Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes

?? Spring into the season with the latest issue of the Wild Ones Journal! ?? This issue is blooming with articles that will inspire and inform you: ?? Find out how community-led efforts in Japan are protecting the rare and beautiful sasa-yuri lily (Lilium japonicum). ?? Are your good intentions harming monarch butterflies? Discover how to truly support their migration and health. ?? Meet rural Iowa residents transforming roadside spaces into thriving native prairies. ?? See how one Wild Ones member creatively tackles invasive plants through art and education. ?? Practical tips for gardeners to ensure landscapes remain accessible and enjoyable at any age. ?? Log in to your Wild Ones account to access the new issue: https://lnkd.in/d52z_EZd Not a member yet? Join now to enjoy the Wild Ones Journal and more! ?? https://lnkd.in/dUtUt2T

?? Last Call! Register Now for “The Advocacy Power of Public Native Gardens” ?? Public native gardens do more than look beautiful—they inspire action, shift landscaping norms, and drive community engagement. Want to learn how? Join us tonight for a free Wild Ones webinar! ?? Featuring Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, plus case studies from Wild Ones Hocking Hills, Wild Ones Capital Region New York?and Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's making a real impact. ?? Thursday, March 20 ? 6 PM CT / 7 PM ET ?? Virtual & Free! (Recording available after) Don’t miss out! Register now:?https://lnkd.in/gWfmNMhk #NativePlants #PublicGardens #Advocacy #wildones

?? How Do Public Gardens Inspire Action? Find Out in Our Free Webinar! ?? Public gardens do more than provide beautiful landscapes—they engage communities, influence behaviors, and drive conservation efforts. Join us for "The Advocacy Power of Public Native Gardens," featuring Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, as she shares insights on how public spaces connect people to conservation and inspire advocacy. ?? Thursday, March 20, 2025 ? 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. ET ?? Virtual Event – Free Registration Nicole co-leads the Monarchs & Pollinators Initiative and has spent two decades working at the intersection of environmental and social issues. Her research focuses on how public gardens foster stewardship, influence environmental behaviors, and create lasting conservation impact. Plus, hear case studies from Wild Ones Capital Region NY & San Diego Chapters on how their demonstration gardens engage communities and drive native plant advocacy. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gWfmNMhk

???? Happy 5th Anniversary, Wild Ones Ozark Chapter! ???? For five years, you’ve been growing more than just native plants—you’ve been growing a movement! Since 2020, your passion and dedication have inspired countless gardeners, homeowners, and communities across Northwest Arkansas to embrace sustainable, wildlife-friendly landscapes. From garden tours to seed swaps, workshops to site visits, you’ve helped educate and empower people to transform their yards and public spaces into thriving native habitats. Your efforts have not only beautified the region but also provided vital support for pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems. Here’s to five years of making a difference—and to many more ahead! Thank you to every member, volunteer, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Let’s keep planting the future together! ??????

?? Gardens don’t just change landscapes; they change minds, policies, and communities. ?? Join us for a free Wild Ones webinar exploring how public and demonstration gardens inspire action and drive native plant advocacy! Featuring Nicole Machuca (Field Museum), plus case studies from Wild Ones Capital Region NY & San Diego Chapters—learn how native gardens foster engagement and conservation. ?? Thursday, March 20, 2025 ? 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. ET ?? Virtual Event – Free Registration ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gWfmNMhk ?? Read more about how community-driven gardens transform urban spaces: https://lnkd.in/dSHEkN4A Don’t miss this conversation on how gardens can be powerful tools for change! ??

??Groundcovers may look like an easy fix for “bare spots,” but non-natives species can quickly outcompete other plants. Many popular groundcovers such as periwinkle (Vinca minor) or English ivy (Hedera helix) spread aggressively and disrupt local ecosystems. ?? Instead, try native groundcovers that support pollinators and wildlife—like wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) or sedges (e.g., Carex pensylvanica). Not only do they help stabilize soil and resist weeds, they also nurture pollinators and preserve local biodiversity. ???? Join us during Invasive Species Week by learning more about the hidden dangers of invasive groundcovers, plus native alternatives, in this Wild Ones blog post: https://lnkd.in/dEQEGbY9

