All board meetings are open to all members of Wild Ones. Participation can be accomplished either through personal attendance or via conference call. For more information about these arrangements please contact the national office at info@for-wild.org or via toll free phone at 877-394-9453.

National Calendar

Chapter Calendars

    Mar 01, 2008 (Sat)    

Let It Rot! All About Composting
Decrease your environmental impact, make your property more sustainable, and improve your soil by converting your garden and kitchen waste into "black gold"! Amy Cabaniss, campus Environmental Coordinator at Connecticut College, will provide tips on making and using compost.

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Meadows!
Meadows are unique ecosystems that are very high in biodiversity. At our April meeting, member Marty Young will tell us how to establish and maintain a meadow. Marty is a graduate of the Conway School of Landscape Design, located in Conway, MA

    Feb 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Location: Naperville Municipal Center

Round Table Discussion
Come join us to learn, ask questions, just listen, give tips, and discuss the pros and cons of various topics important to Wild One members. We hope to have yearly February Round Table Discussions in the future, so bring ideas for future topics. This month's topics, time permitting, are:



• Roundup: pros & cons of usage


• Local ecotype: what is it and when is it important?


• Burning: alternatives to maintaining your native garden when you cannot burn


• Composting


• Whatever topics you want to discuss

    Mar 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Location: Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Willowbrook Raptor Program
Learn about the natural history and other interesting facts of our local birds of prey: owls and hawks. See these beautiful live birds up close. Also take a tour of the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation, refuge and education center, and learn how they care for our local wildlife.

To show our support for the work done at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, everyone is encouraged to bring a donation. Refer to the online wish list for ideas.
http://www.willowbrookwildlife.org/wishlist.asp
This is not required, but every contribution is appreciated

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Location:
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
4S535 Old Naperville Road
Naperville, Illinois 60563
Note: This is a secular event. The church is kind enough to share their space with us.

Annual Chapter Potluck
Please join us for an evening of good food and growing friendship.

The fun starts at 6:00PM, but if you have an extra hour and would like to volunteer for setup before or cleanup after, please let us know.

This is a potluck, so bring a dish to share. It can be anything you like... that is the fun of a potluck.

Please bring your own plates, cups and utensils. This allows us to avoid creating more trash with disposable items. Unfortunately, the facilities cannot accommodate dish washing by everyone, so you get to do that at home.

The program for the evening will be:
Cool Cities – Local Solutions to Global Warming

Our own Wild Ones Chapter member, Lonnie Morris is the Illinois Sierra Club organizer for the “Cool Cities” campaign.

Cool Cities is a Sierra Club initiative working at the local level to reduce global warming pollution. Global warming and climate change are now accepted as a serious threat. Glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica are melting faster than predicted and in 2007, Arctic sea ice, a sensitive predictor of climate change, was at its lowest recorded level. These events seem distant and remote yet the causes of climate change are rooted in our everyday lives. Find out what Illinois “Cool Cities” are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, green fleets and renewable energy programs and how you can become involved in a Cool Cities campaign.

    May 04, 2008 (Sun)    

Knock Knolls Park - Tour/Picnic
The Greater DuPage Wildones will be having a tour of a woodland area Sunday, May 4th at 10:30AM. Meet in the parking lot of Knoch Knolls Park (Naperville) at 10:30am. We'll explore along the various paths and witness some outstanding spring blooms. Bring a picnic lunch and we'll dine alfresco before proceeding over to the Green Earth Fair sponsored by the Conservation Foundation. The fair starts at 1:00pm. We will have a booth at the fair, and need some help setting it up following lunch. The Green Earth Fair will be held at McDonald Farm, which you pass by on the way to Knoch Knolls Park. HELP NEEDED: If you can volunteer a hour or two of time to help stand at the booth during the afternoon, it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Pat Clancy if you can help in any way: clancypj@sbcglobal.net

Directions to Knock Knolls Park: It would be best to consult a map or your favorite Internet map display. On Washington St, about 1/4 mile south of 87th street, turn west on Ring Road. (Note - this is about one block north of where Naper Blvd and Washington St come together.) On Ring Road, take an almost immediate left onto Knoch Knolls Road - this is south. In less than 1/4 mile, you'll pass a turn off to McDonald Farm and the Conservation Foundation on your right. This is where the Green Earth Fair will be. Pass it by for now and keep going a little way to a turn off on the left for Knoch Knolls Park. Proceed to the parking lot and that is where we will meet at 10:30am

    Apr 14, 2008 (Mon)    

Monday April 14, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. – CONTAINER GARDENING IN THE NATIVE GARDEN

Please join us as Nancy Clifton shares ideas for incorporating containers into the landscape. In this lecture-demonstration, Nancy will discuss recommendations for combining containers with everything from native plants to dwarf evergreens, appropriate soils for container gardens and creative container types. Handouts will be available on all of the how-to’s, including information on pots, plants and placement. As Nancy recently said, containers can provide fill-in, divert attention from a newly seeded garden spot, or be a focal point.

Guests are welcome to join you at this presentation.

    May 19, 2008 (Mon)    

Monday May 19, 2008 at 7:00 pm -- RAIN GARDENS

Do you have a low spot in your yard that is often wet and muddy, making mowing or growing plants nearly impossible? If so, try another approach. On Monday, May 19, at 7:00 pm, at the Byron Colby Barn in Prairie Crossing, join David Husemoller for his slide presentation. You will discover how to create a beautiful garden of plants that like to get their feet wet, including native flowers and sedges. Come learn about the wide range of opportunities and advantages of rain gardens and how to go about planning and installing your own. You will learn how to make the most of that seasonal rainfall in a way that provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, dragonflies and frogs!

Following the powerpoint presentation accompanied by handouts, and weather permitting, the group will be invited to tour neighboring examples of rain gardens including David’s own rain garden, which is quite nearby. All are invited.

    Jan 17, 2008 (Thu)    

Global Warming and Local Initiatives
Join us to learn more about Global Warming and how growing native plants plays a part in mitigating the serious effects of climate change. Presented by Rebecca Olson, Olson Ecological Services, Consultant. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Feb 15, 2008 (Fri)    

Native Plant Sale February through April
Orders taken during this time. Pick-up for plant orders will be in May. Information available in late February. Contact Native Plant Sale Chair to recieve a flier and order form

    Feb 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Plant Propagation-Workshop
Learn how to start your own plants from seed or cuttings. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a plant they have started themselves. Presented by Corrine Daniels of Applied Ecological Services. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Mar 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Sedges
Learn to use and appreciate the many native sedges found in the upper Midwest. Learn how valuable sedges are to both home landscaping and creating natural habitat. Presented by Dr. Andrew Hipp. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Apr 17, 2008 (Thu)    

Landscaping With Native Plants
The concept of landscaping using native forbs, grasses, trees and shrubs is growing in popularity as the wisdom of the idea becomes evident. Forward thinking environmentally conscious companies are advertising their awareness of the ecologically sound practice by showcasing their properties using attractive native species. Savvy neighborhoods are prominently displaying their understanding of this important movement by creating eye catching native habitats in their yards.



Creating your own native landscape is easy as the preeminent landscape architect, Prof. Evelyn Howell, from UW Madison, will show us at this meeting. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    May 15, 2008 (Thu)    

Ecology of Woodland Communities
As with the many different kinds of native plant communities, the oak woodland is unique and wonderful…and disappearing. To protect this vital habitat it is important to understand the general characteristics of this significant Illinois environment.



