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/ 

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/ 

Welcome to Wild Ones Central Florida! During this meeting, we will be going over the core values and goals of Wild Ones and details for upcoming events, gatherings and field trips. All are welcome to join! 

Mission

Wild Ones promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action.

Vision

Native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community.

Core Values

We inspire change through shared core values:

Respect is at the heart of Wild Ones®. We have respect for each other, for nature and for the earth. We’re an inclusive community. Diverse voices and backgrounds make us stronger. That’s why we welcome everyone to join us. We provide evidence-based information, because the seeds of change spread most efficiently when grounded in data. We monitor and share the latest evidence-informed strategies. We’re action and growth oriented. Just dig in! We learn, grow, and share our knowledge. Why We Exist

A healthy planet starts with native plants.

Dwindling biodiversity is a threat to the foundation of life on earth. In the last century alone, we’ve lost millions of acres of diverse ecosystems to urbanization.

Native plants help protect and restore biodiversity, improve air and water quality and provide wildlife with quality food and shelter. Our vision is native plants and natural landscapes in every community.

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd. is a nonprofit, environmental education and advocacy corporation registered in the State of Wisconsin. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, registered under Tax ID# 39-1695443. All membership dues and donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

We are reading How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do by Linda Chalker Scott. Every month we will read three chapters and then meet up at Sunbridge Basecamp to discuss. 

August 15th: Chapters 1-3

Come and share ideas for planning out the fall garden and pick up some free seeds! In this informal setting, we'll be talking about garden successes/fails, what to plant and when, how to wash and store seeds for long term use, and native plants in bloom! 

We are reading How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do by Linda Chalker Scott. Every month we will read three chapters and then meet up at Sunbridge Basecamp to discuss. 

September 13th: Chapters 4-6

Details coming soon! 

Join us for a guided hike around Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area. Hike starts at 9:00am. 

We are reading How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do by Linda Chalker Scott. Every month we will read three chapters and then meet up at Sunbridge Basecamp to discuss. 

October 11th: Chapters 7-9

Details coming soon! 

We will be tabling at the Sunbridge Harvest Fall Festival event. Volunteers welcome! 

Join us for a guided tour of the native plant gardens at Harry P Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. Hear about the native plant projects from the experts themselves! 

Discuss topics related to gardening/horticulture/native plant landscaping. 

Details coming soon! 

Discuss topics related to gardening/horticulture/native plant landscaping.