All board meetings are open to all members of Wild Ones. Participation can be accomplished either through personal attendance or via conference call. For more information about these arrangements please contact the national office at info@for-wild.org or via toll free phone at 877-394-9453.

National Calendar

Chapter Calendars

    Mar 01, 2008 (Sat)    

Let It Rot! All About Composting
Decrease your environmental impact, make your property more sustainable, and improve your soil by converting your garden and kitchen waste into "black gold"! Amy Cabaniss, campus Environmental Coordinator at Connecticut College, will provide tips on making and using compost.

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Meadows!
Meadows are unique ecosystems that are very high in biodiversity. At our April meeting, member Marty Young will tell us how to establish and maintain a meadow. Marty is a graduate of the Conway School of Landscape Design, located in Conway, MA

    May 04, 2008 (Sun)    

Knock Knolls Park - Tour/Picnic
The Greater DuPage Wildones will be having a tour of a woodland area Sunday, May 4th at 10:30AM. Meet in the parking lot of Knoch Knolls Park (Naperville) at 10:30am. We'll explore along the various paths and witness some outstanding spring blooms. Bring a picnic lunch and we'll dine alfresco before proceeding over to the Green Earth Fair sponsored by the Conservation Foundation. The fair starts at 1:00pm. We will have a booth at the fair, and need some help setting it up following lunch. The Green Earth Fair will be held at McDonald Farm, which you pass by on the way to Knoch Knolls Park. HELP NEEDED: If you can volunteer a hour or two of time to help stand at the booth during the afternoon, it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Pat Clancy if you can help in any way: clancypj@sbcglobal.net

Directions to Knock Knolls Park: It would be best to consult a map or your favorite Internet map display. On Washington St, about 1/4 mile south of 87th street, turn west on Ring Road. (Note - this is about one block north of where Naper Blvd and Washington St come together.) On Ring Road, take an almost immediate left onto Knoch Knolls Road - this is south. In less than 1/4 mile, you'll pass a turn off to McDonald Farm and the Conservation Foundation on your right. This is where the Green Earth Fair will be. Pass it by for now and keep going a little way to a turn off on the left for Knoch Knolls Park. Proceed to the parking lot and that is where we will meet at 10:30am

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Sedge Tour - Reed Turner Woods
10:00am - Noon
We will have a one hour sedge workshop with Linda Curtis at Reed Turner Woods which is 1 mile northwest of Long Grove. After the inside session Linda will lead us on a walk in the woods to see sedges in their natural habitat. The sedge meadow is in its fourth year of restoration and should be beautiful. Linda wrote a book on sedges: Woodland Carex of the Upper Midwest.

Read an article on Reed Turner Woods: chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/summer2005/itwreedturner.html

Directions: 3849 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL - Take Route 53 north to Long Grove and turn left onto Old McHenry Road. The entrance to Reed Turner Woods is about one mile after turning off Route 53 and half a mile south of Route 22. It is on the west side of Old McHenry Rd. Meet in the nature center. Interested in carpooling from Naperville area? Call either Pat Armstrong (630-983-8404) or Pat Clancy (630-964-0448)

    Jul 26, 2008 (Sat)    

Carol Stream Yard Tours & Picnic

Each host will share their experience with developing their landscape using native plants.
To get the best from it, please arrive at the beginning of each tour.

1:00-1:50, Larry and Joanne Kamin's yard, 1344 Yorkshire Lane
(native foundation plantings and back yard prairie garden)

2:00 - 2:50, Jan and Earl Smith's yard, 555 Chippewa Trail
(extensive perennial garden transitioning to natives)

3:00 - 4:00, Kevin and Christa Collins, 914 Forest Lane
(over 250 native species and a newly planted dry-prairie bed)

4:15 - Wild Ones members only, picnic and cookout at the Collins, bring a chair, non-disposable plates and flatware, a dish to share, and if you want - meat to put on the grill. Soft drinks, ice and condiments will be provided.

    Aug 02, 2008 (Sat)    

Winfield School Native Plantings
10:00am - Noon

This is the site that received funding from a Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant last year. Member Phoebe Smith will tell the story of how the restoration took place.

NOTE: We are seeking other locations in or near Winfield to tack onto this tour. Please notify Rich Whitney (630-858-8632) if you would be willing to open your yard this day.

Directions: Winfield Community Outdoor Classroom is on the corner of Winfield Road and Beecher Street - about 1 mile north of Roosevelt Road. Meet there at 10:00am and we’ll let you know what the next stop is on the tour

    Aug 22, 2008 (Fri)    

Wildones Annual Meeting and Conference - Appleton, WI
Friday thru Sunday, August 22 - 24

Details of the conference will be in the Wildones Journal that comes out this summer. Or check the web site later for information: www.for-wild.org.

We always have a few people from our chapter attend. Included is a tour of the new Wildones Ecocenter

    Apr 14, 2008 (Mon)    

Monday April 14, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. – CONTAINER GARDENING IN THE NATIVE GARDEN

Please join us as Nancy Clifton shares ideas for incorporating containers into the landscape. In this lecture-demonstration, Nancy will discuss recommendations for combining containers with everything from native plants to dwarf evergreens, appropriate soils for container gardens and creative container types. Handouts will be available on all of the how-to’s, including information on pots, plants and placement. As Nancy recently said, containers can provide fill-in, divert attention from a newly seeded garden spot, or be a focal point.

Guests are welcome to join you at this presentation.

    May 19, 2008 (Mon)    

Monday May 19, 2008 at 7:00 pm -- RAIN GARDENS

Do you have a low spot in your yard that is often wet and muddy, making mowing or growing plants nearly impossible? If so, try another approach. On Monday, May 19, at 7:00 pm, at the Byron Colby Barn in Prairie Crossing, join David Husemoller for his slide presentation. You will discover how to create a beautiful garden of plants that like to get their feet wet, including native flowers and sedges. Come learn about the wide range of opportunities and advantages of rain gardens and how to go about planning and installing your own. You will learn how to make the most of that seasonal rainfall in a way that provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, dragonflies and frogs!

Following the powerpoint presentation accompanied by handouts, and weather permitting, the group will be invited to tour neighboring examples of rain gardens including David’s own rain garden, which is quite nearby. All are invited.