Join us as Dr. John Taft, Senior Research Scientist (Plant ecologist/botanist) for the Illinois Natural History Survey, describes for us the vegetation ecology of oak woodlands as well as indicators of ecosystem health, how the woody overstory interacts with ground-layer vegetation and about the role of disturbance, particularly fire, in the maintenance of oak woodland communities. These issues will be presented in the context of our highly fragmented landscape and the role of public and private lands have in conserving biodiversity in woodland habitats. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Jun 19, 2008 (Thu)    

Invasive Aliens: Control Without Poisons
As we become increasingly aware of the harm that has been done to our environment we begin to take special note of all we do to our own yards which may have lasting effects, good or bad. Herbicides have been widely used to eradicate weeds and invasive aliens but is there a better, less toxic way to battle these perennial enemies?



Mary Blackmore, from the Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County, thinks there is and will share her ideas for chemical free weed control. Mary will discuss our more serious aliens such as garlic mustard, buckthorn, Dame’s Rocket, and the like and then discuss how to get rid of them without spreading chemical poisons around our increasingly stressed environment. For this program only we will meet at Second Congregational Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford, IL. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Jul 01, 2008 (Tue)    

Annual Native Shrub and Tree Sale - July and August

Orders for shrubs and trees that are native to the Rockford, IL area will be taken during this period. The selection includes many native species not found at most nurseries. Native species are better adapted to our climate, soil and moisture. They support more wildlife than non-native species and once established, they require very little care. Plants are sold at very reasonable prices and come in 5 gallon containers and some trees are offered in larger sizes. The pick up date is September 6, just in time for fall planting. Please contact John Peterson at 815-248-2110, or S&T Sale Chair with questions, or to request an order form.

    Aug 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Native Trees & Shrubs-Up Close and Personal
For so long homeowners and landscapers alike have looked to exotic foreign species of shrubs and trees to create dramatic and interesting landscapes, so much so that we have lost sight of the magnificent plants native to our region. Now, when we realize how important it is to decrease our use of the fertilizers and water for landscape hydration required by species not used to growing in our area, it is time to rediscover the wealth of natural beauty that once filled our lovely and richly diverse upper Midwest region.



Connor Shaw, owner of Possibility Place, a popular nursery specializing in native plants and located in Monee, Illinois, will put us on a first name basis with some of the wonderful native trees and shrubs once common to this area. He will cover plant specifications, light, soil and moisture requirements and companion plants as well as size considerations which may restrict ultimate plant location. Most trees and shrubs discussed will be offered for sale at our Native Tree and Shrub sale in July through August. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Sep 18, 2008 (Thu)    

Native Landscaping for Winter Interest
Winter landscape can be so much more than just flat snow/brown grass. Plan ahead to make your yard attractive and inviting during the winter months as well! Join us to learn how! Presented by Molly Fifield Murray, Naturalist, Landscape arch. & Mgr. Edu. Programs at UW Mad. Arboretum. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Oct 16, 2008 (Thu)    

How Do We Know What Was Growing Here Before?
Join us for the fascinating story of exactly how we know what is native in our region. Presented by Greg Spyreas, Il Nat. History Survey. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Feb 25, 2008 (Mon)    

Come join us at the Bluegrass Rain Garden Alliance Meeting and Reception from 6 pm to 8 pm in the University of Kentucky E.S. Good Barn. Learn more about rain gardens and how you can be a part of this important movement toward gardening naturally. For more information contact prairiegirl7@mac.com

    Mar 27, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm Introducing Bluegrass PRIDE(Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Envoronment), Speaker - Amy Sohner, Executive Director will provide information on current PRIDE activities. Location: 232 Greenbriar Road, Lexington, Ky. A business meeting for Wild Ones members will follow the presentation

    Apr 12, 2008 (Sat)    

10:00 am Spring Wildflower Walk. Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, Parksville, Ky. Led by Dr. Anne Lubbers, Professor of Biology, Centre College. Hike is easy but good walking shoes are needed. See Website at www.ckwr.org for directions. RSVP to prairiegirl7@comcast.net

    Apr 26, 2008 (Sat)    

10 am to 2 pm, Arbor Day Celebration, UK Auboretum. Details to be announced

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

1:00 PM Members Only - Raven Run Nature Sanctuary History Hike. Come and learn more about the many historical features and wild flowers at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Directions at www.lfucg.com/parks/raven.asp. RSVP by May 12th to prairiegirl7@mac.com

    Jun 26, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm Marianne Hunt Garden Tour. Details to be announced.

    Jul 31, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Willow Trellis Making. Details to be announced

    Aug 28, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Podet and Finucane Garden Tour, 308 Greenbriar Road, Lexington, KY 40503. This American country garden emphasizes intimacy and diversity. Native plants have replaced 3 ½ tons of bush honeysuckle. Come see the fruits of their labor. Contact Jackie Wilsun, at wilsundance@yahoo.com, for directions and details

    Sep 06, 2008 (Sat)    

Native Plant Sale, Salato Wildlife Education Center, Frankfort
Details will be announced or see Salato website, www.kentuckywildlife.com/salato

    Sep 25, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Beate Popkin Garden Tour, 124 Idle Hour Drive in Lexington. Beate uses both native and non-native plants to create a garden that is “vibrant, alive and, beautiful”. Asters and goldenrods along with the native grass will put on an Autumn show. Contact Jackie Wilsun, at wilsundance@yahoo.com, for directions and details.

    Oct 23, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Russ Turpin Garden Tour, Details to be announced

    Nov 08, 2008 (Sat)    

Arboretum Woods Restoration Project followed by brunch. Details to be announced

    Dec 12, 2008 (Fri)    

7:00 pm to ???, Annual Holiday Party. Bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre to share. Location: 232 Greenbriar Road, Lexington. KY, RSVP Mary Carol Cooper, marycarolcooper@insightbb.com for directions

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

Spring Native Plant and Arts & Crafts Sale Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, across from the Louisville Zoo. 9:00-3:00 pm - Volunteers Needed to attend Wild Ones Table. Contact Chapter President for more information

    May 24, 2008 (Sat)    

Wildflower Woods Work Session (weather permitting) Location: Wildflower Woods is in Cherokee Park between Cherokee Parkway, Barney Avenue and the Scenic Loop. For Information contact Chapter President.

    Apr 21, 2008 (Mon)    

April 21, 2008 Note Monday date and time
Time: 7:45 pm
Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Auditorium
1800 N. Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9406
(joint meeting with the Michigan Botanical Club - Huron Valley Chapter)

Title: The Natural and Un-Natural History of Milkweeds: Insects, Toxins and Other Stories - Prof. Mark D. Hunter

Description: In addition to monarchs, many other insects depend on milkweed plants for their life needs. The presence of toxins in some milkweeds is well known, but there's more to the story. Come learn about it.

Open to the public - bring a friend.

Join us at 7:30 for refreshments and conversation.

    May 14, 2008 (Wed)    

May 14, 2008 (Wed)
Time: 6:45 pm
Location: Native Plant Nursery


Description:
Our local native plant nurseries will show their plants for us to select from, and will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions. Also, bring your extra native plants to exchange for no cost. Greg Vaclavek of the Native Plant Nursery, Laura Liebler of Sorus Plants (ferns), and possibly Bill Schneider of Wildtype Native Plants will offer perennials, ferns, small trees and shrubs.


