Chapter Events

Mary Wojcik, South Bend horticulturist, will discuss how a layered landscape provides structure, as well as the importance of providing all the layers of habitat needed by our local wildlife.

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Symposium on urban soil health for small urban farmers and the public. Approximately 50 people in attendance, 8 people added to mailing list. 

Join us for an evening with Jake Crawford, Mishawaka Parks Horticulturist and Urban Forester! Jake will be speaking about our native trees and their importance to wildlife, as well as the steps the city of Mishawaka has taken to improve its ecological health by expanding its use of native plants. 

ZOOM link: https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/87407304926?pwd=N1EwVjM0czIrL1FNUzliWWV4aktmdz09

Science educational event for children put on by public library. 

Local naturalist, and Wild Ones member, Jan McGowan, will cover the understory habitat layer, with special emphasis on native birds!

Like all living creatures, birds have basic needs: food, water, shelter, space... Jan will explain how habitat layering is the best way to support- and therefore, attract- diverse bird species to your native plant garden, any time of year!

Stop by our table at the Unity Gardens annual gardening educational event. 

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Jan McGowan of St. Joseph County Parks and Wild Ones South Bend will present information on the Super Nine and how to get started with native plants!

Jan Hunter of Naturally Native Nursery will discuss our native forbs and how they fit into a layered habitat, providing additional structure in our landscapes to support wildlife. 

"This talk will demonstrate the many layers of an ecosystem for pollinators. Different species of bees, butterflies, birds and other critters are born, raised, forage, shelter, nest, live and die in specific areas of a habitat. We want to make sure we are providing the things they need to survive..."

Presentation highlighting what makes a plant "native," the important roles native plants play in our ecology, and why they are the natural choice for a gardener or property owner. This includes native plants' benefits to soil, water and wildlife, with a special emphasis on birds.

A fun morning of presentations by local native landscaping professionals, as well as information on grants available for planting native landscapes from our conservation partners!

Interpretive Naturalist and WOSB board member Jan McGowan will be leading chapter members through the old-growth portion of Bendix Woods. This area is vibrant with spring ephemerals this time of year which Jan will help us identify as well as share some interesting facts. Please note this is a members-only event. Be sure to dress for the weather!

Meet at the Runnels Shelter.  Enter the Park gate off of Timothy Road, follow the lane to the first intersection and turn left.  Wild Ones will post directional signage as well!

Wild Ones South Bend volunteers will work with other community volunteers and South Bend Venues Parks & Arts to install native plants and weed invasive species at Pinhook Park. We want to encourage the use of more locally native plants in South Bend parks, as these plants are necessary to support native insects -- including pollinators and fireflies -- as well as birds and other wildlife. Planting natives in public places raises awareness of their importance and beauty and encourages people to plant them in their own yards as well.

Please dress in layers as the weather may be either warm or cold on May 4, and don't forget your sunscreen. South Bend VPA will supply gardening tools, but bring a favorite trowel if you'd like, and work gloves and closed-toe shoes are a good idea. Please bring your own filled water bottles and and any snacks you will need. We will have use of the park's bathrooms. All ages are welcome! 

Park in Pinhook Park's lower parking lot beyond the Community Center, then meet up outside the building's lower level. Look for Libby Feil from Wild Ones South Bend and Mary Wojcik from South Bend Venues Parks & Arts. We'll see you there!

Beth Schelle, Landscape Designer, Indigo Gardens and Design, will talk about native grasses, sedges, and other groundcovers, all important to wildlife.

Local native plant vendors will offer a large selection of native plant species just right for your landscapes! Also, education tables provided by our community conservation partners, who look forward to sharing information about their organizations and answering your questions!

This year 3 of our vendors are offering pre-ordering! The Botany Shop is already open to pre-order and Bernacchi's and Blue Fox Farms will start on April 15th (please note that Bernacchi's will NOT be selling plants at the plant sale on May 18th, however, they will have all pre-order plants there for pick up). At checkout, make sure to state your order is for the "Wild Ones Plant Sale". All pre-orders will be ready for pick-up on May 18 at Pinhook Park between 9-3. Follow the links below for vendor pre-order information.

 Bernacchi's Oak Valley Greenhouses - pre-order starts April 15th

 Blue Fox Farms - pre-order starts April 15th

 The Botany Shop - pre-order now open

 Naturally Native Nursery - no pre-order

Sunroom Native Nursery - no pre-order

Join in the fun as we work with South Bend Venues Parks and Arts to replant the Sensory Garden with tons of native plants.

Grab your favorite gloves and planting tool, and head to Leeper Park East, just past the Historic Rose Garden, and the previous location of the Navarre Cabin. Please note, the nearest restroom is at the Leeper Park Tennis Center. 

Learn about the fascinating organisms living in soil and the important work they do to contribute to our ecosystem. Get tips on what you can do to support them and improve soil health in your own backyard.

Shelley Chaffee will talk about soils, soil health, soil structure, soil types and soil surveys. We will discuss how homeowners can assess the type of soil in their backyard and what they can do to improve soil health for their yard, which will contribute to the overall community and ecosystem. 

Discover the benefits of using native plants for landscaping and learn how your lawn can become a sanctuary for wildlife. Presented by Wild Ones member, John Hamilton. 

Tour of the conservation club Nature Park lead by Wild Ones member JC Sporleder. 

Many of today's non-native landscaping plants are actually quite invasive. Ronda Spaulding, Regional Specialist, State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM), will help us understand the impact these species are having on our local ecosystems, and to develop a plan for managing them. 