    Feb 15, 2008 (Fri)    

Native Plant Sale February through April
Orders taken during this time. Pick-up for plant orders will be in May. Information available in late February. Contact Native Plant Sale Chair to recieve a flier and order form

    Feb 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Plant Propagation-Workshop
Learn how to start your own plants from seed or cuttings. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a plant they have started themselves. Presented by Corrine Daniels of Applied Ecological Services. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Mar 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Sedges
Learn to use and appreciate the many native sedges found in the upper Midwest. Learn how valuable sedges are to both home landscaping and creating natural habitat. Presented by Dr. Andrew Hipp. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Apr 17, 2008 (Thu)    

Landscaping With Native Plants
The concept of landscaping using native forbs, grasses, trees and shrubs is growing in popularity as the wisdom of the idea becomes evident. Forward thinking environmentally conscious companies are advertising their awareness of the ecologically sound practice by showcasing their properties using attractive native species. Savvy neighborhoods are prominently displaying their understanding of this important movement by creating eye catching native habitats in their yards.



Creating your own native landscape is easy as the preeminent landscape architect, Prof. Evelyn Howell, from UW Madison, will show us at this meeting. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    May 15, 2008 (Thu)    

Ecology of Woodland Communities
As with the many different kinds of native plant communities, the oak woodland is unique and wonderful…and disappearing. To protect this vital habitat it is important to understand the general characteristics of this significant Illinois environment.



Join us as Dr. John Taft, Senior Research Scientist (Plant ecologist/botanist) for the Illinois Natural History Survey, describes for us the vegetation ecology of oak woodlands as well as indicators of ecosystem health, how the woody overstory interacts with ground-layer vegetation and about the role of disturbance, particularly fire, in the maintenance of oak woodland communities. These issues will be presented in the context of our highly fragmented landscape and the role of public and private lands have in conserving biodiversity in woodland habitats. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Jun 19, 2008 (Thu)    

Invasive Aliens: Control Without Poisons
As we become increasingly aware of the harm that has been done to our environment we begin to take special note of all we do to our own yards which may have lasting effects, good or bad. Herbicides have been widely used to eradicate weeds and invasive aliens but is there a better, less toxic way to battle these perennial enemies?



Mary Blackmore, from the Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County, thinks there is and will share her ideas for chemical free weed control. Mary will discuss our more serious aliens such as garlic mustard, buckthorn, Dame’s Rocket, and the like and then discuss how to get rid of them without spreading chemical poisons around our increasingly stressed environment. For this program only we will meet at Second Congregational Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford, IL. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Jul 01, 2008 (Tue)    

Annual Native Shrub and Tree Sale - July and August

Orders for shrubs and trees that are native to the Rockford, IL area will be taken during this period. The selection includes many native species not found at most nurseries. Native species are better adapted to our climate, soil and moisture. They support more wildlife than non-native species and once established, they require very little care. Plants are sold at very reasonable prices and come in 5 gallon containers and some trees are offered in larger sizes. The pick up date is September 6, just in time for fall planting. Please contact John Peterson at 815-248-2110, or S&T Sale Chair with questions, or to request an order form.

    Aug 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Native Trees & Shrubs-Up Close and Personal
For so long homeowners and landscapers alike have looked to exotic foreign species of shrubs and trees to create dramatic and interesting landscapes, so much so that we have lost sight of the magnificent plants native to our region. Now, when we realize how important it is to decrease our use of the fertilizers and water for landscape hydration required by species not used to growing in our area, it is time to rediscover the wealth of natural beauty that once filled our lovely and richly diverse upper Midwest region.



Connor Shaw, owner of Possibility Place, a popular nursery specializing in native plants and located in Monee, Illinois, will put us on a first name basis with some of the wonderful native trees and shrubs once common to this area. He will cover plant specifications, light, soil and moisture requirements and companion plants as well as size considerations which may restrict ultimate plant location. Most trees and shrubs discussed will be offered for sale at our Native Tree and Shrub sale in July through August. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details.

    Sep 18, 2008 (Thu)    

Native Landscaping for Winter Interest
Winter landscape can be so much more than just flat snow/brown grass. Plan ahead to make your yard attractive and inviting during the winter months as well! Join us to learn how! Presented by Molly Fifield Murray, Naturalist, Landscape arch. & Mgr. Edu. Programs at UW Mad. Arboretum. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Oct 16, 2008 (Thu)    

How Do We Know What Was Growing Here Before?
Join us for the fascinating story of exactly how we know what is native in our region. Presented by Greg Spyreas, Il Nat. History Survey. We meet at Burpee Museum of Natural History. The program starts at 7 PM. Open to the public. Contact Virginia Watson at (815) 398-0138 for details

    Sep 27, 2008 (Sat)    

2nd Biennial Native Plant Symposium
Presented by
Gibson Woods Chapter of Wild Ones

Saturday, September 27
The Center
Purdue University
Calumet
2300 173rd Street
Hammond, Indiana

Program Schedule
Denise Sandoval -- "What is a native plant?"
Denise has many years of experience working with native plants. She operates her own business "Good-Natured Landscapes" and will explain what a native plant is, summarize some of the various habitats they're found in and their many benefits. She promotes, "Think globally, plant locally"!

Jack Pizzo -- "Landscape Tips Using Native Plants"
Jack Pizzo is a founding partner of Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. and has been involved in the restoration, design, construction and stewardship of many natural areas in the Midwest. Jack will present how to landscape using native plants.

Bob Allision -- "Shade and Woodland Plants"
Bob comes to us with a lot of hands on experience. For 12 years Bob has worked for
JF New as manager of seed collection, plant extraction, and seed production and cleaning. Bob will advise us on what native shade plants are good for our area.

Bill & Jennifer Tobin -- "Native Trees and Shrubs"
Bill and Jennifer have been master gardeners for many years and have spoken to numerous groups in Indiana and Illinois on several subjects including native trees and shrubs. They will acquaint us with trees that are common to our area and the wild life that is attracted to them.

Early Registration -- Prior to August 30th is $25.00
Registration(August 30th to September 13th) is $35.00
Absolutely NO Registrations accepted after September 13th, 2008
Registration fee includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch

For more information call: Joy at Gibson Woods 219-844-3188 or Pat at 219-865-2679.