Directions: From central Ann Arbor, take Packard Road past the intersection with Eisenhower Parkway. Pass Buhr Park/Cobblestone Farm on the left, and turn right at the second street, Nordman Road. Turn right at the first street, Butternut, and park along the street. Enter the nursery through the gap in the hedge on Butternut.

Note: The Native Plant Nursery is not a retail nursery. This sale is held at the nursery only once per year, with special permission. Please do not visit the nursery except during this sale! To purchase plants at other times, stop by the nursery's booth at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, mid-April through September.

    May 31, 2008 (Sat)    

Time: 9:00 AM - noon Note Saturday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description: Hands-on experience tending the Oak Openings Garden.

At this session we will plant plugs of species that thrive in mixed sun and shade. We're gradually increasing diversity while maintaining the open, park-like appearance typical of oak openings. We'll examine milkweeds for their insect partners, and chat about beneficial insects.


This event will be held rain or shine. Bring gloves and wear closed-toe footwear.

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Jun 11, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: To be announced


Ann Arbor, MI


Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings.

Details to be announced.

    Jul 09, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: To be announced


Ann Arbor, MI


Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings.

Details to be announced.

    Jul 22, 2008 (Tue)    

Time: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Note Tuesday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description: Come enjoy and learn at the at the Oak Openings Garden.

We'll admire summer-blooming wildflowers for their colors and fragrance. We'll watch for butterflies and other nectar-loving insects. If it's dry we'll collect seeds of early-blooming species for later planting elsewhere in the Arb.


Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Bring a cushion or stool to sit on, and your own gloves and tools if you wish.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Aug 13, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: to be announced.

Location: Independence Lake County Park

3200 Jennings Rd.
Webster Township
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Click here for directions.


Title: "Tour a sunny wetland prairie"


Description:

Join Parks Naturalist (and Wild One) Faye Stoner for a tour of this native prairie at the height of its beauty.

Come early to swim and enjoy the park.

See park features here.

We'll share a potluck picnic.

Open to the public. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. There is a vehicle entry charge, so consider a car pool with your friends.

    Sep 10, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Room 125

1800 N. Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9406


Title: David Michener: "Alternatives for your lawn - beyond bluegrass"


Description:

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher.

    Oct 08, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 6:45 pm

Location: To be announced





Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings. Help collect seed from a restored prairie.

Details to be announced.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider car-pooling to this event.

    Oct 18, 2008 (Sat)    

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM Note Saturday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description:
Come enjoy and learn at the Oak Openings Garden.

Fall prompts our appreciation of shape and texture in the Oak Openings garden. The variety of seed sizes and forms is amazing, and we'll notice their subtle fragrances. Strategies for storing and planting seeds will be discussed. We may do an ecological burn depending on whether the garden was burned previously.

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Bring a cushion or stool to sit on, and your own gloves and tools if you wish.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Bay de Noc Spring Garden Conference, sponsored by MSU Extension, Bay de Noc Garden Club and the Master Gardners' Association. 9:00 am -4:00 pm with registration beginning at 8:00 am. Gladstone Area High School, Gladstone, MI. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY MARCH 14.


For more information, call the MSU Extension Office of Delta County at (906)786-3032

    Apr 23, 2008 (Wed)    

Remediation of the Menard's site in Escanaba with Jill Martin, PE

    May 14, 2008 (Wed)    

Michigan Nature Association presentation on the Martin's Bay Sanctuary. Joint meeting with Bay de Noc Audubon Naturalists. Possible site visit

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Celebrating wildflowers with US Forest Service Botanist Deb LeBlanc. 1:00-3:30 pm. Meet at the Munising US Forest Service office

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Celebrating wildflowers with US Forest Service botanist Deb LeBlanc. 1:00-3:30 pm. Meet at the Munising US Forest Service Office

    Jun 25, 2008 (Wed)    

Invasive plant pull at the Gladstone Boardwalk. Dress appropriately

    Jul 23, 2008 (Wed)    

"The Dirty Dozen" invasive plants by speaker Dr. Brian Black, Bay College biology instructor

    Aug 23, 2008 (Sat)    

National Wild Ones Conference in Appleton, WI. Through the 24th. See Wild Ones national website for details

    Sep 24, 2008 (Wed)    

Mushroom foray with Bay College biology instructor and fungiphile Laurie Johnson. We will travel to one or more local sites to locate and identify interesting fungi. Dress appropriately

    Oct 22, 2008 (Wed)    

Annual chapter meeting and planning for the upcoming year

    Dec 03, 2008 (Wed)    

Christmas potluck and election of officers (meeting may be on Dec. 10)

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Floodplain Forest near Galesburg, with Paul Olexia. Paul, a retired Kalamazoo College Biology Professor, is former co-president of Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones and former president of Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. He’s led many tours for Wild Ones, Michigan Botanical Club, and other organizations

Floodplain (also called "riparian") forests, typically found along larger streams and rivers that are bordered by relatively flat, low-lying areas, have become relatively uncommon. They’ve been converted to agriculture because the soils are so rich, or they’ve been developed for industrial purposes because water is so readily available. Composition of the floodplain forest is largely dictated by the periodic flooding (typically in the spring) that causes a major disturbance to the system. Along with the disturbance there typically is a rich deposit of fresh soil and nutrients. On the other hand, lack of oxygen in saturated soils reduces the decay of organic matter, which tends to accumulate over time. The floodplain itself tends to have an undulating topography: slightly higher areas are drier, and the low areas may remain inundated almost year round. The latter, being low in oxygen levels, often support little in the way of herbaceous vegetation. The wettest areas tend to be dominated by silver maples. Slightly higher (and drier) sites are more likely to support sycamore, green ash, American elm, swamp white oak and honey locust (a tree rarely, if ever, found outside of the floodplain). Also present are likely to be "musclewood" (Carpinus caroliniana), and spice bush. In more or less permanently wet areas buttonbush can be found. Ground cover includes both true and false stinging nettle, meadow rue, a few grasses and possibly some spring wildflowers. One rather unusual plant often found in these communities is "green dragon," a sister species to Jack-in-the-pulpit.

Please dress for the occasion. There well may be some mosquitoes and this is "tick season". This is a floodplain, there may be some mud. But it should not require rubber boots unless we get a lot of rain or you want to explore on your own. There is a chance we may encounter some stinging nettles. If you want a new and exciting experience, you can wear shorts, but they are NOT RECOMMENDED.

Directions to the Galesburg Floodplain Forest:
Take E. Main through downtown Kalamazoo and turn right onto King Highway (following Business Loop for I-94). After passing Kalamazoo Metal Recycling on your left, proceed east, crossing the river, and follow signs for M-96 to Comstock, Galesburg, or Augusta.
For car pooling, gather in the South Wenke Park on the west edge of the community of Comstock, next to the Kalamazoo River. We should leave there by 9:45am.
If you want to drive to the field trip site, continue on past South Wenke Park, east on M-96 through Comstock. At the western edge of the community of Galesburg is a traffic light at 35th St. Turn right on 35th St. (ignoring the "road closed" sign). On 35th St., at the next traffic light (and where the construction begins), turn left on Battle Creek St. You will see a school, "GA Primary School," at that intersection. Turn right immediately into the school parking lot. We will walk from there to the floodplain forest. It is not far. We will head for the river at 10:00 am.

