2024 Events

With the help of his three children, wife, and chickens, Peter Dargatz has been working to restore this degraded wetland and dying forest since acquiring this 20-acre property they affectionately named Craneview on Plainview in 2021. Various native wetland species have been replacing the reed canary grass since the restoration began. Soon, many new trees and an upland prairie will be added. Hiking shoes are recommended. A few different options will be available to explore this remnant sedge meadow. This tour will be followed by an optional trip to Peter's outdoor classroom and prairie restoration project at Woodside Elementary, just two minutes away by car. 

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. 

This project started approximately 10 years ago, Marian designed a relatively formal shortish prairie style planting that has multi-season interest in suburban West Allis. Going from pure lawn and a basic foundation planting to a purposeful, beautiful and ecologically beneficial space has been quite the journey. Ben put trees and woodland plants in the “back 40 (square feet)” and now we are achieving some interesting canopy and wilding of those natives that probably recognize the conditions as home. Join Marian and Ben for an afternoon visit in their yard.

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. 

Don’t miss this chance to collect a wide variety of native seeds while touring a thoughtfully cultivated garden. The beds surrounding the Swedberg’s home each have a different focus, including: sun, shade, and wetland areas.  The plantings reflect a continuum from full native plantings to blends of native and cultivated plants.  

Tucked behind the smaller barn is a nursery dedicated to growing seedlings of native shrubs and trees.  Once large enough they will be transplanted in a field under restoration.  This is a great opportunity to learn about woody plant propagation.

 Please RSVP and we will email the address and parking information a day

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! 

Annual Seed and Treat Exchange. Bring your local native seeds with name and location of seeds in envelops or paper bags to exchange. Bring a food treat to exchange and enjoy. Bring envelops or paper bags to take seeds home if you have none to exchange. We will also have a short annual meeting to elect officers at 10:30 AM.  This is a members only event.

Learn about the Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's newest demonstration garden funded in part by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Jeanine Sharkey about this newest San Diego native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon. 

Learn about the Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter's newest demonstration garden, funded partly by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Kate Brittenham about this newest Albany NY native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!