    Feb 25, 2008 (Mon)    

Come join us at the Bluegrass Rain Garden Alliance Meeting and Reception from 6 pm to 8 pm in the University of Kentucky E.S. Good Barn. Learn more about rain gardens and how you can be a part of this important movement toward gardening naturally. For more information contact prairiegirl7@mac.com

    Mar 27, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm Introducing Bluegrass PRIDE(Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Envoronment), Speaker - Amy Sohner, Executive Director will provide information on current PRIDE activities. Location: 232 Greenbriar Road, Lexington, Ky. A business meeting for Wild Ones members will follow the presentation

    Apr 12, 2008 (Sat)    

10:00 am Spring Wildflower Walk. Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, Parksville, Ky. Led by Dr. Anne Lubbers, Professor of Biology, Centre College. Hike is easy but good walking shoes are needed. See Website at www.ckwr.org for directions. RSVP to prairiegirl7@comcast.net

    Apr 26, 2008 (Sat)    

10 am to 2 pm, Arbor Day Celebration, UK Auboretum. Details to be announced

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

1:00 PM Members Only - Raven Run Nature Sanctuary History Hike. Come and learn more about the many historical features and wild flowers at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Directions at www.lfucg.com/parks/raven.asp. RSVP by May 12th to prairiegirl7@mac.com

    Jun 26, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm Shooting Star Nursery Garden Tour and Plant Sale. We will meet at Shooting Star Nursery for a special garden tour - 160 Soards Road, Georgetown. Plants will be on sale with a 10% discount provided for this sale only. Carpool from the parking lot of Cracker Barrel on Newtown Pike at 6:15 pm

    Jul 31, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Willow Trellis Making. Details to be announced

    Aug 28, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Podet and Finucane Garden Tour, 308 Greenbriar Road, Lexington, KY 40503. This American country garden emphasizes intimacy and diversity. Native plants have replaced 3 ½ tons of bush honeysuckle. Come see the fruits of their labor. Contact Jackie Wilsun, at wilsundance@yahoo.com, for directions and details

    Sep 06, 2008 (Sat)    

Native Plant Sale, Salato Wildlife Education Center, Frankfort
Details will be announced or see Salato website, www.kentuckywildlife.com/salato

    Sep 25, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Beate Popkin Garden Tour, 124 Idle Hour Drive in Lexington. Beate uses both native and non-native plants to create a garden that is “vibrant, alive and, beautiful”. Asters and goldenrods along with the native grass will put on an Autumn show. Contact Jackie Wilsun, at wilsundance@yahoo.com, for directions and details.

    Oct 23, 2008 (Thu)    

7:00 pm, Russ Turpin Garden Tour, Details to be announced

    Nov 08, 2008 (Sat)    

Arboretum Woods Restoration Project followed by brunch. Details to be announced

    Dec 12, 2008 (Fri)    

7:00 pm to ???, Annual Holiday Party. Bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre to share. Location: 232 Greenbriar Road, Lexington. KY, RSVP Mary Carol Cooper, marycarolcooper@insightbb.com for directions

    Jun 10, 2008 (Tue)    

Wild Ones Chapter Meeting. Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Anne Meyers Bobigian, Louisville area representative of the Kentucky chapter, American Chestnut Foundation, will review the decades-long effort to restore this once-dominant forest giant and critical food source to its former glory in our state – and what we can do going forward

    Jun 28, 2008 (Sat)    

Wildflower Woods Work Session (weather permitting). Location: Wildflower Woods is in Cherokee Park between Cherokee Parkway, Barney Avenue and the Scenic Loop. For Information contact Chapter President.

    May 31, 2008 (Sat)    

Time: 9:00 AM - noon Note Saturday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description: Hands-on experience tending the Oak Openings Garden.

At this session we will plant plugs of species that thrive in mixed sun and shade. We're gradually increasing diversity while maintaining the open, park-like appearance typical of oak openings. We'll examine milkweeds for their insect partners, and chat about beneficial insects.


This event will be held rain or shine. Bring gloves and wear closed-toe footwear.

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Jun 01, 2008 (Sun)    

Time: 10:00 am Note Sunday date.

Location: WILDTYPE Design, Native Plants & Seed LTD.
900 N. Every Rd.
Mason, MI 48854


Title: "Backstage Tour of Wild Type Native Plant Nursery"


Description:
Bill Schneider has agreed to give us a backstage tour of his nursery. His regular retail hours are 11 AM to 4 PM.

See his web site for plant lists and driving directions.
http://www.wildtypeplants.com/

Members are encouraged to car pool.

    Jun 11, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 6:45 pm

Location: To be announced

Old West Side
Ann Arbor, MI


Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a knowlegable Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings.

Details to be announced.

We encourage car pooling to this event.

    Jul 09, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: To be announced


Ann Arbor, MI


Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings.

Details to be announced.

    Jul 22, 2008 (Tue)    

Time: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Note Tuesday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description: Come enjoy and learn at the at the Oak Openings Garden.

We'll admire summer-blooming wildflowers for their colors and fragrance. We'll watch for butterflies and other nectar-loving insects. If it's dry we'll collect seeds of early-blooming species for later planting elsewhere in the Arb.


Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Bring a cushion or stool to sit on, and your own gloves and tools if you wish.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Aug 13, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: to be announced.

Location: Independence Lake County Park

3200 Jennings Rd.
Webster Township
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Click here for directions.


Title: "Tour a sunny wetland prairie"


Description:

Join Parks Naturalist (and Wild One) Faye Stoner for a tour of this native prairie at the height of its beauty.

Come early to swim and enjoy the park.

See park features here.

We'll share a potluck picnic.

Open to the public. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. There is a vehicle entry charge, so consider a car pool with your friends.

    Sep 10, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Room 125

1800 N. Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9406


Title: David Michener: "Alternatives for your lawn - beyond bluegrass"


Description:

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher.

    Oct 08, 2008 (Wed)    

Time: 6:45 pm

Location: To be announced





Title: "Visit a Wild Ones member's yard"


Description: Visit with a Wild Ones member and see their yard and plantings. Help collect seed from a restored prairie.

Details to be announced.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider car-pooling to this event.

    Oct 18, 2008 (Sat)    

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM Note Saturday event!
Location: Nichols Arboretum
Meet at Reader Center near Peony Garden


Description:
Come enjoy and learn at the Oak Openings Garden.

Fall prompts our appreciation of shape and texture in the Oak Openings garden. The variety of seed sizes and forms is amazing, and we'll notice their subtle fragrances. Strategies for storing and planting seeds will be discussed. We may do an ecological burn depending on whether the garden was burned previously.

Free and open to the public. Young people welcome when accompanied by a parent or teacher. Please leave pets at home.

