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. 

Flowers, so rich in symbolic meaning, are one of the best expressions of life on earth, symbols of openness and hope. The early spring bloomers, known as spring ephemerals, are special hallmarks of resilience and strength. They make it through the cold winter and their early appearance in spring delights us with their beauty.

As the spring season begins and wildflowers start to bloom, we invite you to find peace and delight in nature's beauty during this three-session workshop organized in partnership between the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Wild Ones. Psychiatrist Siham Muntasser and Psychologist Roger Vilardaga, landscape architect Preston Montague and Duke Gardens curator Annabel Renwick will lead you on a wellness walk through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants to highlight the many ways we can improve our health by slowing down and listening to nature.

This unique program embraces the notion that the quality of our environment is critical for our health and well-being. Nature, and particularly our native ecosystems, is very much tied to our health, including our mental health. Walking in the woods looking for wildflowers is very calming. Sharing the experience with someone else brings another level of joy. Drawing, writing and taking pictures are fun ways of solidifying these experiences. We can look at them years later and still feel some of those same feelings of warmth and connectedness.

This journey in nature is divided into three parts: mindful awareness (March 16), openness to new experiences (April 6), and values (May 4). Each part will focus on different sensory experiences. The program is designed to help us increase our awareness, solidify our values and open our minds to new experiences, mindfully, in the present moment, non-judgmentally and with kindness. It is recommended that participants attend the full series to achieve maximum benefit.

Dress comfortably, bring a towel, a pen or a pencil, a journal and join us on this incredible journey through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants.

Participants will receive a free copy of our beautiful inspirational booklet, Spring Ephemerals: Beauty and Adaptation. 

This event is free. However, registration is required due to limited space. To register please contact Siham Muntasser [email protected].

The program is held on March 16, April 6 and May 4, 2024 from 9-12 at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC. 

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. 

Wild Ones Central North Carolina and the Ardmore Neighborhood Association are pleased to invite you to this very interesting program. The event is free. However, registration is required to secure seating.
Many of us have a yard of lawn, non-native foundation plants and even some exotic invasive plants that are hard to control. Wouldn't you like to have a yard full of pollinators, butterflies and birds, with flowers, berries and interest throughout the year? In this talk, Kathy Johnson will present ways to start small as you reduce lawn and introduce native plants to your home environment.
Alison Northup will showcase several native plants particularly suitable for the Piedmont of North Carolina.
Bios:
Kathy Johnson is a current Forsyth County Master Gardener and a retired landscape designer, with certificates in Landscape Design and Woody Plants from George Washington University. She has become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable practices and the use of native plants to support biodiversity and the environment. Kathy lives in Ardmore and has converted her front yard to a "mostly-native" plant garden with minimal lawn.
Alison Northup is the owner of Piedmont Plant Nursery in Rural Hall, NC. She hold a doctoral degree in plant ecology from the university of Texas at Austin and she is a Board member of the NC Native Plant Society.
For more information contact Siham Muntasser: [email protected].

This journey in nature is divided into three parts: mindful awareness (March 16), openness to new experiences (April 6), and values (May 4). Each part will focus on different sensory experiences. The program is designed to help us increase our awareness, solidify our values and open our minds to new experiences, mindfully, in the present moment, non-judgmentally and with kindness. It is recommended that participants attend the full series to achieve maximum benefit.

This experience (session 3) will focus on appreciating the value of the nature connection, the importance of the relationship between plants and between plants and people. A special focus is on reflecting on how these experiences incorporate into our life. 

The City of Winston-Salem Department of Sustainability and the Wild Ones Central North Carolina Chapter are pleased to invite you to this very inspiring program. 

The program embraces the notion that the quality of our environment is critical for our well-being. Nature, and particularly our native ecosystems, is very much tied to our health. 

The program highlights the power of nature for our personal and collective resilience and well-being. The panel discussion focuses on the importance of native ecosystems, landscaping as a form of healthcare, happiness as an active process, and how our commitment to ecological consciousness and environmental justice can be a force of healing for individuals and communities, and for the regeneration of the planet Earth. 

The NC Sierra Club Foothills Group and Wild Ones of Central North Carolina are pleased to invite you to this very exciting program. 

On June 13, 2024, Dr. Shaleen Miller, Sustainability Director for the City of Winston-Salem presents Natural Landscapes for Healthy Ecosystems. In her presentation, Dr. Miller will provide an overview of the role of the Department of Sustainability for the City of Winston Salem protecting the environment and fostering the healthy growth of the city.

