present his stunning photographs of native plants taken right here in Ingham County. This be a joint meeting with the Michigan Botanical Club Red Cedar Chapter. Meet some new folks who share our passion for native plants!

    Jun 20, 2012 (Wed)    

Property in Transition from Exotics to Natives
Seagull Residence

    Jul 18, 2012 (Wed)    

Learn to Identify Our Native Plants
Chris Reidy, Natural Resources Conservation Biologist, State of Michigan

    Aug 15, 2012 (Wed)    

Program to be announced

    Sep 19, 2012 (Wed)    

Member Potluck
Location to be announced

    Oct 17, 2012 (Wed)    

Program to be announced

    Nov 14, 2012 (Wed)    

Note: This meeting is being moved ahead one week due to Thanksgiving.
Program to be announced

    Dec 19, 2012 (Wed)    

No Meeting This Month!
Happy Holidays

    Feb 22, 2012 (Wed)    

Recording Nature Observations: Judy Gibbs Style

Judy Gibbs
7pm, Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave. Duluth

Judy Gibbs has been a naturalist for over 20 years, all the while observing, recording and appreciating seasonal changes in plants, animals, weather and beauty around her. She will share photos, nature sketches and her observational process with us.

    Mar 28, 2012 (Wed)    

Arctic plants on the north shore of Lake Superior

Angelique Edgerton, graduate student in UMD Integrated Biosciences Program
7pm, Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave. Duluth

Minnesota is home to a small, remnant arctic plant community. Today these plants are found only along the shore of Lake Superior, and are rare and endangered. This talk will discuss what species we have, where they grow, and how their communities are structured

    Apr 25, 2012 (Wed)    

Understanding native plant response to climate change

Julie Etterson, UMD Biological Sciences
7pm, Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave. Duluth

    Jan 12, 2012 (Thu)    

Nature Crafts - Arlene Kjar
January Chapter Meeting
1:00 - 3:00 PM, 414 Manitou Street (Arlene's house), Northfield, MN 55057
Free and open to the public

Arlene has a BA in Art and is a former public school art teacher. She will have on hand various kinds of papers and glue. Meeting attendees can make greeting cards, gift tags, sewing projects, or any kind of craft project. Basic hand tools can be used for woodworking projects. The projects will be sold at the Chapter's Back to Nature Garage Sale in May.

Call Arlene at (507) 645-8903 if you plan on attending the Nature Crafts meeting.

    Jan 28, 2012 (Sat)    

16th Annual Toward Harmony with Nature Conference
Presented by Wild Ones Fox Valley
8 AM - 4 PM, Oshkosh Convention Center, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

The 16th Annual Toward Harmony with Nature Conference is a day-long seminar on native landscaping presented by Wild Ones Fox Valley. Keynote speaker Steven Apfelbaum, Chairman of Applied Ecological Services in Brodhead, Wisconsin will present Nature’s Second Chance: Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm. His book, Nature’s Second chance has been called "the twenty-first century sequel to the best-selling classic A Sand county Almanac." The Conference includes seven other speakers on the whole spectrum of native plants and natural landscaping topics, as well as vendors and exhibitors and a silent auction.

For more information visit the Conference Website.

    Feb 09, 2012 (Thu)    

Using Natives in the Landscape - Nancy Schumacher
February Chapter Meeting
6:30 PM, Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington Street, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Free and open to the public


As the owner of the Vagary, Nancy Schumacher has been growing and selling native plants for more than 25 years. Join her as she shows you which native plants will work well in your home gardens and how to combine them to created an interesting and attractive garden.

    Mar 08, 2012 (Thu)    

Creating Pollinator Habitats - Danielle Waldschmidt
March Chapter Meeting
6:30 PM, Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington Street, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Free and open to the public

Danielle is a conservation technician at Rice Soil and Water Conservation District. She has a BS of Environmental Sciences from the University of Minnesota. Bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies and some beetles pollinate more than 70% of flowering plants. Danielle will show us how we can help provide habitat for them in our yards and neighborhoods.

    Feb 25, 2012 (Sat)    

Wild Ones 2012 Design With Nature Conference - Click for Details
Saturday, February 25th, 2012, 8:00am-4:00pm
Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue, Plymouth, MN 55447

    Mar 08, 2012 (Thu)    

Rain Gardens: Sustainable Landscaping for a Beautiful Yard and a Healthy World

Lynn Steiner
Thursday, March 8th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

Local professional garden writer, photographer, and Wild Ones member Lynn Steiner will discuss her latest book, co-authored with Robert Domm, Rain Gardens: Sustainable Landscaping for a Beautiful Yard and a Healthy World. The book will become available in February. We'll have copies for purchase at the meeting.

Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm. Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm.