NOTE: Do not attempt to take I-94 to Galesburg since the 35th St. exit is closed and you will be unable to exit there. Moreover, construction on eastbound I-94 can be a problem

    Jun 01, 2008 (Sun)    

Wild Ones Annual Spring Native-Plant Exchange, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tom and Nancy Small’s house and yard, 2502 Waite Ave., Kalamazoo. RAIN OR SHINE. NO PLANTS FOR SALE—ONLY EXCHANGES. NO INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANTS. Refreshments, socializing, celebration. Share kindnesses and news.

Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones Plant Exchange Rules of Etiquette:
The purpose of the Plant Exchange is to foster natural landscaping with native plants.

1. Respect Others
• Don’t be greedy. If you see a special plant, but there are only 5, don’t take 2. Ask the person who brought it, or one of the expert-looking folks hanging about, about the chances of getting more.

2. Respect Plants – give them a change of survival
• Plants might not get planted immediately. Pot them up so they can survive.
• Don’t bring junk, which at a minimum includes non-native invasives.

3. Respect Yourself
• Just starting out? Don’t have plants to bring? Of course you may take plants. In fact, that is one of the main purposes of the Plant Exchange. We all had to get started somehow, and when native plants start doing really well in your yard, bring some back. [Don’t have plants but want to bring something? Refreshments would be welcome.]

Please provide species labels for your plants.
Questions: e-mail us, or call 381-4946

    Jun 22, 2008 (Sun)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - West Lake and Bishop’s Bog, with Binney Girdler and Richard Brewer. Instead of the previously announced date of June 21, the Wild Ones field trip to West Lake and Bishop’s Bog, in Portage, will be Sunday, June 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. Our leaders will be Richard Brewer, retired Professor of Biology from WMU, and Binney Girdler, Professor of Biology from Kalamazoo College.
Please make this change in your calendars. Don’t miss this field trip to some lovely urban wetlands, with two outstanding guides.

Directions and further details to follow...

    Jul 13, 2008 (Sun)    

Field Trip - 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Ponds and Rain Gardens. Site visits to members’ properties & projects: Ruth Caputo – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.; Mary Powers – 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Directions and further details to follow...

    Jul 20, 2008 (Sun)    

Field Trip - 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Rain Gardens. Site visits to members’ properties & projects: Carolyn Pesheck – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.; Nate and Erin Fuller – 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Directions and further details to follow...

    Aug 04, 2008 (Mon)    

21st biennial North American Prairie Conference, August 4 - 8, “Where the Prairie Meets the River,” Winona State University, Minnesota. For further details please visit the web site: bio.winona.edu/napc.

    Aug 23, 2008 (Sat)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Jephtha Lake Fen Preserve, with Becky Csia.

Directions and further details to follow...

    Sep 06, 2008 (Sat)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Wetland Restoration at Axtell and Arcadia Creeks, with Tom Small, Paul Olexia, Steve Keto.

Direction and further details to follow...

    Sep 14, 2008 (Sun)    

Wild Ones Annual Fall Native-Plant Exchange, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tom and Nancy Small’s house and yard.

    Oct 11, 2008 (Sat)    

Save the Date! Our chapter will be holding a one day conference featuring Dr. Doug Tallamy as our keynote speaker. Dr. Tallamy is Professor and Chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and the author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. Stay tuned for further details...

    Jan 19, 2008 (Sat)    

January 19, Saturday, 1 PM - Chippewa Nature Center's Arboretum. Take a hike to the arboretum to learn more about our native Conifers. Jeanne Henderson, CNC staff member, will recommend the best of these evergreens; give us some planting information; and tell us why we should plant more of them. Weather permitting with good snow conditions we can snowshoe on our hike. If you would like to borrow a pair of snowshoes for this walk, please let President Judy Packard know by calling 989-686-1231 or email her at jpwild1s@limitlesspath.com. Please RSVP if you are coming and if you will need snowshoes. Afterwards, we will share hot cholocate, snacks and conversation in the warm Visitor Center as we plan our gardens for 2008. Come venture out with the Wild Ones!

    Feb 27, 2008 (Wed)    

February 27, Wednesday, 7:00 PM - The Buzz on Bees with beekeeper, Bill Ferris at Chippeway Nature Center. This is a public program that we will attend and staff a Wild Ones display.

    Mar 19, 2008 (Wed)    

March 19, Wednesday, 7:00 PM - Get Wet and Wild with Water Plants, presentation by Jewel Richardson of Wetland Nursery.

    Apr 19, 2008 (Sat)    

April 19, Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Chippewa Nature Center Green Gardening Day. Staff Wild Ones' informational table.

    May 23, 2008 (Fri)    

May 23 and 24, Friday and Saturday - Chippewa Nature Center's Native Plant Sale - Assist CNC staff with sale. Staff Wild Ones' informational table and sell items.

    Jun 10, 2008 (Tue)    

June 10, Tuesday - Tour Tollgate Storm Water Project - This will be a day long field trip to tour this restoration project. http://www.spicergroup.com/lindemann/proj tollgate.shtml

    Jul 26, 2008 (Sat)    

July 26, Saturday - Flushing Nature Park, Flushing, MI - Tour this park's prairie restoration. http://www.gfn.org/flushing/html/nature park.html

    Aug 09, 2008 (Sat)    

August 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday - National Board Meeting and Annual Meeting

    Sep 01, 2008 (Mon)    

September, Date TBA - Walk & Talk about Trees with CNC Naturalist, Karen Breternitz

    Oct 04, 2008 (Sat)    

October 4, Saturday - 3rd Quarterly National Board Meeting - Mid-Mitten will host the Nat'l Board meeting in the morning. Afternoon activities will include a ride in a Voyageur canoe.

    Nov 07, 2008 (Fri)    

November 7, Friday 6:00 PM - Annual Review and Potluck

In addition to these activities, we are scheduling work days at Averill Overlook Park and Linwood Rest Area through the Spring, Summer and Fall months. We will be looking for plant rescue opportunities, also.

    Mar 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Making Connections to the Land
7:00-8:30 P.M.

Learn a terrific new way to connect to a favorite place that might be a nature preserve, a park, a forest, or even your own backyard! You will learn how to take a voyage of discovery into worlds you never realized existed right before your eyes. You will learn to see "the world in a grain of sand". Our presenter will be naturalist extraordinaire, Dan Farmer. Mr. Farmer is a well-known speaker on nature topics. Progam will be held at the Oakland Twp. Parks Building, 4393 Collins Roa

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak
***1:00 -3:00 p.m.***

Join us for a walk to see spring wildflowers in this 20+ acre wooded nature preserve in Quickstad Park. Spring wildflowers to see are wild geranium, foamflower, jack in a pulpits, trilliums, wood poppy, and much more. Royal Oak Nature Society & Wild One Member, John DeLisle, has kindly offered to show us the preserve. We can also stop to observe the pond life in the woods if interested.

We will meet at the park entrance off of Lexington Blvd. Lexington Blvd is located between Crooks Road and Main Street in Royal Oak. It is south of Normandy Road and north of 13 Mile Road. From the Lexington/Marais parking lot, walk east on the sidewalk alongside Lexington Blvd for a short ways, then turn onto the sidewalk leading up to the park. Entry into the park will be through the newly installed turnstile.

