Pasque flowers

Chapter Meetings Program Schedule has information about upcoming meetings. Thank You to all who volunteer! If you're at all interested in helping, call Pat at (414) 529-4101.

The Beauty of Rain Gardens Watersheds in the US are being damaged by the soil particles, pesticides, and herbicides in stormwater runoff. President of Earth and Water Works, Ellen Rulseh, explained how rain gardens temporarily hold stormwater and prevent some of the problems caused by stormwater runoff. Ellen explained that native plants help water to infiltrate the soil because the roots of native plants go down five feet or more into the soil. About a third of the root mass dies each year. The roots that die leave small channels in the earth that water flows through to go more deeply into the underground water. When planting a rain garden, Ellen suggests that you test the soil to see if it is porous. The test is simple. Dig a hole about a foot deep and pour a bucket of water into the hole. If the water sinks into the ground within 24 hours, the soil is good for building a rain garden. When planting a rain garden, Elen suggested using plant plugs. She said that the plugs grew fast and some even bloomed the first season they were planted. Many people worry about mosquitoes breeding in their rain gardens. This is not a concern because the water does not stay long enough in the rain garden to allow the mosquitoes to breed.

Sharing Knowledge Everyone who attended chapter meetings was asked to share some of their knowledge. To read the results click on Wheel Enhancements

Grants Available From The Lake Michigan Rain Gardens Initiative

The Lake Michigan Rain Gardens Initiative is all about getting more rain gardens planted in Milwaukee County and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s service area. See their handout at MMSD Handout.

Rain gardens are defined as slightly sunken, native-plant gardens that collect rainwater from a roof, allowing the rain to soak into the ground. They protect our rivers and Lake Michigan by reducing polluted stormwater runoff and the amount of water that gets into the sewer system.

What are the grants for ? Grants will be awarded in the form of plants for your rain garden. For every 2.5 inch plant purchased at $3.60, grantees will receive a second plant for free. Interested groups or individuals need only to fill out and submit the short application form posted on MMSD’s website at http://www.mmsd.com/raingardens, by January 14th, 2008.

    Jul 12, 2008 (Sat)    

July 12, 2008, 12:30 pm



We will meet at Wehr to arrange carpools for a trip to Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg. The 370 acre sanctuary features prairie, woodland, ponds and fens. It should be a great time to enjoy their prairie!

    Aug 09, 2008 (Sat)    

August 9, 2008; 12:30pm



This month we head south to Kenosha County to visit the yard of a long-time member, Jean Mano. We will combine this visit with a stop at her “neighbor”, the Bong State Recreation area. We’ll meet at Wehr to arrange car-pools.

    Sep 12, 2008 (Fri)    

September 12, 2008; 12:30pm



Join us for our first “annual” Family Day. Bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, parents, neighbors, etc as we visit the Engel Conservation Area in Muskego and tour the prairie restoration there with Tom Zagar, Wild Ones member and the city of Muskego’s Conservation Coordinator. Refreshments follow the tour.

    Oct 18, 2008 (Sat)    

Natural Landscaping with Native Plants Conference

Saturday, October 18, 8:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Kliebhan Conference Center, Bonaventure Hall,
Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee
Plenty of free parking available
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at door; $15 students with ID
Lunch: Cafeteria or bring your own
To register or for questions, call 414-299-9888, press 3

Reducing greenhouse gases, conserving water, guarding against flooding, providing habitats for birds and insects are a few reasons why Wild Ones, a nonprofit organization, promotes replacing lawns with native plants. To help people learn how to help slow down global warming and prevent extinction of America's birds and insects, Wild Ones is sponsoring a one-day conference called: Natural Landscaping with Native Plants on Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Cardinal Stritch University, (Glendale) Milwaukee.

Using native plants to replace lawn grass helps in slowing down global warming because native plants have long, fibrous roots which absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
Roots of native plants also absorb, filter, and release water into the ground slowly, preventing flooding. Native plants are drought-resistant and do not require artificial watering. Considerable energy is wasted to purify and pump the water used to irrigate yards. In addition, water is a scarce commodity in many areas making conservation vital.

So much land has been developed that public lands no longer provide enough food for migrating birds and butterflies. Landscaping with native plants sustains American birds and insects which depend on our yards for their survival.

Program choices will include homeowner experiences. .. and more.

Watch here for additional 2008 Events.