?? Chicago-area nature lovers! ?? ?Wild Things Community 2025 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to connect with you! Visit the Wild Ones booth to chat about native plants, meet our national staff, and engage with local chapter leaders! ?? Plus, we’ll have a fun activity where you can earn limited-edition Wild Ones merch! ?? ?? Wild Things Conference – March 1st, 2025 ?? Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL Visit the Wild Ones booth to chat about native plants, meet our national staff, and engage with leaders from Wild Ones Greater Du Page, Greater Kane County, West Cook, Lake to Prairie, and Gibson Woods Chapters! Spots are filling up fast—register today to secure your place at this incredible gathering of conservationists, ecologists, and community leaders. ?? Sign up now: wildthingscommunity.org

?? How Can Gardens Inspire Action? Find Out in Our Free Webinar! ?? Join Wild Ones for "The Advocacy Power of Public Native Gardens: Connecting People & Plants," a free webinar exploring how public and demonstration gardens drive community engagement and spark native plant advocacy. ?? Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 ?? Time: 6:00 p.m. CT ?? Location: Virtual (Link provided with registration) ? Expert Insights: Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, shares how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and inspire conservation through research and community engagement. ? Real-World Case Studies: Wild Ones Capital Region New York and Wild Ones San Diego Chapters highlight how their demonstration gardens educate communities and drive advocacy. ? Panel Discussion: Moderator Kelly Capuzzi from Wild Ones Hocking Hills leads a conversation on using gardens to engage communities beyond planting day—through workshops, signage, and citizen science. ?? Why Attend? ? Discover how native plant gardens are powerful tools for education and action. ? Learn practical strategies to replicate these efforts in your own community. ? Get inspired by real projects that connect people and plants for lasting impact. ?? Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gWfmNMhk ?? Can’t make it live? The recording will be available on-demand after the premier.

Discover the Art of Seeing Nature Through Essays ???? Some of the most powerful writing about nature comes in the form of personal reflections, scientific musings, and poetic explorations of the world around us. This curated collection highlights essays that capture the beauty, complexity, and wonder of the natural world, offering perspectives from celebrated writers and emerging voices alike. Featured Titles: ?? This Is How a Robin Drinks: Essays on Urban Nature – Joanna Brichetto A beautifully observed collection of essays that illuminates the magic of ordinary moments in nature, particularly in urban landscapes. Through reflections on birdlife and seasonal changes, Brichetto invites readers to slow down and notice the wild woven into everyday life. ?? Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging – Jessica J. Lee Blending memoir, history, and scientific research, this collection of 14 essays explores the movement of plants across landscapes and what it means to belong—both for flora and for people. A lyrical meditation on native species, migration, and ecological identity. ?? The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature – J. Drew Lanham A deeply personal exploration of race, identity, and connection to the natural world. Lanham’s essays trace his experiences as a Black naturalist in the American South, weaving together history, ecology, and personal reflection in a powerful tribute to the landscapes that shaped him. ? Plus, every purchase through our affiliate link supports Wild Ones, helping us continue our mission to advocate for native plants and natural landscapes. Explore the full list here: https://lnkd.in/gf88XZGE

?? Bee 101: Native Bees, Honey Bees, and Managed Bees—What’s the Difference? ?? Not all bees are the same—and knowing their differences is key to protecting them. Let’s break it down: ?? Native Bees: The 4,000+ species that evolved alongside native plants—vital for ecosystems, many are solitary and nest underground or in stems. ?? Honey Bees: Non-native, managed for honey and agriculture—important for crops but not essential to ecosystems. ?? Managed Bees: Includes honey bees and solitary species like mason bees, raised for pollination services. But here’s the problem—competition, habitat loss, and poor management put native pollinators at risk. ?? Want to learn more? Join our free webinar: “Bees Beyond Honey” to explore how native and managed bees interact, why conflicts arise, and how we can support all pollinators responsibly. ?? One Week Left to Register! ??? Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 ? Time: 6:00 p.m. CT ?? Virtual (Recording available after) ?? Featuring experts: ?? Sam Droege, USGS (Native Bee Expert) ?? Dave Hunter, Crown Bees (Mason Bee Advocate) ?? Lora Morandin, Pollinator Partnership (Conservation Leader) ??? Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/gCEBNUYH