Bring a cushion or stool to sit on, and your own gloves and tools if you wish.

Parking is limited and gas is expensive. Please consider walking, biking, or car-pooling to this event.

    Apr 05, 2008 (Sat)    

Bay de Noc Spring Garden Conference, sponsored by MSU Extension, Bay de Noc Garden Club and the Master Gardners' Association. 9:00 am -4:00 pm with registration beginning at 8:00 am. Gladstone Area High School, Gladstone, MI. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY MARCH 14.


For more information, call the MSU Extension Office of Delta County at (906)786-3032

    Apr 23, 2008 (Wed)    

Remediation of the Menard's site in Escanaba with Jill Martin, PE

    May 14, 2008 (Wed)    

Michigan Nature Association presentation on the Martin's Bay Sanctuary. Joint meeting with Bay de Noc Audubon Naturalists. Possible site visit

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Celebrating wildflowers with US Forest Service Botanist Deb LeBlanc. 1:00-3:30 pm. Meet at the Munising US Forest Service office

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Celebrating wildflowers with US Forest Service botanist Deb LeBlanc. 1:00-3:30 pm. Meet at the Munising US Forest Service Office

    Jun 25, 2008 (Wed)    

Invasive plant pull at the Gladstone Boardwalk. Dress appropriately

    Jul 23, 2008 (Wed)    

"The Dirty Dozen" invasive plants by speaker Dr. Brian Black, Bay College biology instructor

    Aug 23, 2008 (Sat)    

National Wild Ones Conference in Appleton, WI. Through the 24th. See Wild Ones national website for details

    Sep 24, 2008 (Wed)    

Mushroom foray with Bay College biology instructor and fungiphile Laurie Johnson. We will travel to one or more local sites to locate and identify interesting fungi. Dress appropriately

    Oct 22, 2008 (Wed)    

Annual chapter meeting and planning for the upcoming year

    Dec 03, 2008 (Wed)    

Christmas potluck and election of officers (meeting may be on Dec. 10)

    Jul 13, 2008 (Sun)    

Field Trip - 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. - Ponds and Rain Gardens. Site visits to members’ properties & projects.

We’ll visit Ruth Caputo’s yard and rain garden (1:00-2:30 p.m.), then we’ll visit Mary Powers’ pond and also learn about compost tea and its natural benefits to our native plants (3:00-4:30).

Ruth’s rain garden was established in a naturally wet area that already had adequate drainage so no additional preparation was necessary. The garden, about 50 square yards and in its second growing season, contains over a dozen native species including coneflower, blue-eyed grass, blazing star, and cardinal flower. Modifications were made to the garden and the surrounding area this past spring as part of obtaining a naturalized yard permit from the City of Portage. The remainder of the backyard contains both prairie plants planted over the past 4 years and woodland plants just planted this past spring.

Mary has a 200 foot pond that she dug about four years ago at the tail end of a quaking bog. It needed 2 permits so she can talk about the permitting process if need be. The pond is spring fed and about 20 feet deep. She let nature do the planting around her pond and apparently it did a good job by planting mostly natives. We’ll also hear a bit from Joe about Aerated Compost Tea, inspired by Flowerfield Enterprises and Mary Appelhof (Worms Eat My Garbage). Improve your soil with bacteria, fungi and nematodes instead of ammonia. Bring along a gallon jug and Joe will give you some tea. (Be prepared to use the tea within 6-8 hours or the organisms will die.)

Directions to Ruth Caputo’s: Going south on Shaver Rd., go through the Oakland Dr. traffic lights and past Osterhout Ave., then turn left on either Mapleview Ave. or Sugarloaf Ave. Go until the street ends in a T- intersection. Turn right on Schuur St. After the stop sign, continue to the end of the street. (Schuur St. turns into Poplar Bluff Ct.) Ruth’s is the gray-green house with white trim on the cul de sac – 10970 Poplar Bluff Ct. You are welcome to park in her driveway. Otherwise, there is parking on the street. Don’t park in the cul de sac – it’s a fire lane.

Directions to Mary Powers’: From Ruth’s go back to Shaver Rd., proceed south and pick up 131 south. Go about 8 miles to M216 (the road to Marcellus), turn right and go about 1-1/2 miles to the first road to the left--Pulver. Turn left (south) and go about 4 miles. Turn right on Bullock, the first street past Mohney Lk. Rd. IF YOU GET TO THE END OF PULVER AT HOFFMAN YOU WENT TOO FAR. GO BACK A MILE TO BULLOCK. On Bullock go about 1/4 mile and turn left on the dirt road (called Muth, but the sign was stolen last week). Go to the end of Muth, about 1/4 mile; you’ll see a big red barn. Park next to the pond. Mary said that she would put up a sign at the corners of Pulver & Bullock and Bullock & Muth that says “To Mary and Joe’s”.

It may be a good idea to caravan and car pool from Ruth’s to Mary’s. This can be worked out before we leave Ruth’s house

    Jul 20, 2008 (Sun)    

Field Trip - 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. - Rain Gardens. Site visits to members’ properties & projects.

We’ll visit Carolyn Pesheck’s pond, stream and yard (1:00-2:30 pm), then Nate and Erin Fuller’s rain garden and yard (3:00-4:30 pm).

Carolyn has a rather large landscaped pond and small recirculating stream with various plants in pots along a shelf in the pond. “I’ve used native wetland plants in my landscaping around the stream and others, as well as prairie plants, around my house and in areas where I’ve cut down honeysuckle and various other invasives (a new one each year). This has made very good habitat for birds, and a very pleasant yard. I’m poor at knowing the names of what I’ve planted, though! I hope others will help me with the names.”

Carolyn plans to have some cool drinks for those who come, perhaps something else as well (“I’ll see how ambitious I am”).

Nate and Erin Fuller have lived on their small city lot adjacent to WMU’s Kleinstuck Preserve for about 5 years. All the run-off from their house and garage is directed into garden beds, including two specially designed as rain gardens. The rain gardens each have over a dozen different species of wildflowers using both wetland and upland species that bloom spring through fall. The native plant list for the yard is up over 100 species and includes woodland, savanna, and prairie gardens. This spring they took out their front lawn and installed a garden with walking paths incorporating over 300 wildflowers of more than 35 different species.