    Apr 12, 2012 (Thu)    

Gardening for Biodiversity

Michele Kalantari
Thursday, April 12th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm.

    May 05, 2012 (Sat)    

"Blooms & Birds" Field Trip hosted by St. Paul Audubon Society

Chase Davies, St Paul Audubon field guide
Saturday, May 5th, 2012
8:30 am start time at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

St. Croix Wild Ones members and friends are invited to join the St. Paul Audubon Society on this annual guided field trip to explore woodland wildflowers and early migrating birds in Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park. Meet at 8:30 am in the parking lot at the Park. Bring a picnic lunch, snacks, water bottle, your favorite flower and or bird field guide, magnifying glass or 10x loupe, and binoculars. (Some loupes will be available for use.) Dress for the weather including closed-toe walking shoes. This is a favorite spring destination for birding and nature hiking. St Paul Audubon guides will lead the walk of up to 2 miles including some hills. Lunch will be in the picnic area near the parking lot. You have the option to continue hiking after lunch.

Getting There
Take I-35 to State Highway 19 east into Northfield. Go south on State Highway 3, east on State Highway 246, then turn right onto County Road 29.

    May 24, 2012 (Thu)    

Tour of Iris and George Meyer-Guthman's Gardens

Thursday, May 24, 2012, 6:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: Maplewood

    Jun 02, 2012 (Sat)    

Landscape Revival: Native Plant Expo and Market

Saturday, June 2th, 2012, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Free and Open to the Public
Community Pavilion at Roseville Rainbow Foods
1201 Larpenteur Ave West--NE corner of Larpentuer Ave and Fernwood Ave, one block west of Lexington Ave

    Jun 10, 2012 (Sun)    

Tour of Norway Point Bottomlands State Natural Area

Sunday, June 10th, 2012
Located on the St Croix River north of Grantsburg, WI

    Jun 23, 2012 (Sat)    

Tour of Hedberg Nursery-Stillwater

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012
Check back for details

    Aug 11, 2012 (Sat)    

Tour Lynn Steiner’s Gardens

Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 11th, 2012
LOCATION: Marine on St Croix
Check back for confirmation of the date

    Sep 13, 2012 (Thu)    

Tour/Field Trip To Be Announced

Thursday, September 13th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm.

    Oct 11, 2012 (Thu)    

Monthly Program

Thursday, October 11th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm.

    Nov 08, 2012 (Thu)    

Monthly Program

Thursday, November 8th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

Refreshments and socializing begin at 6:30 pm with the main program at 7 pm.

    Dec 06, 2012 (Thu)    

Annual Membership Meeting and Potluck

Thursday, December 6th, 2011, 6:30-8:30 pm
FamilyMeans Building, 1875 Northwestern Ave., Stillwater Click for a Map

    Jan 14, 2012 (Sat)    

10 am Inniswood Metro Park, Westerville, Ohio

Creating Bog Gardens, Rainwater Harvesting, and Protecting Habitats along Waterways. Speaker: Stephanie Suter
Backyard conservation can open the door to not only creating habitat for our native pollinators and wildlife, but it can be an aesthetically pleasing feature in the landscape that can help the water quality and water quantity issues in our streams. Extra water on your property from a nearby creek or your roof runoff can likely be turned into a resource instead of a waste product by using it to naturally soak into the ground or as a water feature. Come see what options are available for your backyard.

Stephanie Suter is the Habitat Conservationist for the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2003 from the School of Natural Resources with a BS in Wildlife Management. She works with the District’s backyard conservation program, conservation easement program, and is licensed to perform stream habitat assessments. Stephanie works closely with residents, local governments, and local organizations to help design and implement rain gardens and other backyard conservation practices in Franklin County. She also serves as Chair for the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative

We will be raffling off a book entitled "The Midwestern Native Gardener" by Charlotte Adelman, a Wild Ones membe

    Feb 11, 2012 (Sat)    

10 am Inniswood Metro Park, Westerville, Ohio

Back to Basic Pruning Concepts(A Light Hands-on Workshop)
Speaker: Sharon Treaster
This presentation by Sharon Treaster will cover capabilities and limits of commonly used pruning tools. You will learn selective pruning techniques to thin, rejuvenate, or resize plants. Ms. Treaster will cover how to use seasonal selective pruning to manage flowers or fruit production, how woody plant internal structure is linked to regrowth after pruning, and the three step branch removal guidelines using the existing branch collar as a reference. Be sure to bring your handclippers so you can try it yourself on plant materials Sharon will provide.