Dr. Miller will discuss the critical role green spaces play in fostering the ecosystem resilience of the city and the health of its inhabitants.

Dr. Miller will describe the new ordinance of the City of Winston Salem that allows to expand residential allowances to maintain Natural Landscape Areas, an initiative that she has spearheaded. In her presentation she will describe the requirements of this initiative and why native plants are so very important. 

This program will be held at the Historic Bethabara Visitor Center located at 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.  

Refreshments start at 6:30. The lecture starts at 7pm. 

This event is free to the public. However, registration is recommended to secure seating. This is the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natural-landscapes-for-healthy-ecosystems-with-dr-shaleen-miller-tickets-918731539767.

In celebration of Pollinator Week, Wild Ones Central North Carolina is delighted to invite you to participate in an amazing outdoor event, On the Wings of Life - Celebrating Pollinators. This fun, family friendly event aims at highlighting the essential role pollinators play in the web of life, and the important role we can play in protecting and preserving them. This celebration will take place at the beautiful Bailey Park downtown Winston-Salem on June 22, 2024, from noon-6pm.

Pollinators are critical components of the web of life. A significant amount of food we eat depends on pollination. Bees are perhaps the most well know pollinators. However, bats, birds, butterflies, moths, and wasps are also important pollinators. Pollinators depend on native plants for food and to reproduce. Pollinators are under threat due to habit loss, indiscriminate use of insecticides, pesticides, and climate change. Many of the factors that threaten pollinators’ survival are also harmful to humans. Understanding the connection between the health of pollinators and our health is important to understand life on planet earth. It is not an understatement to say that pollinators are the wings of life.

This family-friendly event will include live music, food, face paintings, balloons, and displays from various organizations aimed at highlighting the important role pollinators play in our lives and educating the public about activities homeowners can do to help the health of pollinators and their own.

Participating organizations include: Bashavia Gardens, Bee City USA - Winston-Salem, Carolina Butterfly Society, Starry Skies South regional chapter of DarkSky International, NC Sierra Club Foothills Group, Spriggly’s Beescaping, Wild Ones CNC, Wake Forest University Harvest Table Culinary, and others.

Bailey Park is located at 445 Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. 

For more information, please contact Siham Muntasser: [email protected].

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. 

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. 

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 of Central North Carolina Chapter and the North Carolina Sierra Club Foothills Group, in collaboration with the Town of Lewisville, NC and the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC, are pleased to invite you to this extraordinary program focused on the importance of ecological restoration.

This multi-event program on November 8-9th, 2024 consists of:  

1. A lecture, titled Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change, by renowned conservationist and author, Heather Holm.

2. A panel discussion, titled What’s the Buzz about Ecological Restoration, with Heather Holm, Dr. Ken Bridle, President of the NC Native Plant Society, and Dr. Gary Gunderson, Professor of Divinity at Wake Forest University. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Stan Meiburg, Executive Director, Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 

3. A tour of the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC led by Salvador Patino, Co-Chair of the Preserve.

4. A tour of the grounds of the Mary Alice Warren Community Center led by Jon Hanna, Director of Public Works for the Town of Lewisville, NC.

The tour of the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC is led by Salvador Patino, Co-Chair of the Preserve with the exclusive participation of renowned author and conservationist, Heather Holm.

In the tour of the Gateway Nature Preserve, Heather Holm explains how that in urban environments, natural landscapes that were once biodiverse and contiguous have been transformed to small and often highly degraded fragments. What potential do these sites hold for ecological restoration, pollinator habitat, and public demonstration sites? How does one go about restoring a site such as this? Step one is developing a plan that includes goals, objectives, and methods. Heather will address these steps and highlight some of the challenges, opportunities, and amazing outcomes that have unfolded in her neighborhood corner lot restoration. She will also discuss pollinator habitat enhancement and management considerations and celebrate the diverse pollinator populations that can thrive in the landscape.

The program is free. However, registration is required. 
For more information, please contact Siham Muntasser: [email protected].

Wild Ones of Central North Carolina Chapter and the North Carolina Sierra Club Foothills Group, in collaboration with the Town of Lewisville, NC and the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC, are pleased to invite you to this extraordinary program focused on the importance of ecological restoration. 

This multi-event program on November 8-9th, 2024 consists of:  

1.  A lecture, titled Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change, by renowned conservationist and author, Heather Holm.

