Chapter Events

Dr. Deborah Marr of IU South Bend will share research on ways that soil fungi affect the success of invasive species, as well as ways to improve soil ecology to support native plant restorations. 

Mandi Glanz, SICIM Regional Specialist, will talk about the agency’s mission, invasive species identification, removing invasive species from residential areas and replacing them with native species.

*  St. Joseph/Marshall Invasive Plant Partnership (SMIPP) will be joining us.

Allison Pudlo, Environmental Education Coordinator for the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District, will talk about backyard habitats, biodiversity, and backyard conservation.

St. Joseph County Parks Interpretive Naturalist (and Wild Ones member), Jan McGowan, will guide us through an old growth hardwood forest chock-full-of delightful Spring ephemerals. Meet at the Nature Center at 5 pm.

Hundreds of native plant plugs, as well as some native shrubs and Spring ephemerals, will be offered at our very first sale!

Local nature photographer Ron Zimmerman will share some tips for taking better photos of your plant and insect friends.

We’ll open the Wild Ones South Bend Backyard Habitat Photo Contest! Members, please submit your photo entry to Brian Killen/Secretary by June 30th. Members will vote for their favorite at our July Member Meeting! We are limiting the plant species to those that are native to St. Joseph County (SEE BONAP) and we would especially like to see insects photo-bombing our plant portraits! *please include your name, the plant species and the date and location of the photo

Member Jan Hunter of Naturally Native Nursery will teach us which plants are native and which are invasive, as well as effective techniques for removing undesirable plants without using herbicides. Bring your favorite weeding tools (shovel, trowel and/or garden knife, and pruners suggested). 

***Note; This meeting will be held on the second Monday of the month due to the July 4th holiday. 

Professional florist, Kathleen Kovach, will teach us how to create a beautiful floral arrangement. We'll provide an assortment of native forbs and fronds. Bring your own upcycled "vase."