    Jun 28, 2008 (Sat)    

Fern Identification at Seven Ponds Nature Center
***10:30 a.m. - 12noon***

Let’s learn about ferns and how to identify them. So many of them look similar and can be confusing. Mike Champagne with Seven Ponds Nature Center will help us sort them out and learn ways to identify them. We will walk into an enclosed area that protects plants from deer grazing to see ferns up close.
BONUS: Come early & browse the rummage sale before our program
Seven Ponds Nature Center 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden Michigan

    Jul 19, 2008 (Sat)    

Home Garden Tour

Come and visit one of our member's native gardens. D.F. has offered to let us visit him at his Troy home. He and his wife have been turning their yard gradually into one filled with native plants. Come & see their great work and learn about what techniques have worked for them. Day & time may change. (Contact Barb for more info on this program

    May 21, 2008 (Wed)    

Our May 2008 meeting will start with a native plant exchange. Bring extra plants from your garden and pick up some new natives. Meet in front of the Radiology Building at 7:00 to swap plants. Afterward we will have a presentation in room 139 by MSU graduate student Jeff Evans who will share his research into finding a biological control for garlic mustard. Jeff has become an expert on garlic mustard's life cycle and potential weak points. He is identifying insects that can impact its viability, but will not feed on native species. Projects like this give us hope that someday garlic mustard will be subdued and allow our native woodland wildflowers to return to areas currently overrun with it

    Jun 18, 2008 (Wed)    

The June meeting will be a potluck at Hawk Island Park, 1601 East Cavanaugh Road, between Pennsylvania and Aurelius in Lansing. location of park We have reserved half of the Peregrine shelter (the side closest to the water) starting at 5:30 pm. map of park
Bring a dish to pass and get to know other Red Cedar Chapter members better. Please let Sue Millar (contact information listed above) know whether you will be bringing a main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert. Please come prepared with your own plates, eating and serving utensils, and drink. Dinner will start at 6:30 pm.


The park is connected to Scott Woods Park via paved trails. The evening would not be complete without a walk through this beautiful flood plain forest. Other park amenities include pedal and row boat rentals, fishing from the boardwalk, a playground and splash park for kids.

    Jul 16, 2008 (Wed)    

Our July 2008 meeting will be a field trip to learn about the rain gardens installed in downtown Lansing and Old Town. Free parking is available on city streets or in nearby parking ramps after 6:00 pm.


This is an exciting project for the city of Lansing. These gardens are near the State Capitol and other visitor attractions. They are a wonderful way to educate visitors and residents about the importance of using rain gardens filled with native plants to filter polluted runoff before it enters our rivers and streams. The city is asking for volunteers to help maintain these gardens. The Red Cedar Chapter would like to adopt one or two. Contact Mary Leys (info at top of page) if you'd like to help!

    May 31, 2008 (Sat)    

SPECIAL EVENT
Nature’s Pixels “Discovering More about Your Garden through Photography”
Landscape Alternatives, Shafer, MN
Saturday, May 31st, 2008, 10:00 AM

John Arthur and Pamela Deerwood from Twin Cities Wild Ones will share their experiences combining native gardening with photography. NOTE: Space is limited. Please call ahead (651) 257-4460 to reserve a spot.

Your garden is more than just the flowers and plants that were planted lovingly. Bugs and birds, pollinators, predators, and so much more is happening in the garden than meets the eye. Discover what lies in wait through the glass eye of the camera lens. Learn about that Syrphid Fly that looks like a bee. Learn about that Sphinx moth that looks like a hummingbird. Learn about the dragonfly that comes to the garden to harden its wings and feed on those insects that pollinate your flowers. Photographing your garden can lead learning about the natural world around us all. It’s more than just pretty pictures.

    Jun 07, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour of Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy, Osceola, WI
Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Space may be limited. To reserve a spot, RSVP to Joan at wildonescedarstour@gmail.com
or phone (651) 436-5329. Joan can provide carpooling info and details of our hike.

Lupines and prairie wildflowers will be in bloom. Join us for a guided tour of some of the 1600 acres of virgin and restored prairie and oak savanna along the east shore of the St. Croix owned or managed by this community-based land conservancy. We'll learn how recent restoration activities have affected the preserve. See Standing Cedars' web site for more on our destination. This field trip involves easy to moderately difficult walking on established trails on level to steeply hilly terrain. We suggest bringing a lunch, hiking shoes, and insect repellant to protect against deer ticks. Directions to the site, details of our hiking route, and carpooling info will be provided when you make your reservation. Troy Meacham, Land Manager at Standing Cedars, will be our guide.

    Jun 21, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour of Hild & Associates, native prairie and wetland plant nursery, River Falls, WI
Saturday, June 21st, 2008, 10:00 AM – Noon, Summer Solstice lunch to follow
326 South Glover Road, River Falls, WI Click for a Map

    Aug 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Bird & Native Plant Tour of St. Croix Savanna Scientific & Natural Area (SNA)
Bayport, MN
Thursday, August 21st, 6:30 to 8:30 PM (storm date Sunday, August 24th, 3:00 to 5:00 PM)

NOTE: Space is limited. To reserve a spot, RSVP to Joan at wildones.texlersnatour@gmail.com or phone (651) 436-5329. Joan will confirm reservations, provide driving directions, parking information, and details of our hike. If all our spaces fill, a short wait-list may be compiled; please release your reservation if your plans change.

Join us for a guided field trip through the sand-gravel prairie and oak savanna of St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). The savanna occurs along the top and side of a south-facing bluff just south of Bayport, with stunning views of the St. Croix River. DNR describes this as the best sand-gravel prairie and oak savanna along the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Difficulty: Easy walk wholly off-trail.

The tour is jointly sponsored by the St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter of Wild Ones and the St. Paul Audubon Society. Bring your favorite native prairie plant and bird field guides and binoculars. Our guides include Hannah Dunevitz Texler, MN DNR Regional Plant Ecologist, and Chase Davies, naturalist and field guide with the St. Paul Audubon Society. Additional information on the SNA, including plant and bird lists, can be found HERE.

    Dec 03, 2007 (Mon)    

Christmas Party! Save the date; more details to come.

    May 20, 2008 (Tue)    

Nokomis Naturescape Prairie Gardens as a Sunny Native Garden Model: A Hands-On Experience
May Twin Cities Chapter Meeting - Free and open to the public
7:00 PM (set-up & socializing begins at 6:30 PM)
Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis

The third program of the Twin Cities Chapter Spring Program Series
Three Ecosystems: How to Apply Nature's Lessons to Your Backyard

In the spring of 1998, the steep hillside southeast of the Nokomis Community Center was planted in grasses and wildflowers, and three perennial gardens, using only plants native to the area, were installed adjacent to Lake Nokomis.

Come celebrate Nokomis Naturescape’s 10-Year Anniversary by joining Vicki Bonk, Naturescape project shepherd, for a walk and talk around the prairie gardens. We will reflect on the 10 years of native plant gardening, see what is springing forth – both native desirables and weeds, (bring gloves – be prepared to edit!) and look forward to improving our gardens’ effectiveness as a model of sustainablity in 2008. Ideas and help welcome!

NOTE: The Twin Cities Chapter of the Wild Ones provides the principle garden volunteers for the hillside garden. New Nokomis Naturescape Gardeners are always welcome! Whether you come for one evening or many, any help is appreciated. This is a great opportunity to learn more about native plant gardening and/or impart your knowledge while contributing to the beauty and environmental health of the Lake Nokomis park.

