Events

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Location: 2020 Resort Road, Alanson (five miles east of Alanson 3/4 mile off M-68).

Diane and her husband Glen will lead a tour of their 2-acre property and talk about their diverse soil conditions, ongoing journey to replace some existing plants with natives, and their struggles with invasives. They have expanded their native tree and shrub varieties, including red, burr, and white oak trees.

Parking is available on the side of Resort Road and there are a few parking places in the driveway. There will be a balloon on the mailbox. The lawn is somewhat uneven, so bring a walking stick if you wish. Refreshments will be available. 

Please call or text Diane with any questions at 231/330-4175

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Discover how ecological landscaping with native plants can make your landscape more resilient and help address the climate crisis. This webinar will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to designing and maintaining landscapes that build resilience to climate change and support native biodiversity. Join Wild Ones for a free webinar, “EcoBeneficial Landscape Strategies for the Climate Crisis,” featuring environmental horticulturalist and ecological landscape designer Kim Eierman.

UPDATED INFORMATION!!

We will be meeting at the Holy Smoke cabin at 10am where we will take a guided hike around Lake Holy Smoke with Sue Ortlieb, Program and Administrative Coordinator at Greenwood. 

Parking is a tiny bit back by an out building - Sue will have her car there (blue Forerunner). If you have something you’d like to drop off you can pull up by the cabin, drop it off, and then go park in the parking area.

UPDATED DIRECTIONS: Google maps will direct you right to the Main gate. Waze and Apple maps may not!

• From I-75 take Wolverine Exit 301. Turn EAST and drive 5.4 miles east along Webb Road until you reach the Main gate. It will be on the right.

• Once you enter the gate, keep going for approximately 1 mile. You will see the cabin on the left, just before the lake.

• Do not get off at Indian River or Vanderbilt exits. Stay on Webb Road the entire time.

Upon returning from the hike we will have an opportunity to share native seeds. Bring native seeds to share if you have them! 

For the potluck bring a dish to share. Plates, utensils, and water will be provided. Outlets are available for slow cookers.

Some information about Greenwood:

Greenwood Foundation was established in 1964 with the mission of "Preserving Land, Protecting Wildlife" by the late George and JoAnn Jury.

All of the land is protected by conservation easements through Little Traverse Conservancy, so it will never be developed.

There are 3 main pods of land at Greenwood, and we are going to be at the Holy Smoke section.

They have resident wildlife including elk, deer, bear, bobcat and all of the typical forest wildlife such as raccoons, turtles, fish, etc..  Also many birds and migratory bird species. 

They provide environmental education and support science research from elementary school, universities, environmental groups and senior citizens.

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have pressing questions about ecological landscaping. In this talk, Tallamy addresses common concerns on biodiversity, invasive species, native plants, and conservation strategies, providing practical guidance and motivation to restore nature in everyday spaces. 

Join other native plants enthusiasts to ask questions and share info. Whether your yard is completely native or you are just getting started on your native plant journey, come join others for some plant talk and good drinks!

October 27 :  Melissa L. Sevigny.  Brave the wild River

The WO Book Club will meet via zoom the last Monday of each Month at 7:00 PM.

The link to join the zoom call will be sent out the week before the meeting via the Wild Ones Google Groups email.   

Come the winter months, which birds stay and which birds go? What can we feed the ones who stay to ensure a healthy overwintering for them? How to help them overcome the snow/ice and cold? What tricks do the stayers have to help? Want to learn more? 

Mary Trout has worked in education for 30 years, passionately sharing her love of birds with young people. She is generous with her time and expertise, helping the community learn about birds at the field trips she leads with various groups. She has kindly agreed to share what she knows about backyard birding in the winter with us at this event.

Join other native plants enthusiasts to ask questions and share info. Whether your yard is completely native or you are just getting started on your native plant journey, come join others for some plant talk and good drinks!

Discover the power of ecological garden design in this free national webinar, Living in the Liberated Landscape: My Yard, with award-winning landscape designer Larry Weaner. Join us for a personal look at how dynamic, self-sustaining landscapes can emerge when we partner with nature instead of controlling it. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Larry will share practical strategies for designing dynamic gardens that evolve naturally, support biodiversity, and bring lasting beauty to your yard.

Merlin Sheldrake. Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures. (2020)

The WO Book Club will meet via zoom the last Monday of each Month at 7:00 PM.

The link to join the zoom call will be sent out the week before the meeting via the Wild Ones Google Groups email.   

Designing with native plants isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about how you shape your space. In this hands-on workshop, Zoe Evans (Plan it Wild) and Heather Evans (Design Your Wild) guide you through the process of creating a cohesive yard plan that supports both your lifestyle and biodiversity.

Planting season will be here in no time! At this meeting we will explore some useful internet resources with two goals: to learn more about plants native to Michigan and to choose the right plants for your gardening situation. Bring your favorite device (phone, tablet or laptop) as this will be an interactive and collaborative meeting.

Wild Ones member Deb Pruitt has gathered together some fantastic resources to help all of us in our native plant educational journeys.

Robin Wall Kimmerer. The Serviceberry

The WO Book Club will meet via zoom the last Monday of each Month at 7:00 PM.

The link to join the zoom call will be sent out the week before the meeting via the Wild Ones Google Groups email.   

Barbara Kingsolver.  Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

The WO Book Club will meet via zoom the last Monday of each Month at 7:00 PM.

The link to join the zoom call will be sent out the week before the meeting via the Wild Ones Google Groups email.