Chapter Events

Steve Sass of Indiana Nature, LLC, will discuss the history and ecology of North American prairies with an emphasis on those in Northern Indiana (where to see examples of remnant and created prairies and tips on how to incorporate prairie plants into native landscapes).

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. 

Interactive exhibits and awesome activities with local science-related organizations exhibit in downtown library for kids. Our theme was "Our very hungry caterpillars," and we helped kids match butterflies to their host plants and other simple games as well as gave away seeds and coloring pages.

Removing invasive Asian Honeysuckle and vertically growing winter creeper from city Park. 

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.

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

Stantec staff provide a tour of their seed collection, preparation, and distribution facilities, as well as nursery greenhouses.

Wild Ones South Bend is pleased to present “How Native Plants Bring Your Garden to Life.”  This presentation will take place free of charge at the Francis Branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library on April 22 at 3:30 p.m.

Local naturalist Jan McGowan will explain the many benefits of using native plants in our yards and gardens.  Guests will learn what is a native plant, and the various ways natives support healthy soils, climate, pollinators, birds and humans.

Guests will also discover how and why native plants save gardeners time, money and effort. 

Unfortunately, most of the plants available in nurseries are not “native.” These exotic or cultivated plants do not support our natural food webs. Some escape into our environment to become invasive pests. This presentation will explain how to find native plants for your landscaping needs.  It will also share resources for garden planning, locally and on the internet.  Guests will receive a packet of native seeds to plant at home.

Local Naturalist, Jan McGowan, will talk about the Spring ephemerals present at the park, and lead a short hike to view these magical beauties!

 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!

Dr. Cassie Majetic, St. Mary's College, Biology/Environmental Studies Chair, will discuss the many aspects of pollination.

Tour a member's native garden. This is a self-guided tour, however, the owner may be available to greet visitors. 

Stop by our community outreach table at the hospitality center and craft show. The ticketed portion of the event consists of walk-through tours of many unique home gardens in Elkhart. 

Join us as we welcome Jan Hunter of Naturally Native Nursery, LLC, for this presentation and demonstration. Learn how to identify and eliminate many common weed species that you might find in your native garden using mechanical removal processes. (Bring your favorite digging hand tool if you'd like to participate in the weeding!)

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

Stop by our community outreach table at the Botany Shop anniversary celebration. The event is part block party, part makers market, and includes live music, food vendors, craft vendors, native plant sale and activities. 

Tour a member's native garden. 

Stop by our community outreach table at this free festival for all ages. BBQ, crafts, and live music. 

Join us for a group tour of Notre Dame's green roof gardens. 

*Some climbing of stairs are required for a portion of the tour. 

**REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Local naturalist Jan McGowan will share the many benefits of using native plants in our yards and gardens. Guests will learn what is a native plant, and the various ways natives support healthy soils, climate, pollinators, birds and humans. 

*Check out the Wild Ones display at the branch this month!

Professional florist, Kathleen Kovach, will demonstrate flower arranging, as Barbara Kerby discusses the unique attributes of the native species used in the arrangements. We'll provide an assortment of native forbs and fronds and attendees are encouraged to bring native flowers from their yards. Bring your own upcycled "vase." 

Tabling Event

26th annual environmental festival by the Elkhart Environmental Center. Free family-friendly entertainment and education, live music, local food vendors and exhibit booths with local businesses, organizations, and programs showcasing green groups, sustainability initiatives, and innovative products. 

Tabling Event

Beth Schelle is the founder and co-owner of Indigo Gardens and Design, and a Wild Ones business level supporter! Indigo Gardens and Design creates and maintains residential gardens all over Michiana. After several years at Indigo Gardens, Beth began purposefully incorporating native plants into her projects and found great joy in seeing the beauty and diversity of insect and animal life that followed. She now works with her clients to create gardens that are beautiful, but also full of ecological value. Beth will share advice on how to choose the right plants for your property, assess your garden conditions, and work within the aesthetic expectation of your community. 

Local naturalist Jan McGowan will share  the many benefits of using native plants in our yards and gardens. Guest will learn what is a native plant and the various ways natives support healthy soils, climate, pollinators, birds and humans!

Local naturalist Jan McGowan will share the many benefits of using native plants in our gardens and yards. Guests will learn what is a native plant, and the various ways natives support healthy soils, climate, pollinators, birds and humans. 

*Check out the Wild Ones display at the branch this month!

Local naturalist Jan McGowan will explain the many benets of using native plants in our yards and gardens. Guests will learn what is a native plant and the various ways natives support healthy soils, climate, pollinators, birds, and humans. Guests will also discover how and why native plants save gardeners time, money, and effort.
 
 
 

Join us as we celebrate our chapter's 2nd anniversary with special guest Evie Kirkwood! Evie is the retired director of St. Joseph County Parks, host of Outdoor Elements on WNIT, and a Shirley Heinze Land Trust board member. 

Fall is a great time to plant! Plants and shrubs native to St. Joseph County will be offered by local native plant vendors. Native plant experts and landscapers will be on hand to advise shoppers. We'll be joined by many of our environmental community education partners again!

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

Brianne Lowe and Robert Suseland will present "Who Is Sleeping in My Bed? Preparing your garden bed for winter so it is just right for pollinators."

Brianna Lowe, State Biologist with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Indiana, has been working with agricultural conservation programs for 18 years! Brianna is passionate about soil health, water conservation, and helping landowners manage for wildlife in an integrated, multi-use landscape. 

Robert Suseland, an Indiana Partner Biologist with Pollinator Partnership, began his career as an interpretive naturalist at Potato Creek State Park, and spent six (6) years as the Northwest Indiana Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist. Robert is passionate about wetlands and assisted landowners with the restoration and enhancement of wetlands as the Northern Indiana Easement Biologist for the American Conservation Experience. Since joining Pollinator Project in January of 2023, Robert has assisted small, specialty, urban and other producers with establishing pollinator friendly habitat through planning and support. 

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora. 

Want to learn all about native seeds and how to work with them? Stop on by this month's Monday meeting!

Join Wild Ones South Bend, IN Nature, and AmieriCorps volunteers tackle the invasive understory of The Beacon Community Centre's wooded lot!

Please bring loppers and gloves as we'll be stump treating and pulling invasive honeysuckle, privet, and buckthorn to name a few. Dress for the weather. Remember, Santa's watching!