Ms. Treaster is on the Horticulture and Crop Science Staff at the Ohio State University and Chadwick Arboretum. She has 15 yrs of research experience in container and field production of landscape plants at OSU. She spent 20 years teaching plant identification, propagation, maintenance at OSU, and 15 years teaching plant identification for the Ohio Assn.of Garden Clubs (E&J Schools). Community and regional workshops have included plant selection, plant communities, plants use in history, plant propagation, pruning concepts, ornamental edible gardens, gardening from seeds, sustainable gardening, why trees matter and passing on the gardening legacy.

A Japanese Hori Hori Garden Knife will be raffled off.

    Mar 10, 2012 (Sat)    

Going Wild Without Offending the Neighbors
March 10, 2012 10 am
Highbanks Nature Center Multipurpose room.
Some people are afraid to use native plants in their gardens because they think native plants are nothing more than grasses or they think a garden of natives looks wild and unkempt. We need to start changing the way we think about landscaping, incorporating more native plants and relying less on exotic plants. This talk will present ideas on how to do this so the neighbors don’t freak out because “we have let the weeds grow”.
Speaker Denise Gualtiere has been interested in native plants and gardening for as long as she can remember. After working as a chemist for many years, Denise left the corporate world to pursue her "hobby" and passion. She obtained a degree in Landscape Design and started her business, Inspirations Landscape Design, a company that focuses on integrating native plants, edibles and natural playscapes into customer sustainable landscapes. She is experienced at managing contractors to build her designs, and also has experience organizing and leading community members to build and maintain school gardens. Clients include public schools, churches, home owners associations and private landowners. Denise has also teamed with Urban Wild to design and install the Three Sisters Edible Garden at Brookside Elementary, in Worthing, and to design the rain gardens for Brook Run neighborhood in Westerville. Denise also parents 3 wonderful children.

    Apr 14, 2012 (Sat)    

April 14, 2012 (Sat.)
Urban Plant Rescue (Members Only)
9AM til Done.
130 Longfellow Avenue Worthington, Ohio
Email: worthingtonrescue@yahoo.com

Longstanding W.O member Sue Nelson has a mature Ohio native garden which needs thinning of large plants and seedlings. See W.O. Columbus website for photos of the 2011 yard tour. This is a combined community service project and member benefit to increase biodiversity in your yard. We will be working with Sustainable Worthington to populate the Moses Wright Park. For every plant you rescue for Worthington, you may take one home.
Sue’s property contains tall grass species, short grass prairie species, woodland species and native shrubs. Examples of abundant species includes prairie coneflower, big bluestem, little bluestem, great blue lobelia, cardinal flower, wild ginger, bloodroot, elderberry and buttonbush.
This rescue will occur rain or shine. Wear long sleeves, pants, gardening gloves and sturdy shoes. Bring your own tools as none will be provided on site. Bring pots and boxes lined with plastic garbage bags to transport rescued stock. Bring plant tags or markers. Make sure to bring water to drink as this is a physical labor.
Upon request, we can supply a full list of plant species available, enlarged instructions for rescues, and driving directions. Email worthingtonrescue@yahoo. com to request materials or for any questions at any time. The subject line of your message needs to read “WO Question”.

    Oct 16, 2011 (Sun)    

Event: Wild Ones Explores Woody Natives

Time: 10:15am to 12:45pm

Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, MI.
We will meet at Nichols Arboretum at the "Nichols Drive/Lower River" entry point at 10:15am.
Click here for a map.

Description: Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum offer a lovely collection of native shrubs & trees along their outdoor trails...the colors are breathtaking!
Horticulture Enthusiast and Instructor, Matthew Ross, will offer a walking tour through the native species of the diverse forest communities of Ohio & Michigan.
A brief introduction of each plant will include: it's history and range within the Great Lakes region, its taxonomy and importance to the environment, landscape value, and key ornamental characteristic.
Deepen & enrich your knowledge of our native woody species. Or simply immerse yourself in a beautifully colorful autumn walk.

Carpooling: Two locations to meet up for carpooling. Arrive at 8:45am and depart at 9:00am.
Toledo Botanical Gardens (Elmer Entrance). Meet in parking lot adjacent to 'Conference Center'.
Owen Community College. Meet at Owens Community College Greenhouse, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, Ohio

RSVP: E-mail Oak Openings Region Chapter of Wild Ones to sign up for this event.
For information, call Stephanie Saba at 419-261-7000

    Nov 15, 2011 (Tue)    

Event: Michelle Grigore presents: "Native Seeds: Collecting, Storing and Using"

Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: Nederhouser Community Hall, Olander Park
6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH

Description: Wild Ones offers a presentation harmonious with the present shift of seasons:

Michelle Grigore will share her knowledge & experience with collecting, throwing, & storing seeds, and preparing various native species for the winter.
Michelle is the Director of Bowling Green City Parks and planted and maintains a native prairie on her personal property west of Toledo.




