2025 Events

Kevin Doyle is a botanist with the DNR’s Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation.  He also coordinates the Rare Plant Monitoring Program, which is a citizen science program aimed at training volunteers to search for and record data on rare plants. This talk will focus on the ecology and biology of Wisconsin’s rare plants, as well as how people can get involved and how volunteer data are used in rare plant conservation.

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.

Dr Jill Hapner, Executive Director of SEWISC (Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium) will present “Invasive Species Headed our Way: Local action to a global problem” . Learn how shifting climate conditions allow existing invasive species to expand their range while creating pathways for new invasive species to be introduced. Our control tools need to adapt to be more resilient to the changing climate.

Guided tour of spring ephemeral plants with Mary Holleback .  Please dress for possible mud , insects and rain.  Trails are unpaved and rolling.

Our Wild Ones tours often focus on beautiful properties that have been restored with native plants over decades. However, many of our members' suburban properties have been landscaped for decades with non-natives in the traditional style of foundation trees and shrubs along with a few perennials and large swaths of turfgrass.  Transitioning a typical yard to a native landscape can be overwhelming for those wanting to make a difference.  Where do you start?  What about neighbors? Does it all need to be native or can the peonies stay? 

Here's your opportunity to visit up to 3 suburban yards in the process of transitioning to native plants.  All three properties have been undergoing transformation less than 5 years and are works in progress. The property owners will be on hand to discuss what worked for them, what mistakes they made, and their plans for the future. 

Each homeowner on the self-paced tour has unique challenges and situations; buckthorn removal, Homeowner's Association, large and smaller properties. You can visit one, or all three. Properties are about 10 minutes apart or less.   

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!