Directions to Carolyn’s: From the east: Exit I-94 at Oakland, turn south to Milham (1st stoplight), and turn right (west). Cross hwy 131, and at the stop sign go as straight ahead as you can (slight angle to the left). You’re now on Texas Drive. Keep going until you see the yellow diamond sign for 10th street. My driveway is JUST beyond the sign. From other directions: Take 131 to Centre and turn west. This is “Q” Ave. Go approx. 1 mile, to 10th street, and turn right. Go to the end of the street, approx. 1 mile, and turn right again. My house is the second house on the left, 5892 Texas Dr.

Directions to the Fullers’: Go back to Milham and take Oakland Drive north past Winchell Ave. and turn right on Maple St. (Two blocks before the next stoplight at Howard.) Go two blocks to Indiana St. and go right one block to Cherry St. and turn left and look for a place to park along the street. Address is 1211 Cherry St., on the south side of the road.

    Aug 04, 2008 (Mon)    

21st biennial North American Prairie Conference, August 4 - 8, “Where the Prairie Meets the River,” Winona State University, Minnesota. For further details please visit the web site: bio.winona.edu/napc.

    Aug 23, 2008 (Sat)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Jephtha Lake Fen Preserve, with Becky Csia.

Directions and further details to follow...

    Sep 06, 2008 (Sat)    

Field Trip - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Wetland Restoration at Axtell and Arcadia Creeks, with Tom Small, Paul Olexia, Steve Keto.

Direction and further details to follow...

    Sep 14, 2008 (Sun)    

Wild Ones Annual Fall Native-Plant Exchange, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tom and Nancy Small’s house and yard.

    Oct 11, 2008 (Sat)    

KALAMAZOO AREA WILD ONES ONE-DAY CONFERENCE: GARDENING TO SAVE OUR INSECTS AND BIRDS
At the Kalamazoo Nature Center from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Keynote speaker, Douglas Tallamy, Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens.

Professor Tallamy maintains that in order to support the current diversity of native plants and animals within our borders, we Americans must radically change the way we landscape our yards. We must replace our lawns and nonnative ornamentals with the native plants with which the wildlife of our particular region evolved and which support it better than plants from other parts of the world (or even from different regions of North America) possibly can.

Tallamy’s research shows that the plant-eating insects that perform the crucial task of transferring the sun’s energy up the food web to other insects and other creatures, including birds, greatly prefer native, to nonnative plants. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of Professor Tallamy’s book for anyone concerned about the natural world—the world that, ultimately, sustains us. “Without insects,” E. O. Wilson maintains in The Diversity of Life (1992), “most of the terrestrial life forms on this planet would quickly disappear.” Professor Tallamy’s keynote speech is appropriately titled “Gardening for Life.”

Even if you belong to Wild Ones (or the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo or one of the other sponsoring organizations), even though the conference is free (unless you order the $7 box lunch), you STILL MUST REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE. SEATING IS LIMITED. To register, call the Kalamazoo Nature Center (269/381-1574), STARTING AUGUST 1. Registration will continue until October 1, or seats are filled.

Co-sponsors of the conference include the Kalamazoo Nature Center, the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Environmental Council, the West Michigan Climate Action Network, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, and the Southwestern Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Club

    Feb 27, 2008 (Wed)    

February 27, Wednesday, 7:00 PM - The Buzz on Bees with beekeeper, Bill Ferris at Chippeway Nature Center. This is a public program that we will attend and staff a Wild Ones display.

    Mar 19, 2008 (Wed)    

March 19, Wednesday, 7:00 PM - Get Wet and Wild with Water Plants, presentation by Jewel Richardson of Wetland Nursery.

    Apr 19, 2008 (Sat)    

April 19, Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Chippewa Nature Center Green Gardening Day. Staff Wild Ones' informational table.

    May 23, 2008 (Fri)    

May 23 and 24, Friday and Saturday - Chippewa Nature Center's Native Plant Sale - Assist CNC staff with sale. Staff Wild Ones' informational table and sell items.

    Jun 10, 2008 (Tue)    

June 10, Tuesday - Tour Tollgate Storm Water Project - This will be a day long field trip to tour this restoration project. http://www.spicergroup.com/lindemann/proj tollgate.shtml

    Jul 26, 2008 (Sat)    

July 26, Saturday - Flushing Nature Park, Flushing, MI - Tour this park's prairie restoration. http://www.gfn.org/flushing/html/nature park.html

    Aug 09, 2008 (Sat)    

August 9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday - National Board Meeting and Annual Meeting

    Sep 01, 2008 (Mon)    

September, Date TBA - Walk & Talk about Trees with CNC Naturalist, Karen Breternitz

    Sep 20, 2008 (Sat)    

September 20, Saturday - 3rd Quarterly National Board Meeting - Mid-Mitten will host the Nat'l Board meeting in the morning. Afternoon activities include a choice of a ride in a Voyageur canoe or a fungi tour at Chippewa Nature Center. The charge for the Voyageur canoe ride is $5 per person and a reservation must be made when registering for the quarterly meeting. The canoe ride is limited to 20 people. Please send a check for the canoe ride made out to Mid-Mitten Chapter, c/o Karol Walker, 2986 E. DeGeer Ct., Midland, MI 48642-8253. For further information you may e-mail Karol Walker at karolw@centurytel.net or President Judy Packard at jpwild1s@limitlesspath.com. Reservations for the meeting and the Voyageur canoe ride must be made no later than Septemer 13, 2008.

    Nov 07, 2008 (Fri)    

November 7, Friday 6:00 PM - Annual Review and Potluck

In addition to these activities, we are scheduling work days at Averill Overlook Park and Linwood Rest Area through the Spring, Summer and Fall months. We will be looking for plant rescue opportunities, also.

    Mar 20, 2008 (Thu)    

Making Connections to the Land
7:00-8:30 P.M.

Learn a terrific new way to connect to a favorite place that might be a nature preserve, a park, a forest, or even your own backyard! You will learn how to take a voyage of discovery into worlds you never realized existed right before your eyes. You will learn to see "the world in a grain of sand". Our presenter will be naturalist extraordinaire, Dan Farmer. Mr. Farmer is a well-known speaker on nature topics. Progam will be held at the Oakland Twp. Parks Building, 4393 Collins Roa

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak
***1:00 -3:00 p.m.***

Join us for a walk to see spring wildflowers in this 20+ acre wooded nature preserve in Quickstad Park. Spring wildflowers to see are wild geranium, foamflower, jack in a pulpits, trilliums, wood poppy, and much more. Royal Oak Nature Society & Wild One Member, John DeLisle, has kindly offered to show us the preserve. We can also stop to observe the pond life in the woods if interested.

