Events

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. 

Charlie Stevens, President of Wild Ones Miami Valley, will give an informal talk about the new chapter developing in our community, based in Oxford.  Wild Ones mission is to act as an educational and supportive network for property owners or teachers or members of like-minded groups to learn more about the importance of native plants that support biodiversity.

The talk is open to the public and members of Miami Valley Wild Ones are also encouraged to attend to share their experiences and ideas. 

Large-scale (1 acre +) rewilding projects provide both tremendous opportunity and tremendous challenges here in the Miami Valley. Some techniques and approaches (solarization, spot invasives removal) that are feasible at a small scale become challenging/ impossible to implement at large scales.  Join two local property owners who will discuss their site-specific challenges in larger-scale re-wilding with MetroParks of Butler County Senior Resource Manager Joe Dumyahn, with a conversation that will include management by mowing, selective seed mix selection, reforestation, and more.  Co-hosted by Oxford Presbyterian Church Caring for Creation Team and Wild Ones Miami Valley.

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. 

Planning meeting for 2024 events and activities

Tabling opportunity to speak to current and future members

Wild Ones volunteers will host an Information and Education Table for Miami Valley chapter

Wild Ones members will be planting seeds and a mix of native seedlings into the cleared bed at the church location.  Participants, including children, can join in, and everyone is welcome to ask questions about the process and benefits of going native. 

Shademakers has received an exciting shipment of native plants grown specifically for southwestern Ohio yards.  Wild Ones Miami Valley volunteers will join Shademakers staff for guided informational sessions through the display and help native plant enthusiasts find the best options to meet their landscaping goals. A special collection of native tree saplings will also be for sale for a limited time.

Seed bombs are made from a mixture of compost, clay and wildflower seeds.  Come ready to get your hands dirty, and to take a few home to 'bomb' wherever biodiversity can be increased.

Miami Valley Wild Ones Summer 2024 Pop Up Open Garden Tour

Mike and Wendy Killin purchased this property just 2 years ago and have been working to clear invasives and establish a native landscape for local wildlife.  Come enjoy their successes and ask questions about challenges.

Bring a folding chair and a beverage to spend time in the garden meeting other like-minded folks.

casual gathering to celebrate the chartering of Wild Ones Miami Valley and to check in on plans for the coming months

Wild Ones Miami Valley first of many - ANNUAL MEMBER PICNIC!

Potluck, BYOB (alcoholic beverages) and open garden tour of the property

RSVP to Katie McNeil at [email protected]

Come see what's possible in a standard suburban yard!  Hank was a an early adopter of the Nativizing ethos, and has offered to share his garden and its challenges with neighbors and Wild Ones members.

Refreshments will be provided.  Bring a folding chair if you would like to relax with friends after exploring.

Officers have agreed to meet bi-monthly to stay on top of plans, events, and outreach.  This meeting is for elected roles and Board members. Please rsvp to Erika or Charlie and watch for a possible venue change closer to the time. 

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. 

As of this writing, four families have agreed to participate in our Open Garden tour to show off their work in clearing invasives and planting native species in their yard.  Reception following walking tour at 10 Oakhill.

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. 

Bimonthly meeting of the directors.

walking tour of the Quail Ridge Conservation Area with hosts Jon and Amy Costanzo.

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! 

The meeting of the membership will include: Public Lecture plus. discussion of events for 2025, election of President, vice President, treasurer and Secretary for the 2025 calendar year. 

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.

Members (and non-members) may bring seeds packaged and labeled to the Havighurst Room of the Oxford branch of Lane library where attendees may chose seeds or cuttings for their own gardens. Packages (small paper envelopes available from the co-presidents) should be labeled with the species and common name of the plants as well as a short description of the species' desired environment (e.g. partial shade, moist soil). 

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.