2024 Menomonee River Area Wild Ones (WO) Programs
Events Archive: 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events
January 2025
Landscaping for Insects
Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
Worldwide insects and other invertebrates are in decline, pressures from invasive species, climate change and loss of habitat are real issues for even our smallest animals. Dr. Kerry Katovich, Entomologist at UW-Whitewater, will explore the ways we can make our yards havens for insects. You’ll learn how to maintain invertebrate habitats on a very small scale, such as leaving a dead piece of timber on the ground, a patch of dead plant stalks from last year, or an open patch of sand. He will also discuss larger scale actions homeowner can take to protect insects.
Dr. Kerry Katovich teaches biology, ecology and entomology courses. HIs primary work is focused on a large group of scarab beetles called the Macrodactylini. He also has interests in several other beetle, true bug and fly groups.
February 2025
Public Program: So, You've Killed the Buckthorn and Garlic Mustard: Now What?
Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
When you are working to control invasive plants in forested plant communities is
there value in planting native species where the invaders have been removed? We will explore what is known about whether it might be effective to plant natives to compete with, and help to prevent the reestablishment of, invasive species. This is currently a topic of active research.
Jim Reinartz is the retired Director of the UW Milwaukee Field Station. Jim is a botanist and plant ecologist and taught courses on the vegetation of Wisconsin, wetland ecology, and several other topics. He is very active in the preservation and management of natural areas and the control of invasive species. Jim is currently the President of the non-profit Friends of Cedarburg Bog.
National Panel Discussion: "Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators"
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
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.
March 2025
Public Program: Wisconsin's Rare Plants
Public Welcome Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
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.
April 2025
Public Program: Invasive Species Headed our Way: Local action to a global problem
Public Welcome Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains
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.
May 2025
Members Event: Tour of Riveredge Nature Center Spring Ephemerals Members Only
Riveredge Nature Center
Members Only Family Friendly Free Event Nature Walk/Hike Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity
Guided tour of spring ephemeral plants with Mary Holleback . Please dress for possible mud , insects and rain. Trails are unpaved and rolling.
September 2025
September Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
October 2025
October Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
November 2025
November Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!