Chapter Events

Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events

January 2025

Jan
6

January Presentation: Rare Native Plants and the Indiana Plant Conservation Alliance (INPCA)

This event has ended
Monday, January 6th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center, 2801 Riverside Dr, South Bend, IN, 46616 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Deb Marr, Professor of Ecology at Indiana University South Bend, and Andy Schnabel, Professor of Botany and Evolution at Indiana University South Bend, will discuss the Indiana Plant Conservation Alliance and collaborations to conserve Indiana's rare plants and their natural habitats.

Jan
25

Mishawaka seed swap

This event has ended
Saturday, January 25th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Mishawaka Ironworks, Mishawaka, IN Map

Public Welcome Seed/Plant Share Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

We presented “Lawns Birds Butterflies and Bees” to the attendees of the seed swap

February 2025

Feb
3

February Presentation: Ecological Advocacy in Action

This event has ended
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center, 2801 Riverside Dr, South Bend, IN, 46616 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Local ecologist, Steve Sass of Indiana Nature, LLC, will discuss local ecological advocacy and how ordinary citizens can make a difference. Come on out and be encouraged!

Feb
6

Meeting of the Indiana University South Bend Sustainability Club

This event has ended
Thursday, February 6th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Main building IUSB, 1700 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN, 46615 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Jan presented “How Native Plants Bring LIFE to our Landscapes”

Feb
11

Meeting of the Tippecanoe Audubon Society

This event has ended
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Plymouth Public Libarary, Plymouth, IN, 46563 Map

Public Welcome Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Jan Presented "How Native Plants Bring LIFE to Our Landscapes (and our BIRDS)

Feb
20

National Panel Discussion: "Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators"

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, February 20th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Read More

March 2025

Mar
3

March: Spring Social

This event has ended
Monday, March 3rd, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center

Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event Chapter Social Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Social celebration with food, drinks, games and a silent auction. 

Mar
15

Unity Gardens Growing Summit: The Buzzz on Pollinator Habitat

This event has ended
Saturday, March 15th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
St. Joseph Public Library Main Branch, Community Learning Center, 301 N Main St, South Bend, IN, 46601 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

We have all heard that insects, including the pollinators, are in decline.  This presentation goes beyond bees and butterflies to describe the many types of insects that provide this valuable service.  Learn that a few changes to how we manage our land and gardens can help reverse the decline.  

Mar
19

"How Native Plants Bring LIFE to our Landscapes"

This event has ended
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Unity Gardens LaSalle Square, 3701 Prast Blvd, South Bend, IN, 46628 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

This presentation defines what native plants are; how they are a win-win for gardeners and land managers; why they are essential for supporting biodiversity, soil health and our climate; how beautiful they are; and lastly, a brief bit on how people can find them and learn more. 

Mar
20

National Panel Discussion: The Advocacy Power of Public Native Gardens

Hosted by Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter, Hocking Hills (Seedling) Chapter, San Diego Chapter and Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

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Mar
26

"Lawns Birds Butterflies and Bees"

This event has ended
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Unity Gardens LaSalle Square, 3701 Prast Blvd, South Bend, IN, 46628 Map

Public Welcome Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

This presentation highlights the problems presented by America’s love affair with lawns. Discover how to reverse the trend and how doing so with native plants will bring life and beauty to your yard.  Discussion following the presentation is welcome and encouraged. 

April 2025

Apr
2

The BUZZZZZ on Pollinator Habitat

This event has ended
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Unity Gardens LaSalle Square, 3701 Prast Blvd, South Bend, IN, 46628 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

We have all heard that insects, including the pollinators, are in decline.  This presentation goes beyond bees and butterflies to describe the many types of insects that provide this valuable service.  Learn that a few changes to how we manage our land and gardens can help reverse the decline.

Apr
7

How Native Plants Bring LIFE to our Landscapes

Monday, April 7th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Forever Learning , 54191 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN, 46635 Map

Public Welcome Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

This presentation defines what native plants are; how they are a win-win for gardeners and land managers; why they are essential for supporting biodiversity, soil health and our climate; how beautiful they are; and lastly, a brief bit on how people can find them and learn more. 

Apr
7

April Presentation: Joe Dits

Monday, April 7th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center, 2801 Riverside Dr, South Bend, IN, 46616 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

"On the native plant beat:  What a Tribune reporter has observed locally"

Please join us as we welcome South Bend Tribune reporter, Joe Dits.

Joe will talk about his dabblings in gardening, as well as his parents', review articles he's written, and speak about the Woodlawn Woods area, Portage Woods, and more.

Apr
9

Native Plants: A Super Start with the Super Nine

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Unity Gardens LaSalle Square, 3701 Prast Blvd, South Bend, IN, 46628 Map

Public Welcome Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

For people either on or ready to begin their native plant journey!  This presentation provides advice and resources to help with planning, sourcing, selecting and planting these wonderful life-supporting plants. Guests will also meet the “Super Nine,” native plants selected by South Bend Wild Ones for their size, adaptability, beauty, and benefit to wildlife. 

Apr
19

Pinhook Work Day

Saturday, April 19th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center, 2801 Riverside Dr, South Bend, IN, 46616 Map

Public Welcome Habitat Installation/Maintenance Free Public Parking

We hold our monthly meetings at the Pinhook Park Community Center at no cost.  Let's give back by maintaining the native beds at Pinhook Park on Saturday, April 19th from 10am to 12pm. 

May 2025

May
5

May Presentation: The Potawatomi Conservatory

Monday, May 5th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Pinhook Park Community Center, 2801 Riverside Dr, South Bend, IN, 46616 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Please join us as we welcome Joseph Tychonievich, current director of the Potawatomi Conservatory!

May
24

The BUZZZZZ on Pollinator Habitat

Saturday, May 24th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Elkhart Public Library Main Branch

Public Welcome Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

We have all heard that insects, including the pollinators, are in decline.  This presentation goes beyond bees and butterflies to describe the many types of insects that provide this valuable service.  Learn that a few changes to how we manage our land and gardens can help reverse the decline.

June 2025

Jun
14

Native Plants: A Super Start with the Super Nine

Saturday, June 14th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Elkhart Public Library Main Branch

Public Welcome Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

For people either on or ready to begin their native plant journey!  This presentation provides advice and resources to help with planning, sourcing, selecting and planting these wonderful life-supporting plants. Guests will also meet the “Super Nine,” native plants selected by South Bend Wild Ones for their size, adaptability, beauty, and benefit to wildlife. 

September 2025

Sep
18

September Wild Ones National Webinar

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

October 2025

Oct
16

October Wild Ones National Webinar

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon! 

November 2025

Nov
20

November Wild Ones National Webinar

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Details coming soon!