Welcome to Wild One Northwest Lower Michigan (Seedling) Chapter! We are part of a national nonprofit organization that promotes native landscaping through education, advocacy and action. By planting native plants we can preserve and restore biodiversity and ultimately strengthen ecosystems, making them more resilient to ecological threats like invasive plants and climate change.
Chapter History
The Northwest Lower Michigan Wild Ones Chapter was founded in September of 2021 by Monica Gruler Farrier. Monica launched Gruler Gardens, a native plant business, as a way to honor her family’s heritage and the land where she grew up. From the beginning she could see the passion her customers had for native plants as a way to care for the earth and the wild creatures who share it with us. Starting a Wild Ones chapter felt to her like a great way to bring local native plant enthusiasts together in community.
Gatherings
Our local Wild Ones seedling chapter hosts meetings throughout the year to share information and have fun learning about native plants. If you’re interested in learning more about native plants, why they are important, and how to use them in your garden, we encourage you to attend!
Please check the Events tab on the top navigation bar or the Upcoming Events bar on the right for meeting details (or scroll down if on a mobile device). These meetings are free and open to the public.
Monthly Programs, Indoors November-April
Second Saturday of the month, 10:30am-12pm, Petoskey Library.
Our indoor programs feature presentations to inform and inspire native plant enthusiasts, and they provide the opportunity for connecting with others that share an interest in learning how our yards can support the biodiversity of our region.
Monthly Outings, May-October
In spring, summer, and early fall, we get together at least once a month at outdoor locations including member gardens and nature preserves. The day of the week and time vary. When possible, the May-October gatherings are free and open to the public, but some garden visits are members-only.
(NEW) Monthly Social
Beginning in October, 2025 we will have a monthly casual meetup to share ideas, ask questions, and just enjoy discussing native plants with others. Our first gathering will be held October 22nd. We will meet at Elder Piper in Petoskey at 6:30 pm. Elder Piper offers their own beers and ciders along with non-alcoholic options.
Resources
In the coming months we will be adding a Resources tab on the top navigation bar to link resources related to native plants.
Connecting
Click on the “Subscribe” button above the Events bar at the right if you would like to be added to our email list (scroll down if on a mobile device). This is how we communicate Event reminders and other chapter information.
We also have a google group both members and non-members use to share information, plants, and resources. To be added to the google group send us an email at [email protected]
Contact Us
We are always looking for new ideas for presentations and field trips. If there is something you would like to learn more about, or somewhere you think we should visit, let us know by sending an an email to [email protected]