For more information: E-mail Oak Openings Region Chapter of Wild Ones

    Jan 28, 2012 (Sat)    

Toward Harmony with Nature
16th annual full-day conference on native plants and natural landscapes. Details.

    Feb 23, 2012 (Thu)    

At WILD Center
6:30 PM Social - Ed Pahl shares his wildflower catalog of native plants in his yard.
7 PM Program & Annual Meeting
WILD Center’s Landscape Design for the Future –
Growing the Fox Valley’s Only Native Landscaped Public Gardens, presented by Donna VanBuecken
Board Update & New Program Initiatives
Come and enjoy a warm winter’s evening around the fireplace with good company and food.

    Mar 22, 2012 (Thu)    

At Evergreen Community, Oshkosh
6:30 PM Social
7 PM Program
Connecting with Nature through Better Images
by Ted Eischeid, teacher & amateur photographer

    Apr 21, 2012 (Sat)    

9:00 AM or 1:00 PM at WILD Center
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop Pre-registration and pre-payment required.
Contact the WILD Center, 920-730-3986

    Apr 26, 2012 (Thu)    

6:30 PM at WILD Center
Climate Change and Wisconsin Cold Tolerant Plant Species
by Dr. Robert Freckmann (Retired UW-Stevens Point Professor)

    May 16, 2012 (Wed)    

5:00 PM at WILD Center
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Pre-registration and pre-payment required.
Contact the WILD Center, 920-730-3986

    May 19, 2012 (Sat)    

9:00 A M -11:30 AM at WILD Center
Native Plant Sale & Order Pick-Up (Information in Apr/May newsletter & webpage)
Contact: Sharon Ziebert 920-410-6932

    May 24, 2012 (Thu)    

6 PM in New London
Tour - (Members only)
View Spring Ephemeral’s on the Kuehl Property,
E9375 Brookside Ct., New London .

    Jun 09, 2012 (Sat)    

10-11:30 A M in Menomonee Falls, WI
Bus Tour - Johnson’s Nursery, with Special Emphasis
on Native Shrubs & Trees. Plant propagator, Michael Yanny, will conduct a 11⁄2 hour tour.
Participants will be able to purchase plants, which will be on sale.
(More information on bus fee and departure times/locations in Apr/May newsletter and chapter webpage.)

    Jun 16, 2012 (Sat)    

In Menomonee Falls, WI
Tour Johnson's Nursery
With special emphasis on native shrubs & trees.

    Jun 28, 2012 (Thu)    

6 PM in Appleton
Show Me/Help Me on Geiser Property - (Members only)
A city lot, 70’x100’, to suggest maintenance and improvements
for a mature native garden, and naturalization of a wooded area.

    Jul 26, 2012 (Thu)    

4–7 PM in Neenah & Fremont
Two Tours* - (Members only)
• Gossen Property, 7535 S. Center Rd., Neenah: 3-acre prairie
with 200 Prairie Dropseed plants lining driveway
• Spencer Property, N636 Rabbit Rd., Fremont: 23 acres
with pond, two scrapes, and 30 kinds of prairie forbs

    Aug 17, 2012 (Fri)    

at WILD Center
Wild Ones National Meeting
All members invited and encouraged to attend

    Aug 18, 2012 (Sat)    

at WILD Center
Wild Ones National Meeting
All members invited and encouraged to attend

    Aug 19, 2012 (Sun)    

at WILD Center
Wild Ones National Meeting
All members invited and encouraged to attend

    Aug 23, 2012 (Thu)    

4 PM in Oshkosh
Two Tours - (Members only)
• Frievalds Property, 913 Honey Creek Rd. -
Prairie was featured in 2004 Paine Gardens Yard Tour
• Potempa Property, 1535 Candlelight Ct. -
Urban Yard with Emphasis on Native Plants

    Sep 27, 2012 (Thu)    

6:00 PM in Oshkosh
At Evergreen Retirement Community
Tour Evergreen Oak Savanna, followed by
Maintenance of an Established Area with Steve Maassen

    Oct 01, 2012 (Mon)    

Week of Oct 1st
Seed Gathering at selected members’ properties
(Locations announced in Aug/Sept newsletter & chapter webpage)

    Oct 25, 2012 (Thu)    

6:30 PM WILD Center
• Birdscaping with Natives by Steve Petznick, Mosquito Hill Nature Center Naturalist
• Seed Swap

    Nov 15, 2012 (Thu)    

6:30 PM in Oshkosh
At Evergreen Retirement Community
Sustainability in Lakes Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne, Poygan & Connecting Rivers
by Professor Mike Lizotte, UW-O, & President of Winnebago Lakes Council
Joint program with Winnebago Audubon

    Jan 26, 2013 (Sat)    

Tentative Date for Toward Harmony with Nature Conference