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Nokomis Naturescape Historic Walking Tour
Free and Open to the Public
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Meet near the intersection of East 50th St. and Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis

One of a series of walking tours led by Wild Ones member Julia Vanatta to help celebrate Nokomis Naturescape's first ten years. Those who walk with Julia will not only learn about the history of the gardens, they will also learn about the history of the other chain of lakes in Minneapolis: Rice Lake (Hiawatha), Lake Amelia (Nokomis) and Mother Lake. Talks will focus on changes to the landscape by both development in the area and entertainment trends. The one hour talk and walking tour will be followed by a half hour of open discussion with the host.

In the event of light rain or scattered showers, the tour will not be rescheduled but will start inside the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minneahaha Parkway. If severe weather is forecast two hours prior to the event, Tuesday events will be rescheduled for the following Thursday, Saturday events will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday.

    Jan 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Basic Natural Landscaping - How Can It Work In Your Yard?

10:00 AM at Inniswood House at Inniswood Metropark

Learn new ideas to turn your yard and gardens in to a more environmentaly friendly organic landscape. This workshop will show you how to combine water conservation, composting, use of native plants, and sharing the earth with wildlife and nature to live a more sustainable and self sufficient life.

Did you know that natural landscaping is easier than traditional landscaping? Using the right plant in the right place means less maintenance and a lower water bill!

Join Nancy Livensparger as she transforms a basic suburban landscape into a more earth friendly habitat. Nancy is currently the Project Manager of Garden Maintenance for B&B Landscaping in Glastonbury, Connecticut, a member of NOFA (NorthEast Organic Farmers Association) and is on the Stewardship committee of the Middlesex Land Trust of Connecticut helping maintain the Palmer Preserve. She has been a member of Wild Ones since 1997, first in Columbus, Ohio and is a co founder and current President of the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Connecticut Wild Ones. Nancy owned and operated Plant-it Earthworks for 12 years, a landscape design and garden maintence company in Columbus, Ohio before moving to Connecticut.

    Feb 09, 2008 (Sat)    

Organic Lawncare

10:00 AM at Inniswood House, Inniswood MetroPark

Jean Nardella, founder and owner of Earth Matters will speak about organic lawn care. There is an alternative to "chemical" lawn care which can result in lawns that look good, are safe for pets and encourage birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects to thrive. Learn about environmentally safe lawn practices.

    Mar 08, 2008 (Sat)    

10:00 AM at Inniswood House at Inniswood Metropark CANCELED

CANCELED DUE TO HEAVY SNOW PREDICTED

Join Jessica D'Ambrosio to learn more about what we can personally do to adapt to and mitigate global warming.

Native landscapes offer the following three global warming solutions, among others:

• With global warming comes an increased need for potable water,. Native plants require less water to survive with changing environments. Native plants, with their deep root systems, will return more water to the ground preventing rainwater runoff. Native plants are what make rain gardens work. Wetland native species offer natural filtration systems to improve water quality.

• Carbon sequestration, - taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The root structures of many of our native prairie plants extend deep into the ground, unlike most non-natives. This root structure allows the native plants to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon is one of the major constituents of global warming and removing it from the weather cycle slows the warming process. The main carbon "sinks" are grasslands, forest, and organisms in the oceans and soil.

• Reductions in fossil fuel and chemical use - native landscapes, in general, require less maintenance in the form of mowing, fertilization and chemical disbursement. In fact, native landscapes can survive without any of these man-made solutions for control. But for those needing some order in their landscape, no mow lawns and native plants significantly reduce the emissions associated with lawn and garden care combustion equipment, and the use of water polluting fertilizers and life-destroying chemicals. When we stop using fossil fuels and chemicals in our yards, we also reduce the need to transport and produce these items, further reducing the impact on our environment.

Individuals and families alike can have a big impact on reducing the carbon footprint by something as simple as how they maintain their yards. Using environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve and restore ecological biodiversity and clean water by reducing the use of herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and water will go a long way toward making a difference in climate change.

Jessica D'Ambrosio holds a master's degree in environmental sciences and is a Program Coordinator at the Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

    Apr 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Making More Plants

10:00 AM at Inniswood House at Inniswood MetroPark

Dave Marsolo, Wild Ones member and amateur plant propagator, will lead a workshop on native plant propagation. Plant prechilled seeds of several unusual plants-including woodland species, rock garden and annuals. Try your hand at propagating cuttings of selected native shrubs/native roses.

Take home a sample of your work from this "hands on" activity and watch it grow!


----- Original Message -----

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Woodlands and Prairie Habitat -- A Comparative Field Trip in 2 Parts

Field Trip #1 - Spring Show!
10am at Battelle Darby MetroPark

Today, Ohio is timber country and farmland. Going native can mean returning to Ohio forest or rebuilding the tallgrass prairies. This two part field trip is designed to demonstrate the differences between the two ecosystems up close and personal. We have chosen Battelle – Darby MetroPark as our outdoor laboratory for this exploration.

The Battelle – Darby properties have been listed for preservation and restoration since 1945 due to their unique biota. The park is best known for the high biodiversity of its river system: Big and Little Darbys which are national scenic rivers. Less known is the Darby Plains which historically included our closest original tallgrass prairie. Three hundred acres of the park has been restored to climax prairie using the remnant seedbank. Recent additions mean that the park now stretches 14 miles along the Darby Creeks and contain 6,500 acres of tall-grass prairies, fields and Oak-Hickory forest.

The Park Naturalists will take us on two identical hikes through the forests and prairies. A spring hike will demonstrate the woodland peak bloom and the prairie breaking dormancy. A summer hike over the same course will demonstrate the woodlands response to shading and the prairie in peak bloom. By covering the same ground, we will be sensitized to the lifecycle differences exhibited every season around us. Bring your botanical and restoration questions!

Saturday May 17th. The spring show in the woods includes trout lilies, spring beauties, cut-leaved toothworts, dutchman’s breeches, violets and bluebells. If we get lucky, we may spot a yellow lady slipper.

Directions:

From I-270 take I-70 west one exit to the Hilliard/Rome Road (exit 91A), go towards New Rome and travel south to West Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street (US 40) and travel approximately 4 miles to Darby Creek Drive. Turn left on Darby Creek Drive and proceed 3 miles. The main park entrance to Cedar Ridge Picnic Area is on the right.

For carpooling or general questions, call Shelby Conrad (614) 262-0470 or shelbyconrad@yahoo.com.

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Rose Festival Join Wild Ones at the Columbus Rose Festival at Whetstone Park of Roses on June 14th & 15th from 10am - 8pm. We will be there to answer all of your native plant and landscaping questions and will be selling a variety of native plants to add to your garden

    Jul 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Woodlands and Prairie Habitat -- A Comparative Field Trip in 2 Parts

Field Trip #2 - Summer Show!
10am at Battelle Darby MetroPark

Today, Ohio is timber country and farmland. Going native can mean returning to Ohio forest or rebuilding the tallgrass prairies. This two part field trip is designed to demonstrate the differences between the two ecosystems up close and personal. We have chosen Battelle – Darby MetroPark as our outdoor laboratory for this exploration.

The Battelle – Darby properties have been listed for preservation and restoration since 1945 due to their unique biota. The park is best known for the high biodiversity of its river system: Big and Little Darbys which are national scenic rivers. Less known is the Darby Plains which historically included our closest original tallgrass prairie. Three hundred acres of the park has been restored to climax prairie using the remnant seedbank. Recent additions mean that the park now stretches 14 miles along the Darby Creeks and contain 6,500 acres of tall-grass prairies, fields and Oak-Hickory forest.

