Events

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Members of Wild Ones Jo Daviess County are invited to our first yearly members' meeting.

Hear the “Year in Review,” financial report and election results.  Share Wild Ones related ideas and information.

Presented by: Hillary Holt, Director of Education and Outreach of Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation

Join us to learn about caring for your bluebird nest box from the experts at Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation’s Bluebird Recovery Program. This group is working to save Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters from local decline.

If you are a homeowner and have a bluebird box, or two, this program will teach you how to care for and manage your bluebird boxes for the best result. 

If you would also like to learn how to support and monitor bluebird nest boxes for the JDCF, please join us at this valuable informational meeting.  

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Create memories, make art and learn together as a family! Each family will receive seeds harvested from local plants and will plant their own "pet" garden to take home. 

Drop in anytime between 1-4 p.m.  Activities will take about an hour to complete. 

Gather around and listen to Gwendolyn's Pet Garden, by Anne Renaud, at 1p.m., 2p.m. or 3p.m. 

Each family will receive seeds harvested from local plants and will plant their own "pet" garden to take home. Each garden will be created with earth-friendly, and recyled materials, and will grow into plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Each family member will paint one rock that you can place in your new pollinator garden once planted in your yard.

Children cannot attend without an adult. There is a fee of $5 per family.

Join us for a showing of Dr. Doug Tallamy's pre-recorded Wild Ones lecture on the importance of native plants.

You will learn:

What native plants are, and their importance to wildlife and ecosystems.

Why native plants are much better for local habitats than non-natives.

What we can do in our own backyard to bring back nature and help make a healthier environment. 

You may even meet and talk to others in the community that share your interests in growing a native plant community!

There is no registration required, and it is a free event. However, donations are always appreciated.

Invasive plants are species that live in an area that they are not originally from, and cause harm to the environment by compromising native plants and animals, and reducing biodiversity.  

Natural Resource Coordinator of the Galena Territory Emily Lubcke will present a talk on common invasive plant species, new species to watch for, control methods, and good replacement plants. 

Up to a billion birds die every year in the US after hitting windows, and almost half of those happen at homes. The good news is that there are easy and affordable solutions! During this presentation Brenna Maricek will share some science behind why birds hit windows, and provide recommendations on ways to address problem windows at home to make them more bird-safe.

Brenna Marsicek is the director of outreach with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. She is coordinator of the Madison, WI-based Bird Collision Corps. Brenna is passionate about helping home-owners, businesses, and communities become more bird-safe and informed about the issue of bird-window collisions. 

Do you want to make an impact on biodiversity and improve the natural environment? You can start that change in your own backyard!

Join Dubuque Conservation and Wild Ones of Jo Daviess County to learn how you can turn your passion for nature into protecting it. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these presentations are for all levels of experience.

Kaytlan Moeller, of Dubuque Conservation, will give a presentation on Mowing to Monarchs. The M2M program provides accessible training, information and an experience base to guide urban and suburban homeowners in successfully adding high-value native plants into their yards. 

There will also be a presentation by Wild Ones Native Plants of Jo Daviess County. Wild Ones is a national organization with local chapters to encourage individuals and the community to support native plants and wildlife.  Learn what we do, and what you can do, to help make your yard and the community become more environmentally sustainable. For those that are interested, we will discuss how to start a Wild Ones chapter in your community!

This program is free and does not require reservations. If you have questions, please contact Wild Ones of Jo Daviess County.

These tours will be led by Cory Ritterbusch, Consultant, Prairie Works and Emily Lubcke, Natural Resources Coordinator, The Galena Territory Association.

We will begin at a Galena Territory Homeowner’s yard to see four prairies in various stages of development. Witness the wonderful prairie plants as we are led on a guided tour by the experts.

Following the yard tour, it's just a short walk or drive to a nearby remnant prairie and oak savanna restoration. You can see the restoration under varying patterns. Cory Ritterbusch has been doing restoration here since 1999 and Emily Lubcke since 2008. You can see their work and learn how it has evolved over time.

A five dollar donation per person is requested for this tour when you arrive. Wild Ones members are free. To register, or for questions, please contact us at: [email protected]. The address for the the private tour and remnant prairie/savanna tour will be emailed after you register. 