We will meet at the park entrance off of Lexington Blvd. Lexington Blvd is located between Crooks Road and Main Street in Royal Oak. It is south of Normandy Road and north of 13 Mile Road. From the Lexington/Marais parking lot, walk east on the sidewalk alongside Lexington Blvd for a short ways, then turn onto the sidewalk leading up to the park. Entry into the park will be through the newly installed turnstile.

    Jun 28, 2008 (Sat)    

Fern Identification at Seven Ponds Nature Center
***10:30 a.m. - 12noon***

PROGRAM CANCELLED

    Jul 19, 2008 (Sat)    

Home Garden Tour

Come and visit one of our member's native gardens. D.F. has offered to let us visit him at his Troy home. He and his wife have been turning their yard gradually into one filled with native plants. Come & see their great work and learn about what techniques have worked for them. Day & time may change. (Contact Barb for more info on this program

    Jul 16, 2008 (Wed)    

Our July 2008 meeting will be a field trip to learn about the rain gardens installed in downtown Lansing and Old Town to filter the pollutants from storm water before it enters the Grand River. The person who designed the gardens, Dennis Patrick Omera, will describe how they work and which native plants grow best in this environment. For more information go to the City of Lansing's rain garden web page web page. We will start in the parking lot behind Clara's Restaurant 637 E. Michigan Ave. at 7:00 pm. Please park well behind the restaurant so we do not inconvenience Clara's dinner customers.


The city is looking for volunteers to help maintain these gardens. The Red Cedar Chapter would like to adopt one or two. Contact Mary Leys (info at top of page) if you'd like to help!

    Sep 17, 2008 (Wed)    

Our September meeting will feature Dennis Woodland from Western Michigan University who will give a presentation on native Michigan ferns. Learn to identify and grow some of these beauties in your shady woodland garden

    Aug 21, 2008 (Thu)    

Bird & Native Plant Tour of St. Croix Savanna Scientific & Natural Area (SNA)
Bayport, MN
Thursday, August 21st, 6:30 to 8:30 PM (storm date Sunday, August 24th, 3:00 to 5:00 PM)

NOTE: Space is limited. To reserve a spot, RSVP to Joan at wildones.texlersnatour@gmail.com or phone (651) 436-5329. Joan will confirm reservations, provide driving directions, parking information, and details of our hike. If all our spaces fill, a short wait-list may be compiled; please release your reservation if your plans change.

Join us for a guided field trip through the sand-gravel prairie and oak savanna of St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). The savanna occurs along the top and side of a south-facing bluff just south of Bayport, with stunning views of the St. Croix River. DNR describes this as the best sand-gravel prairie and oak savanna along the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Difficulty: Easy walk wholly off-trail.

The tour is jointly sponsored by the St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter of Wild Ones and the St. Paul Audubon Society. Bring your favorite native prairie plant and bird field guides and binoculars. Our guides include Hannah Dunevitz Texler, MN DNR Regional Plant Ecologist, and Chase Davies, naturalist and field guide with the St. Paul Audubon Society. Additional information on the SNA, including plant and bird lists, can be found HERE.

    Jul 08, 2008 (Tue)    

Nokomis Naturescape Historic Walking Tour
Free and Open to the Public
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Meet near the intersection of East 50th St. and Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis

One of a series of walking tours led by Wild Ones member Julia Vanatta to help celebrate Nokomis Naturescape's first ten years. Those who walk with Julia will not only learn about the history of the gardens, they will also learn about the history of the other chain of lakes in Minneapolis: Rice Lake (Hiawatha), Lake Amelia (Nokomis) and Mother Lake. Talks will focus on changes to the landscape by both development in the area and entertainment trends. The one hour talk and walking tour will be followed by a half hour of open discussion with the host.

In the event of light rain or scattered showers, the tour will not be rescheduled but will start in the shelter of the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minneahaha Parkway. If severe weather is forecast two hours prior to the event, Tuesday events will be rescheduled for the following Thursday, Saturday events will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday.

Tours are co-sponsored by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (celebrating 125 years), Nokomis Naturescape, Nokomis East Neighborhood Associaction (NENA), and the Twin Cities Chapter of Wild Ones. For more information visit www.for-wild.org or call NENA at 612-724-5652.

    Jul 20, 2008 (Sun)    

Watershed Friendly Yard Tour
Free and Open to the Public
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Begin tour and pick up a map at 3408 39th Avenue South, Minneapolis

Longfellow Community Council and Wild Ones Present the 5th annual Watershed Friendly Yard Tour. Tour Highlights include:
- beautiful native plants, shrubs and trees in 7 small urban yards
- rain gardens, rain barrels, and the RoofBloom green roof trailer
- talk with the homeowners and see photos
- free info on rain gardens and native plants
- a native plant swap (label plants with name and sun/shade info)

Enjoy seeing lovely native plants, rain gardens and a demonstration green roof. None of the gardens have been on a previous tour so come see what’s new! The tour makes a nice bicycle ride and several gardens will be within easy walking distance. Sponsored by the River Gorge Committee of the Longfellow Community Council and the Twin Cities chapter of Wild Ones.

For more info contact Hillary Oppmann at or 612-722-4529 or Carmen Simonet at .

    Jul 26, 2008 (Sat)    

Nokomis Naturescape Historic Walking Tour
Free and Open to the Public
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Meet near the intersection of East 50th St. and Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis

One of a series of walking tours led by Wild Ones member Julia Vanatta to help celebrate Nokomis Naturescape's first ten years. Those who walk with Julia will not only learn about the history of the gardens, they will also learn about the history of the other chain of lakes in Minneapolis: Rice Lake (Hiawatha), Lake Amelia (Nokomis) and Mother Lake. Talks will focus on changes to the landscape by both development in the area and entertainment trends. The one hour talk and walking tour will be followed by a half hour of open discussion with the host.

In the event of light rain or scattered showers, the tour will not be rescheduled but will start in the shelter of the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minneahaha Parkway. If severe weather is forecast two hours prior to the event, Tuesday events will be rescheduled for the following Thursday, Saturday events will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday.

Tours are co-sponsored by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (celebrating 125 years), Nokomis Naturescape, Nokomis East Neighborhood Associaction (NENA), and the Twin Cities Chapter of Wild Ones. For more information visit www.for-wild.org or call NENA at 612-724-5652.