Presenter: Brian Killen, FEMA Senior Floodplain Manager, Master Gardener, and Wild Ones Member

Have you ever wondered how to harness the valuable resource of
water to improve your habitat? From the floodplain to the birdbath,
water plays a critical role in creating a backyard ecosystem. This
program will offer information on how to address problems of water
quality and quantity. Learn about low-impact development practices,
like rain gardens and bioswales, that can help address flooding,
improve water quality and allow for the incorporation of native plants. 

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

Join us for a private tour led by Steve Sass of IN Nature as we explore the grounds of the historic Portage Manor!  Wild Ones members should enter through the main entrance opposite Indian Springs Apartments and park in the main lot in front of the Manor residence.

*The trail is relatively easy to hike unless you'd like to explore the ravine (optional). In that case, wear waterproof footwear and be forewarned that the terrain is moderate to rugged in parts. Mosquitos and deer flies will certainly be present as well.

Presenter: Brian Killen, FEMA Senior Floodplain Manager, Master Gardener, and Wild Ones Member

Have you ever wondered how to harness the valuable resource of
water to improve your habitat? From the floodplain to the birdbath,
water plays a critical role in creating a backyard ecosystem. This
program will offer information on how to address problems of water
quality and quantity. Learn about low-impact development practices,
like rain gardens and bioswales, that can help address flooding,
improve water quality and allow for the incorporation of native plants. 

SOLD OUT!!! But…if you didn't manage to get a ticket, we still encourage you to wait in line the day of the event. While we can't guarantee a seat, there's a chance some may become available.

On Sunday, September 15th, 2024 (1:30 pm-4 pm) the South Bend community and Corbett Family Hall, on the campus of Notre Dame, will host acclaimed author and professor Douglas Tallamy for his “Start a New Habitat: Homegrown National Park” keynote event. Tallamy, whose groundbreaking book “Nature's Best Hope” sparked a national movement around restoring local ecological networks, will inspire our community to transform their residential landscapes into flourishing biodiverse sanctuaries.

Dr. Tallamy's presentation is being sponsored and supported by many groups in the area, including the South Bend Chapter of Wild Ones, The North Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society, South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society, Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative, and many other community partners.

Dr. Tallamy will be signing books before and after his talk. You can purchase his books and others at the event or bring your favorite for him to sign. Additionally, there will be educational booths from local community partners.

Questions can be directed to 703-862-5002.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS �" Corbett Family Hall is located on the east side of Notre Dame stadium. You can park for free in the Joyce, Compton or Walsh parking lots. To enter Corbett Hall use entrance 3 or 4 as shown on the map and follow signs to the Downes Ballroom.

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Wild Ones members are invited for a guided tour of Fernwood! 

Free admission for Fernwood members (reciprocal admission with other American Horticultural Society member gardens, including Potawatomi Conservatory).   Otherwise, Adult admission fee is $10; Seniors (over 65) is $7; Military and First Responders is $5

*The St. Joseph County Public Library may have day passes available for your Fernwood visit.

For after-school program

Library system will begin implementing native plants in landscaping. Library wants staff to understand why it's important, and to have talking points for the public.

Come help maintain the Wild Ones native garden in front of the giraffe exhibit. 

Native plants, shrubs and trees from our vendors, as well as education tables by our community partners. 

Vendors: 

Bernacchi's Oak Valley Greenhouses

Blue Fox Nursery

Botany Shop

Chapman Lake Nursery

Naiad

Naturally Native Nursery

A pollinator habitat encompasses many elements besides flowers. Over their life cycles, pollinators have different requirements that can be addressed in our landscaping choices. Learn about the many species that act as pollinators, and how we can support their broader needs in our yards and gardens. Jan McGowan, Park Naturalist with St. Joseph County Parks will outline concrete actions that can be taken to create a pollinator-friendly habitat.

Wild Ones is inviting you to join us at Prairie Winds Nature Farm to collect native seeds! You can collect some for yourself and help us build up our supply. We've had a few requests for assistance from groups creating seed libraries. We would like to help out by supplying seeds of the beautiful prairie plants native to our region that have been planted at Prairie Winds. It's okay if you don't know what you're doing or aren't sure you'll recognize the plants, we're here to help! Dress for the weather and bring a pair of gardening shears if you think of it. This event is free to the public and donuts and apple cider will be provided.

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One's national webinar, "Matrix Landscape Design" with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

Wild Ones South Bend is installing a demonstration garden to showcase native plants on the grounds of the Potawatomi Conservatories.  We will be pulling weeds and sheet mulching the area in preparation for planting in the spring.

“Sustainability” is a buzzword these days, but what does it really mean? In gardening and land management, sustainability means using a resource so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged. Ally Pudlo, Environmental Education Coordinator for the Elkhart Environmental Center, will offer practical and achievable strategies to help gardeners employ sustainable practices in their gardens and habitats.

We'll be sorting and packaging seeds to be distributed to local seed libraries and at Wild Ones events (as a volunteer packager you'll get first dibs on some for yourself). This is a good opportunity to get to know other members, talk gardening plans, and learn about the seed collection process. Light refreshments will be served; feel free to bring something shareable. Please RSVP Barbara Kerby ([email protected] or text 269-240-4165) Hope to see you there!

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

Growing native plants from seeds should be royally fun but can instead be a royal pain in the aster if you don’t know some key information. This month's Wild Ones presentation by Barbara Kerby covers the benefits and pitfalls of growing native plants from seed. After a quick overview of collecting and preserving native seeds, we’ll discuss the different ways to get seedlings started and why knowing when to sow is so important. We’ll review how to maintain a from-seed garden, no matter the size. Starting native seeds– you’ll grow to love it!

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.