Native butterflies, birds and bees rely on native plants to survive . Find out how dedicating even a small portion of your landscape to a native garden will help these wonderful critters. 

Wild Ones of Jo Daviess County will talk about native plants that act as host plants, and how you can help support the return of a healthy population of butterflies, bees and birds in your own backyard!

This program is a presentation with The Galena Territory Garden Club

Come join us for a presentation on how to plant a small native garden. We will talk about how to prep your area, what resources are available for designing your garden, and how to maintain your garden during and after planting. Finally, we will share what resources we use to acquire native plants (one of the most asked questions). All levels of experience will benefit from the ideas we have to share, and questions are welcome!

After the presentation, we will have an informal chat with other gardeners, and you can share your questions or ideas. Please email any questions you may have, or resources that you would like to share with other native plant enthusiasts. This format will be casual, and you may meet other enthusiasts that will inspire you!

This is a free event, and no reservations are required. If you would like to send questions about natives or ideas for native plant resources, please email us at [email protected]

Come join us for a tour of a small-scale organic vegetable and native plant farm. The owner uses no-till, cover cropping, and crop rotation. She also has a native prairie, and uses native plants to support her crops.

Learn what organic gardening looks like, and why it’s so important.  What does it take to be certified organic? How will native plants help in your own vegetable garden? That, and other questions, will be answered on this informative tour. 

We will begin our tour with introductions to the farm and the farmer's motivation for agricultural land stewardship. With a background in conservation education, she prioritizes native insects and plants to help in the food production process. The daily operations have a rhythm like the seasons, and she selects each crop variety carefully and tries new things all the time. You may be able to purchase some organic produce that evening-sorry, her native plants have been sold out!

This event is for members.

Recycling woody debris like fallen twigs, branches, and logs is foundational to nurturing a healthy garden ecosystem. Keeping woody debris onsite fosters the development of fungal and invertebrate communities to build soil, and creates habitat for birds and insects, while saving labor and resources involved with material hauling. Join Erin Presley, horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI, as we outline easy and attractive ways to save and re-incorporate your garden's precious woody debris.

Erin Presley earned a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and began working at Olbrich Botanic Gardens in 2014, where she manages the Herb, Woodland, and Pond Gardens. Her interests include native woodland plantings, sedges, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant gardening styles, recycling woody debris, and all things related to herbs, vegetables, and cooking.  Erin collaborates with herb societies, master gardeners, and local community organizations. Erin is the 2021 inaugural winner of the American Public Gardens Association's Gerry Donnelly Future Leaders award, and has appeared on the nationally syndicated podcast Cultivating Place and Wisconsin Public Radio's Garden Talk and is a contributor for Fine Gardening magazine. 

Join Wild Ones Jo Daviess County and the Galena ARC for a reading of the childrens' book Plant a Pocket of Prairie. And then, paint a rock to mark your native garden that you can grow from the packet of seeds you will receive at the end of the program!

If you are not ready to plant a garden, your rock will find a place anywhere you want!

This event takes place at the Elizabeth Harvest Fest.

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Join Wild Ones Tri-State Driftless Chapter at in-person gathering for a short social, followed by a webinar watch at 6:00 p.m. by Benjamin Vogt and presented Wild Ones National. Following the presentation, we will have time to discuss what we have learned and any follow up questions in our watch group. 

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot!

Please bring a snack to share and your choice of beverage to this gathering in the Galena Territory Lounge.

This is a free presentation. Registration through Wild Ones is appreciated.  To register, please go to: https://wildones.org/webinars/. If you are unable to register, we will have time to register participants at the watch gathering.

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One's national webinar, "Matrix Landscape Design" with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

If you are interested in learning more about native plants, or want to share your knowledge and expertise, please come to an informational meeting on how you can do that. Join members of the Wild Ones Tri-State Driftless Chapter, a local non-profit chapter of the National Wild Ones, as we talk about how you can increase your knowledge of these important plants and the community they support. After a short presentation about our organization, we will have an open discussion. Have a question about native plants? Have some comments or pictures you want to share? What would you like to learn? This is the place to be.

This is a free event and no reservations are required. If you have questions please contact Wild Ones Tri-state Driftless Chapter at:  [email protected]

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.