    Aug 19, 2008 (Tue)    

Nokomis Naturescape Historic Walking Tour
Free and Open to the Public
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet near the intersection of East 50th St. and Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis

One of a series of walking tours led by Wild Ones member Julia Vanatta to help celebrate Nokomis Naturescape's first ten years. Those who walk with Julia will not only learn about the history of the gardens, they will also learn about the history of the other chain of lakes in Minneapolis: Rice Lake (Hiawatha), Lake Amelia (Nokomis) and Mother Lake. Talks will focus on changes to the landscape by both development in the area and entertainment trends. The one hour talk and walking tour will be followed by a half hour of open discussion with the host.

In the event of light rain or scattered showers, the tour will not be rescheduled but will start in the shelter of the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minneahaha Parkway. If severe weather is forecast two hours prior to the event, Tuesday events will be rescheduled for the following Thursday, Saturday events will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday.

Tours are co-sponsored by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (celebrating 125 years), Nokomis Naturescape, Nokomis East Neighborhood Associaction (NENA), and the Twin Cities Chapter of Wild Ones. For more information visit www.for-wild.org or call NENA at 612-724-5652.

    Sep 13, 2008 (Sat)    

Nokomis Naturescape Historic Walking Tour
Free and Open to the Public
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Meet near the intersection of East 50th St. and Nokomis Parkway, Minneapolis

One of a series of walking tours led by Wild Ones member Julia Vanatta to help celebrate Nokomis Naturescape's first ten years. Those who walk with Julia will not only learn about the history of the gardens, they will also learn about the history of the other chain of lakes in Minneapolis: Rice Lake (Hiawatha), Lake Amelia (Nokomis) and Mother Lake. Talks will focus on changes to the landscape by both development in the area and entertainment trends. The one hour talk and walking tour will be followed by a half hour of open discussion with the host.

In the event of light rain or scattered showers, the tour will not be rescheduled but will start in the shelter of the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 East Minneahaha Parkway. If severe weather is forecast two hours prior to the event, Tuesday events will be rescheduled for the following Thursday, Saturday events will be rescheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday.

Tours are co-sponsored by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (celebrating 125 years), Nokomis Naturescape, Nokomis East Neighborhood Associaction (NENA), and the Twin Cities Chapter of Wild Ones. For more information visit www.for-wild.org or call NENA at 612-724-5652.

    Feb 09, 2008 (Sat)    

Organic Lawncare

10:00 AM at Inniswood House, Inniswood MetroPark

Jean Nardella, founder and owner of Earth Matters will speak about organic lawn care. There is an alternative to "chemical" lawn care which can result in lawns that look good, are safe for pets and encourage birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects to thrive. Learn about environmentally safe lawn practices.

    Mar 08, 2008 (Sat)    

10:00 AM at Inniswood House at Inniswood Metropark CANCELED

CANCELED DUE TO HEAVY SNOW PREDICTED

Join Jessica D'Ambrosio to learn more about what we can personally do to adapt to and mitigate global warming.

Native landscapes offer the following three global warming solutions, among others:

• With global warming comes an increased need for potable water,. Native plants require less water to survive with changing environments. Native plants, with their deep root systems, will return more water to the ground preventing rainwater runoff. Native plants are what make rain gardens work. Wetland native species offer natural filtration systems to improve water quality.

• Carbon sequestration, - taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The root structures of many of our native prairie plants extend deep into the ground, unlike most non-natives. This root structure allows the native plants to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon is one of the major constituents of global warming and removing it from the weather cycle slows the warming process. The main carbon "sinks" are grasslands, forest, and organisms in the oceans and soil.

• Reductions in fossil fuel and chemical use - native landscapes, in general, require less maintenance in the form of mowing, fertilization and chemical disbursement. In fact, native landscapes can survive without any of these man-made solutions for control. But for those needing some order in their landscape, no mow lawns and native plants significantly reduce the emissions associated with lawn and garden care combustion equipment, and the use of water polluting fertilizers and life-destroying chemicals. When we stop using fossil fuels and chemicals in our yards, we also reduce the need to transport and produce these items, further reducing the impact on our environment.

Individuals and families alike can have a big impact on reducing the carbon footprint by something as simple as how they maintain their yards. Using environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve and restore ecological biodiversity and clean water by reducing the use of herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and water will go a long way toward making a difference in climate change.

Jessica D'Ambrosio holds a master's degree in environmental sciences and is a Program Coordinator at the Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

    Apr 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Making More Plants

10:00 AM at Inniswood House at Inniswood MetroPark

Dave Marsolo, Wild Ones member and amateur plant propagator, will lead a workshop on native plant propagation. Plant prechilled seeds of several unusual plants-including woodland species, rock garden and annuals. Try your hand at propagating cuttings of selected native shrubs/native roses.

Take home a sample of your work from this "hands on" activity and watch it grow!


----- Original Message -----

    May 17, 2008 (Sat)    

Woodlands and Prairie Habitat -- A Comparative Field Trip in 2 Parts

Field Trip #1 - Spring Show!
10am at Battelle Darby MetroPark

Today, Ohio is timber country and farmland. Going native can mean returning to Ohio forest or rebuilding the tallgrass prairies. This two part field trip is designed to demonstrate the differences between the two ecosystems up close and personal. We have chosen Battelle – Darby MetroPark as our outdoor laboratory for this exploration.

The Battelle – Darby properties have been listed for preservation and restoration since 1945 due to their unique biota. The park is best known for the high biodiversity of its river system: Big and Little Darbys which are national scenic rivers. Less known is the Darby Plains which historically included our closest original tallgrass prairie. Three hundred acres of the park has been restored to climax prairie using the remnant seedbank. Recent additions mean that the park now stretches 14 miles along the Darby Creeks and contain 6,500 acres of tall-grass prairies, fields and Oak-Hickory forest.

The Park Naturalists will take us on two identical hikes through the forests and prairies. A spring hike will demonstrate the woodland peak bloom and the prairie breaking dormancy. A summer hike over the same course will demonstrate the woodlands response to shading and the prairie in peak bloom. By covering the same ground, we will be sensitized to the lifecycle differences exhibited every season around us. Bring your botanical and restoration questions!

Saturday May 17th. The spring show in the woods includes trout lilies, spring beauties, cut-leaved toothworts, dutchman’s breeches, violets and bluebells. If we get lucky, we may spot a yellow lady slipper.

