2025 Events

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. 

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.

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.

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.

To celebrate Earth Day, Lisbon's Park Department plans to give away free tree saplings again this year! Tree varieties include red oak, bur oak, swamp white oak & pecan. Tree pickup is on Saturday, April 26 from 10AM-12PM at Lisbon Community Park. Remaining trees may be picked up at Village Hall the following week. Wild One Member volunteers will assist with demonstrations.

Join us for the City's Annual Arbor Day Celebration at River Barn Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Wild Ones will have an information table .

37th Annual Wildflower and Perennial Sale

The annual Wildflower and Perennial Sale is held the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend. One of the longest running native plant sales in the area, we strive to provide a huge variety of species and the expertise to create a great native space large or small. Our sale includes:

Wildflowers for wetland, woodland & prairie gardensGarden perennialsLarge selection of herbsTrees & shrubs

Wild Ones will have an information table/display with volunteers.

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

Annual Native Plant Sale at Johnson's Nursery.  Wild Ones volunteers will be present to offer information about native plant selection and experience.  Volunteers will help with online membership.

 World Bird Migratory Day. Wild Ones Information table members will  volunteer at this event.  

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!