2. A panel discussion, titled What’s the Buzz about Ecological Restoration, with Heather Holm, Dr. Ken Bridle, President of the NC Native Plant Society, and Dr. Gary Gunderson, Professor of Divinity at Wake Forest University. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Stan Meiburg, Executive Director, Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 

3. A tour of the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC led by Salvador Patino, Co-Chair of the Preserve.

4. A tour of the grounds of the Mary Alice Warren Community Center led by Jon Hanna, Director of Public Works for the Town of Lewisville, NC.

Heather Holm, National Honorary Director for Wild Ones, sets the stage for this program by stating: “Natural landscapes in the US and Canada have been drastically altered by human activities such as infrastructure development, logging, overgrazing, introduction of invasive species, and fire suppression. With the current threat of climate change, it is crucial to understand the past and present ecological conditions of these landscapes to inform future restoration efforts.”

In the tour of  the grounds of the Mary Alice Warren Community Community Center, Heather Holm explains how that in urban environments, natural landscapes that were once biodiverse and contiguous have been transformed to small and often highly degraded fragments. What potential do these sites hold for ecological restoration, pollinator habitat, and public demonstration sites? How does one go about restoring a site such as this? Step one is developing a plan that includes goals, objectives, and methods. Heather will address these steps and highlight some of the challenges, opportunities, and amazing outcomes that have unfolded in her neighborhood corner lot restoration. She will also discuss pollinator habitat enhancement and management considerations and celebrate the diverse pollinator populations that can thrive in the landscape. 

The program is free. See registration links below. 

For more information, please contact Siham Muntasser: [email protected].

Wild Ones of Central North Carolina Chapter and the North Carolina Sierra Club Foothills Group, in collaboration with the Town of Lewisville, NC and the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC, are pleased to invite you to this extraordinary program focused on the importance of ecological restoration. 

This multi-event program on November 8-9th, 2024 consists of:  

1. A lecture, titled Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change, by renowned conservationist and author, Heather Holm.

2. A panel discussion, titled What’s the Buzz about Ecological Restoration, with Heather Holm, Dr. Ken Bridle, President of the NC Native Plant Society, and Dr. Gary Gunderson, Professor of Divinity at Wake Forest University. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Stan Meiburg, Executive Director, Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 

3. A tour of the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC led by Salvador Patino, Co-Chair of the Preserve.

4. A tour of the grounds of the Mary Alice Warren Community Center led by Jon Hanna, Director of Public Works for the Town of Lewisville, NC.

Heather Holm’s lecture, titled Oaks, Fire, and Climate Change, examines the past to understand grassland systems at the time of Euro-American settlement and discusses how Native Americans managed and influenced the composition of these grassland systems with their regular use of fire. Heather will also discuss the impacts of fire as a strong selective pressure on keystone plants and bees. Pivoting to look into the future using projected climate modeling, Heather will address the ecological conditions today, focusing on oak ecosystems and grasslands, then paint a picture of what a functional, biodiverse, and resilient landscape may look like in the future, and what actions are needed to achieve these outcomes.

Wild Ones of Central North Carolina Chapter and the North Carolina Sierra Club Foothills Group, in collaboration with the Town of Lewisville, NC and the Gateway Nature Preserve in Winston-Salem, NC, are pleased to invite you to this extraordinary program focused on the importance of ecological restoration.

The panel discussion, titled What’s the Buzz about Ecological Restoration, includes Heather Holm, Dr. Ken Bridle, President of the NC Native Plant Society, and Dr. Gary Gunderson, Professor of Divinity at Wake Forest University. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Stan Meiburg, Executive Director, Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.

In the panel discussion, the panelists will emphasize the importance of actively engaging in restorative activities to protect, conserve and restore the health of planet Earth. Dr. Gunderson, an ordained minister, brings a spiritual focus to restoration. Mankind has been endowed with the responsibility to protect the Earth and all its creatures. We must reclaim a role that has been ours all along. Dr. Kenneth Bridle, Conservation Advisor for the Piedmont Land Conservancy, discusses how we can all contribute to these efforts in our own personal and collective ways. Since 1990, the Piedmont Land Conservancy has been active in protecting our region’s natural lands, family farms, and waters for the benefit of all living things through land protection, stewardship of conserved spaces, and connecting people with nature.

The program is free. See registration link in the comment section. 
For more information, please contact Siham Muntasser: [email protected].

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.

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.