Directions:

From I-270 take I-70 west one exit to the Hilliard/Rome Road (exit 91A), go towards New Rome and travel south to West Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street (US 40) and travel approximately 4 miles to Darby Creek Drive. Turn left on Darby Creek Drive and proceed 3 miles. The main park entrance to Cedar Ridge Picnic Area is on the right.

For carpooling or general questions, call Shelby Conrad (614) 262-0470 or shelbyconrad@yahoo.com.

    Jun 14, 2008 (Sat)    

Rose Festival Join Wild Ones at the Columbus Rose Festival at Whetstone Park of Roses on June 14th & 15th from 10am - 8pm. We will be there to answer all of your native plant and landscaping questions and will be selling a variety of native plants to add to your garden

    Jul 12, 2008 (Sat)    

Woodlands and Prairie Habitat -- A Comparative Field Trip in 2 Parts

Field Trip #2 - Summer Show!
10am at Battelle Darby MetroPark

Today, Ohio is timber country and farmland. Going native can mean returning to Ohio forest or rebuilding the tallgrass prairies. This two part field trip is designed to demonstrate the differences between the two ecosystems up close and personal. We have chosen Battelle – Darby MetroPark as our outdoor laboratory for this exploration.

The Battelle – Darby properties have been listed for preservation and restoration since 1945 due to their unique biota. The park is best known for the high biodiversity of its river system: Big and Little Darbys which are national scenic rivers. Less known is the Darby Plains which historically included our closest original tallgrass prairie. Three hundred acres of the park has been restored to climax prairie using the remnant seedbank. Recent additions mean that the park now stretches 14 miles along the Darby Creeks and contain 6,500 acres of tall-grass prairies, fields and Oak-Hickory forest.

The Park Naturalists will take us on two identical hikes through the forests and prairies. A spring hike will demonstrate the woodland peak bloom and the prairie breaking dormancy. A summer hike over the same course will demonstrate the woodlands response to shading and the prairie in peak bloom. By covering the same ground, we will be sensitized to the lifecycle differences exhibited every season around us. Bring your botanical and restoration questions!

Saturday July 12th. The summer show in the prairie includes purple coneflower, gray-headed coneflower, prairie dock, royal catchfly, crown beard, bergamot. If we get lucky, we may spot white baptisia, tall larkspur and blazing star.

Directions:

From I-270 take I-70 west one exit to the Hilliard/Rome Road (exit 91A), go towards New Rome and travel south to West Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street (US 40) and travel approximately 4 miles to Darby Creek Drive. Turn left on Darby Creek Drive and proceed 3 miles. The main park entrance to Cedar Ridge Picnic Area is on the right.

For carpooling or general questions, call Shelby Conrad (614) 262-0470 or shelbyconrad@yahoo.com.

    Aug 09, 2008 (Sat)    

Garden Tour

David and Patricia Marsolo
1068 Hepplewhite Street
Westerville, Ohio 43081

The tour is of a standard sized suburban lot. There is a mixture of natives and nonnatives with increasing natives. The yard includes a vegetable garden, propagation areas, glass sunroon, wildlife hedge and 2 small ponds.

Directions
I-270 to Cleveland Avenue
North on Cleveland to Main St.
Left On Main St. to Spring Hollow
Right on Spring Hollow to Hepplewhite Street
Right on Hepplewhite Street

Contact
David Marsolo 614-891-6146
dmarsolo@columbus.rr.com

    Sep 13, 2008 (Sat)    

Saturday September 13 10AM

A suburban setting with extensive native plantings in a deep backyard garden

Meet at Joan and Byron Bossenbroek's place at 10AM. (5895 Linworth Rd, Worthington) Directions: from 315 travel west on SR 161. Turn Left (south) on Linworth Rd. and drive about 1/2 mile. Their house is on west side of the road. There is room for about 5 cars in their driveway. Additional parking at Linworth Park (a few houses north of their home and on a dise street in the Indian Hills subdivision) and along Sedwick Road (across from their home). Contact information: David Marsolo 614-891-6146

    Mar 08, 2008 (Sat)    

March Wild Ones Event
STREAM ECOLOGY

Kristen Travers
Stroud Water Research Center

Saturday, March 8, 2008
10:00am-12:00 noon

Stroud Water Research Center
970 Spencer Rd
Avondale, PA 19311

About Stroud
The Stroud Center's staff is internationally acclaimed for its
pioneering research on streams and rivers. The scientists work
in interdisciplinary research teams, blending their individual
talents in chemistry, microbial ecology, invertebrate biology,
watershed ecology, and ecosystem modeling to study the
physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams and
rivers, the life histories of individual organisms, and the ecology
of watersheds.

Come take advantage of this incredible resource in
our backyard!

Check our website, www.habitatresourcenetwork.org to register, or email admin@habitatresourcenetwork.org or call 484-678-6200

    Apr 17, 2008 (Thu)    

Planting with Purpose:
Saving Nature at Home and Beyond

Barb Elliot & Edie Parnum, Co-Directors
Backyards for Nature
Valley Forge Audubon

Thursday, April 17th 2008
7:00pm
The Barn
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Rd.
Audubon, PA 19403

We see more development & less wildlife habitat
around us. Songbird species are disappearing at
an unprecedented rate. We notice fewer
butterflies than we used to. Despite the
problems, you can make a difference! Come hear
Barb & Edie talk about how to incorporate
native plants and create outdoor space that is
attractive to both humans & wildlife.

Check our website, to register

    Feb 23, 2008 (Sat)    

2:00 p.m. "Gardening in a Woodland Setting" presented by Cliff Orsted at Crossroads at Big Creek, Sturgeon Ba

    Mar 15, 2008 (Sat)    

2:00 p.m. "Growing Shrubs and Trees from Seeds" presented by Lyle Berceau. Crossroads at Big Creek. Sturgeon Ba

    May 10, 2008 (Sat)    

9:00 a.m. Nature Walk at the Clearing, Ellison Bay, guided by Mike Schneider. Emphasis on Budding Shrubs and Trees and on Jens Jensen's landscaping in early spring. Meet at the Visitors Cente

    Jul 10, 2008 (Thu)    

Thursday July 10, 2008. 6:30 pm: Members are invited to a prairie evening in Southern Door County. For directions call Peter at 920-824-5193 or peter@sigmann.ne