The Park Naturalists will take us on two identical hikes through the forests and prairies. A spring hike will demonstrate the woodland peak bloom and the prairie breaking dormancy. A summer hike over the same course will demonstrate the woodlands response to shading and the prairie in peak bloom. By covering the same ground, we will be sensitized to the lifecycle differences exhibited every season around us. Bring your botanical and restoration questions!

Saturday July 12th. The summer show in the prairie includes purple coneflower, gray-headed coneflower, prairie dock, royal catchfly, crown beard, bergamot. If we get lucky, we may spot white baptisia, tall larkspur and blazing star.

Directions:

From I-270 take I-70 west one exit to the Hilliard/Rome Road (exit 91A), go towards New Rome and travel south to West Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street (US 40) and travel approximately 4 miles to Darby Creek Drive. Turn left on Darby Creek Drive and proceed 3 miles. The main park entrance to Cedar Ridge Picnic Area is on the right.

For carpooling or general questions, call Shelby Conrad (614) 262-0470 or shelbyconrad@yahoo.com.

    Aug 09, 2008 (Sat)    

Garden Tour

David and Patricia Marsolo
1068 Hepplewhite Street
Westerville, Ohio 43081

The tour is of a standard sized suburban lot. There is a mixture of natives and nonnatives with increasing natives. The yard includes a vegetable garden, propagation areas, glass sunroon, wildlife hedge and 2 small ponds.

Directions
I-270 to Cleveland Avenue
North on Cleveland to Main St.
Left On Main St. to Spring Hollow
Right on Spring Hollow to Hepplewhite Street
Right on Hepplewhite Street

Contact
David Marsolo 614-891-6146
dmarsolo@columbus.rr.com

    Sep 13, 2008 (Sat)    

Saturday September 13 10AM

A suburban setting with extensive native plantings in a deep backyard garden

Meet at Joan and Byron Bossenbroek's place at 10AM. (5895 Linworth Rd, Worthington) Directions: from 315 travel west on SR 161. Turn Left (south) on Linworth Rd. and drive about 1/2 mile. Their house is on west side of the road. There is room for about 5 cars in their driveway. Additional parking at Linworth Park (a few houses north of their home and on a dise street in the Indian Hills subdivision) and along Sedwick Road (across from their home). Contact information: David Marsolo 614-891-6146

    Jan 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Green Valleys Association &
Habitat Resource Network of
Southeast Pennsylvania

jointly present

An Introduction to Permaculture
Victoria Laubach
Director of Welkinweir

Saturday, January 12, 2008
10am – 12pm
Green Valley Association’s
Welkinweir
Pottstown, PA
Directions to Welkinweir

Registration Requested
www.habitatresourcenetwork.org
Call Maureen 484-678-6200 or
Email: admin@habitatresourcenetwork.org

This is the second event in the Habitat Resource Network's "Winter with our Watersheds" lecture series

    Mar 08, 2008 (Sat)    

March Wild Ones Event
STREAM ECOLOGY

Kristen Travers
Stroud Water Research Center

Saturday, March 8, 2008
10:00am-12:00 noon

Stroud Water Research Center
970 Spencer Rd
Avondale, PA 19311

About Stroud
The Stroud Center's staff is internationally acclaimed for its
pioneering research on streams and rivers. The scientists work
in interdisciplinary research teams, blending their individual
talents in chemistry, microbial ecology, invertebrate biology,
watershed ecology, and ecosystem modeling to study the
physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams and
rivers, the life histories of individual organisms, and the ecology
of watersheds.

Come take advantage of this incredible resource in
our backyard!

Check our website, www.habitatresourcenetwork.org to register, or email admin@habitatresourcenetwork.org or call 484-678-6200

    Apr 17, 2008 (Thu)    

Planting with Purpose:
Saving Nature at Home and Beyond

Barb Elliot & Edie Parnum, Co-Directors
Backyards for Nature
Valley Forge Audubon

Thursday, April 17th 2008
7:00pm
The Barn
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Rd.
Audubon, PA 19403

We see more development & less wildlife habitat
around us. Songbird species are disappearing at
an unprecedented rate. We notice fewer
butterflies than we used to. Despite the
problems, you can make a difference! Come hear
Barb & Edie talk about how to incorporate
native plants and create outdoor space that is
attractive to both humans & wildlife.

Check our website, to register

    Jan 20, 2008 (Sun)    

2:00 p.m.: Photo Show and Tell. Members share experiences of past summers. Crossroads at Big Creek. Sturgeon Bay

    Feb 23, 2008 (Sat)    

2:00 p.m. "Gardening in a Woodland Setting" presented by Cliff Orsted at Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Ba

    Mar 15, 2008 (Sat)    

2:00 p.m. "Growing Shrubs and Trees from Seeds" presented by Lyle Berceau. Crossroads at Big Creek. Sturgeon Ba

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

9:00 a.m. Nature Walk at the Clearing, Ellison Bay, guided by Mike Schneider. Emphasis on Budding Shrubs and Trees and on Jens Jensen's landscaping in early spring. Meet at the Visitors Cente

Spring 2008 Plant Sale -- forbs and tree order form.
Spring 2008 Plant Sale -- ordering directions
Good resources for looking up plants.
www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora Wisconsin Plant Species, University of WI in Madison
http://plants.usda.gov - United States of America Agriculture Department

Karen Syverson: (920) 987-5587
Donna Vanbuecken: (920) 730-3986, WOresource@new.rr.com

Indoor Winter meetings are held the fourth Thursday, 7 p.m. at either
• Gardens of the Fox Cities, 1313 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton
• Evergreen Retirement Community, 1130 N. Westfield St., Oshkosh.
  
  
  Outdoor Spring to Fall meetings are announced in the newsletter and on this web site. They consist of field trips, rescue digs, and other activities. Car pooling for field trips will be announced.
  
  When we hire a bus, please meet at the designated stops 15-25 minutes before departure times so we can leave on schedule. Pre-registration for all bus tours will be required no less than 2 weeks prior to each trip. A fee will be charged for bus tours.

    Apr 24, 2008 (Thu)    

Hans Morsbach from Chicago with his book on "Common Sense Forestry"
Appleton at Sheig Learning Center, Garden of the Fox Cities. Public
invited to attend....

    May 22, 2008 (Thu)    

James Havel of NES Ecological Services at the Wild Ones EcoCenter,
Appleton. Tour of property and discussion of landscaping plans. Directions to the EcoCenter -From HWY 41 exit Cty BB (Prospect Ave) east. Turn right or south on frontage road - NORTHERN RD

Go ½ mile to STROEBE RD between the 2 Great Northern Container Buildings.
Turn left or east on STROEBE RD

Just past the RR tracks, turn right on 1st road - W Butte des Morts Beach Rd. EcoCenter is 1st structure on left.

    Jun 26, 2008 (Thu)    

Member Yard tour in Appleton area

    Jul 26, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour at Navarino Nature Center and member Judy Peter‘s property 12 miles north of Black Creek in Outagamie county. Details in June Newsletter.

    Aug 23, 2008 (Sat)    

Aug. 23 - 26 National Wild Ones Meeting in Appleton area

    Sep 25, 2008 (Thu)    

Leon Church to speak on "The Cottages at Woodside Green" and the sustainability of the storm water management and treatment.

