2025 Events

First we will tour a private garden  designed by Danielle Bell.  The gardens have been transitioned over into native plants with the exception of a few cultivars still present in the design. Native ecosystems have been replicated throughout the beds. In the front a blend of prairie and wetland species are used depending on the soil moisture from the downspouts. Danielle Bell was also the designer for the Wild Ones Milwaukee garden design.   She will be on-hand to discuss her design and answer questions. 

Next, we will head to the Lapham Peak to explore the restored prairie in peak bloom.   It includes burr and white oak savannahs and open meadows. Summer prairie flowers include prairie dock, rattlesnake master, cup plant, common evening and pale Indian primrose, lupine, and purple coneflowers.

Enjoy a 1.5 mile moderate walk at Mequon Nature Preserve.  We’ll walk through a restored prairie on the way to the observation tower, then past some ponds and through a maple woodland.  Monday, July 21st at 10 AM. Meet in front of the nature center. Restrooms and water are available.  Led by Maggie Toole.  No need to register, just meet us there!

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/ 

A traditional Milwaukee city lot (40’x120’) with years of regular chemical applications to maintain turf grass and to control weeds, was a dead zone for wildlife. It was planted with non-native plants widely accepted/recognized by locals, conforming to the mindset of traditional city dwellers. Over the past 10 years, it has been transformed into a haven for wildlife in an acceptable, well maintained manner. Expanding the objective to the local city park, a highly visible pollinator garden for all to enjoy and emulate was established.  Neighbors are also catching on to the advantages of native plants.  This park is being used as a MODEL for similar projects in the MKE park system. Wild Ones member Judy Mead will talk about the project and lead a tour of the property. 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Join us to socialize and connect with fellow native plant lovers!  We have lots of seeds for you to take home from our October seed-collecting activity - and/or feel free to bring any you might want to share from your yard!  Bring paper lunch bags and envelopes for your seeds; we will also have some available.  There will be a short membership meeting at 10:30 to elect the 2024 Officers. There will be no meeting in December, so if we miss you, we hope you'll be able to join us in January for our winter program series.  

Details coming soon!