Yellowjackets often come to mind whenever a person hears the word wasp; evoking images of ruined picnics and carcasses floating in drinks. In a recent study comparing peoples attitudes toward wasps and bees, the top five wasp descriptors were: sting, annoying, pain, nest and dangerous. See: “Why we love bees and hate wasps” However, the social […] Continue reading "In Defense of Wasps"
MRA Wild Ones is partnering with the Friends of Havenwoods to clean up and replant the native plant garden at the front entrance of the Nature Center. The garden was replanted shortly before the pandemic, but due to DNR staffing cuts, it has become over-grown with aggressive native roses and invasive plants. We hope through […] Continue reading "Volunteer Project – Havenwoods State Forest"
Redeemer United Church of Christ is hosting a FREE community event to celebrate the beauty of Redeemer UCC’s natural prairie. The four-acre prairie and six flowerbed gardens contain over 50 varieties of native plants and grasses. With all plants being native to Wisconsin, one can imagine what this area would have looked like to Native Americans and […] Continue reading "2024 Prairie Fest – July 27th"
We all know that planting native plants, reducing chemical use and replacing turfgrass are the best ways to help protect and restore biodiversity and nurture wildlife on our properties. Here are a few more steps you can take in your yard to help the natural world. Your yard can make a difference! Reduce landscape lighting as […] Continue reading "Sustainable Landscaping"
Summer is a great time of year to visit local native/pollinator gardens to see a wide variety of sustainable landscape designs. In the Milwaukee area, there are plenty of gardens for inspiration. Some of the spaces are all native plantings; while others incorporate natives into more traditional landscapes. Here are a few spaces that we […] Continue reading "Need Design Inspiration? Visit Some Local Gardens!"
All active Wild Ones members receive 40% off Wisconsin native plants in containers the entire month of June at the Johnson’s Nursery Native Plant Sale! Johnson’s has a great selection of native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials. See the public inventory for availability and sizes. In order to get the discount, you will need to show them your current membership card. We are not […] Continue reading "Johnson’s Nursery Plant Sale"
It’s that time of year when the “No Mow May” yard signs start springing up like daffodils. But before you put away your mower for a month, take a look at the at recent scientific studies. Most have found that the benefits to pollinators are negligible. In fact, for most lawns it is more harmful […] Continue reading "No Mow May – Does it really help pollinators?"
With warm weather approaching, now is a great time to join the Bumble Bee Brigade! The Brigade is a citizen science program coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As a volunteer, you will submit photos and additional information on the bumble bees that you observe. Here are the step to becoming a volunteer: […] Continue reading "Join the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade"
MRA Wild Ones will have a table at a few area Earth Day Celebrations, stop by our booth and say hello! Elm Grove Earth Care Fair & Special Events, Elm Grove Village Park, April 27, 11am – 2pm, 31 informational booths, food trucks, kids activities and more. Mequon Arbor Day Event, River Barn Park, […] Continue reading "MRA Wild Ones Arbor Day Events"
Local Wild Ones chapters will be teaming up with the SE Wisconsin Master Gardeners at this year’s Home & Garden Show, March 22 – 30, 2024, to showcase the importance of using native plants in landscapes. Lisa Oddis, MRA Wild Ones president, will be speaking on Saturday, March 30th at 4:00 pm. Check out the […] Continue reading "Native Plants Featured at the Home & Garden Show"