    Oct 01, 2008 (Wed)    

Seed Gathering - date and location will be announced

    Nov 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Joint Meeting with Winnebago Audubon Society at Evergreen
Retirement Center, Oshkosh

    Dec 01, 2008 (Mon)    

No meeting in December

    Nov 20, 2007 (Tue)    

November 20
2008 Planning meeting. Bring ideas for meeting topics and snacks to share.

    Dec 18, 2007 (Tue)    

December
No Meeting

    Jan 15, 2008 (Tue)    

January 15
Charter Anniversary.

    Mar 27, 2008 (Thu)    

7 p.m. Join us for Laurie Yahr's presentation, "Up Close and Personal with Wildflowers" Laurie's detailed photos, with descriptions & tips from some of her excursions to Wisconsin natural areas. Location: Fire Department Station #7 on McKenna Blvd., just north of Raymond Road. Take beltline exits 151 South, or Whitney Way south to Raymond, then West to McKenna. Check your chapter newsletter, or call Barb Glassel 819-0087.

    Apr 30, 2008 (Wed)    

7:00 to 8:45 p.m. "Making a Bog Garden" with Kevan Bard. Consider the possibilities for your own yard, at Pinney Library, Cottage Grove Road at Monona Drive.

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Not an official chapter event, but many attend the Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale Large Wildflower tent near the UW-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison WI 53711. One Day Only, come early, prepared to walk.
608-263-7760 or website


Over 100 varieties of woodland and prairie plants
* Propagated plants -- not dug from the wild * All plants native to area * Experts on hand to answer questions * Information sheets detailing care with each plant * Some prairie mixes, native shrubs, vines and trees.
Open to the public -- proceeds benefit Arboretum projects

    Jul 10, 2008 (Thu)    

Note: Very Tentative Dates Two late afternoons approx 10 days apart: Help with the ongoing Prairie Fringed Orchid Survey. Meet at the Grady Tract Parking Lot south off Beltline, UW Arboretum. "This could be the year..." Sign up in advance via email to Laurie Yahr.

    Jul 31, 2008 (Thu)    

Arrive at 7:00 p.m. Prairie and Pond Tour - Cedar Creek Farm, 2631 County Road J, Verona. Carpool info forthcoming, meet at about 6:20.

Walk along with Bruce Wachholz through his 16- & 8-year-old prairie restorations, plus 4 ponds, and also a wetland restoration. The history of these restorations incorporates what Bruce calls "lessons learned." He will explain pond-building with native wetland plant species. 3 ponds have been left natural with no chemical treatments, while the other has been treated for both aquatic weeds and algae. One pond has Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, and we'll learn how fish change a pond environment. Note: All walking areas are level and mowed with some small hills, but may be damp/wet. Please wear appropriate footwear. The tour will be approximately 1 mile in length from start to finish. Phone Barb Glassel or e-mail Laurie Yahr for carpooling & directions

    Jan 15, 2008 (Tue)    

Tuesday,January 15th 6:30 p.m.

GREG DAVID of Prairie Dock Farm gives a presentation entitled "Ecological and Social Responsibility for Sustainability", part of his Natural Step Program.

Special silent auction will be hel

    Feb 12, 2008 (Tue)    

GARY BRITTON, Wild One Member and President of the "Friends of Lac Lawrann" conservancy will give a slide presentation entitled "Developing a Prairie, An Introduction for Home Gardeners

    Mar 11, 2008 (Tue)    

MARIETTE NOWAK, Naturalist and Author of "Birdscaping in the Midwest" will speak on native plants for native birds

    Apr 08, 2008 (Tue)    

Woodland expert, DAN BOEHLKE, takes us on an exploration of our native woodland ecosystems

    May 13, 2008 (Tue)    

TOUR OF THE FRIESS LAKE SCHOOL woods & wetland, part of which was a donation from the Nature Conservancy.
Corner Hwys 164 & 167. Meet in parking lo

    Jun 10, 2008 (Tue)    

TOUR OF NANCY ATEN'S RESIDENCE featuring environmentally friendly landscaping. 4811 W. Parkview Dr. Mequon

    Jul 08, 2008 (Tue)    

TOUR of the School District Woods, noted as having virgin forest elements.
Off Hwy 175 in Menomonee Falls, behind the new North Hills Medical Center.
Arrive ready to clean up woods. Further directions will be given. Check
this postin

    Aug 12, 2008 (Tue)    

TOUR of the Mandy Ploch residence. W309 N7460 Northern Dancer, Hartland.
Rain garden, prairie and no-mow area will be featured. Mandy is a
landscape architect & horticulturalist who will be able to answer
many of your questions. Car pooling can be arrange from the
Menomonee Falls library. Be in touch

    Sep 09, 2008 (Tue)    

T shirt painting workshop and social at the home of Diane Holmes,
727 Amy Belle Lake Rd, Richfield.
Bring cotton t shirt to participate

    Oct 14, 2008 (Tue)    

Join "wildflower enthusiast" Nancy Matthisen from Monches Farm as she
shares her personal experience and knowledge about native plants.
Indoor program at the Menomonee Falls Library

    Nov 11, 2008 (Tue)    

Annual holiday party and seed exchange. Stay tuned for location.
Bring a treat to share. And your native seeds. Bags & envelopes
provided to bring seeds home for your own use

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Prescribed burn of a portion of the upper parking lot island at River Bend Nature Center. This a weather dependent event. Check your email on April 4th and the morning of the burn to see if it is a go.

    May 03, 2008 (Sat)    

Rain Date for the prescribed burn of the upper parking lot island. If the April burn was a success, we will go on a Spring ephemeral hike at the nature center instead

    Jun 07, 2008 (Sat)    

GO NATIVE! NATIVE PLANT SALE KENOSHA COUNTY CENTER 9am to 3pm


This is the biggest, most exciting native plant sale in the area. Hundreds of native trees and shrubs as well as woodland beauties, prairie and rain garden/wetland species eagerly await your purchase. Over 6,000 plants will be on hand for the day - barring catastrophic crop failure of course.


Proceeds from our sale go to River Bend Nature Center, community service projects directed at habitat restoration and improvement, the Wild Ones Journal, other Wild Ones funds drives, and to support our chapter's activities. This year we will also be donating to Pringle Nature Center in Kenosha.


At the end of the sale, members of the Root River Chapter of Wild Ones will be able to purchase plants at a deep discount from the sale price. The time that this opportunity will begin is yet to be determined and will be announced closer to the sale. This is a chapter members only offer

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour of Stone Silo Prairie Garden, DePere, WI


Pat & Ceci Kiefer (proprietors) will lead us on a tour of the nursery's propagation facilities and prairie restorations.

    Jun 21, 2008 (Sat)    

Native Plant Sale


Offerings by several local native plant propagators. Will be held at Ellwood H. May Environmental Park.



Download Order Forms or Plant List by clicking on these links:Stone Silo Mail Order Form  Stone Silo Order Form  Stone Silo Plant List

    Jul 19, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour of Private Gardens in Belgium Wisconsin Area


A visit to several natural landscapes created by Landmark Landscape, Inc., Sheboygan Falls.

    Aug 16, 2008 (Sat)    

Tour of Greenbush Prairie, Kettle Moraine State Forest


Connie Ramthun, Kettle Moraine Natural Landscaping, will lead us on a tour of this rare Sheboygan County prairie remnant during the height of its late-summer beauty.