Chapter Events

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

"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.

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. 

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. 

https://southbend.wildones.org/__spring-sale-2025/

Joseph Tychonievich is interested in creating a beautiful space that will serve as a native habitat and a teaching tool for the community to learn about making similar gardens in their own backyards. Wouldn’t you know it, so is Wild Ones South Bend!

With help from the Wild Ones South Bend Community Outreach Committee, Joseph will be installing a native plant teaching garden at the Potawatomi Conservatories where he is currently volunteering his botanical expertise.

Joseph (a.k.a. “Joseph Gardens”) has a degree in horticulture from Ohio State University and is the author of several books and national publications. Let's give Joseph a big Wild Ones welcome on Monday, May 5th!

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

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.

Join our Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Jan McGowan, as she spreads the Wild Ones message in our communities!

Wild Ones South Bend is planting our Native Demonstration Garden on the grounds of the Potawatomi Conservatories. We have hundreds of plugs to plant. Please bring gloves, planting tools, and a water bottle.

Evie Kirkwood shares laments and laughable anecdotes about her experiences gardening in the same yard for 45 years!

Lessons in Native Plant Gardening: There are no mistakes, just learning experiences! 
Adapting existing gardens to incorporate natives can be a challenge. Evie Kirkwood shares
laments and laughable anecdotes about her experiences gardening in the same yard for 45
years. 

Speaker Info:
Evie has a life-long passion for connecting people to parks and natural areas in Indiana and beyond, sharing her enthusiasm for outdoor experiences with others. In her past role as director of St. Joseph County Parks, her efforts expanded visitor opportunities with mountain bike trails, regional pathways, festivals and natural playscapes. She has been recognized regionally and nationally for her work, including receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash from Indiana’s Governor Holcomb. She hosts a weekly webisode of "Outdoor Elements" on social media and PBS Michiana, a role she has fulfilled for 20 years, often covering topics on native and invasive plants. She is an active board member with Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 
 

She comes from a family of gardeners.

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. 

Join our Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Jan McGowan, as she spreads the Wild Ones message in our communities!

Help maintain the native garden at the Potawatomi Zoo.  We will meet in the parking lot. We are working before the zoo opens, so please be on time so there will be someone to let you in. Bring along gardening gloves and weeding tools.

Get inspired by seeing how Wild Ones members are protecting biodiversity by planting native gardens. During this series of yard tours, you'll see firsthand how they've used native plants to build sustainable and vibrant landscapes.  Drop by one or all of the opportunities, to get ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of native plants.

Wild Ones own, Brian Killen  will discuss the basics of landscaping with native plants. 

"Over the past few years, I set out on my journey to convert my property into a pollinator and bird-friendly landscape by gardening with native plants, removing lawn, and creating habitat. In order to help other home gardeners in their native landscaping pursuits, I wanted to share what I have learned, including the basics of native plants, planting, design,
and maintenance."

Get inspired by seeing how Wild Ones members are protecting biodiversity by planting native gardens. During this series of yard tours, you'll see firsthand how they've used native plants to build sustainable and vibrant landscapes.  Drop by one or all of the opportunities, to get ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of native plants.

Get inspired by seeing how Wild Ones members are protecting biodiversity by planting native gardens. During this series of yard tours, you'll see firsthand how they've used native plants to build sustainable and vibrant landscapes.  Drop by one or all of the opportunities, to get ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of native plants.

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Get inspired by seeing how Wild Ones members are protecting biodiversity by planting native gardens. During this series of yard tours, you'll see firsthand how they've used native plants to build sustainable and vibrant landscapes.  Drop by one or all of the opportunities, to get ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of native plants.

Aaron Helman is an author, adventurer and storyteller in South Bend, Indiana. 

He’s the author of An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Ride the Jack Rabbit, and The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan.

Get inspired by seeing how Wild Ones members are protecting biodiversity by planting native gardens. During this series of yard tours, you'll see firsthand how they've used native plants to build sustainable and vibrant landscapes.  Drop by one or all of the opportunities, to get ideas, ask questions, and enjoy the beauty of native plants.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!