Meetings & Events

Wild Ones, Gibson Woods Chapter Business Meetings are held via Zoom
on the first or second Wednesday evening of each month (unless otherwise noted).

Educational Presentations are at 10:00 a.m. the first Saturday of the Month
(unless otherwise noted).
Typically held at Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center
6201 Parrish Avenue, Hammond, IN 46323.
Phone 219-844-3188


PLEASE NOTE – Zoom registrations and In-Person R.S.V.Ps are required for all events

  • Please check the calendar prior to an event for any changes/updates.
  • All Presentations are free of charge and open to the public.
  • Memberships are encouraged as they are vital to furthering Wild One’s Mission

Native Plants 101– with Karl Ackermann

In-person & Open to the Public

Saturday, November 2nd, 10:00 – 11:30 am                               

Gibson Woods6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond IN 46323

This is a great opportunity for those who are just beginning their journey into learning about native plants, as well as those who need a refresher course. Karl will describe the reasons why native plants are preferable in a landscape – and how they benefit wildlife.

Karl is a Certified Horticulturalist. He is currently on the Board for the Gibson Woods Chapter of Wild Ones. He is the former National Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee for Wild Ones.

For the last several years, he has been transforming his yard to native plants that provide habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and all sorts of critters. He has over 100 species of native plants, plus 30 species of non-native plants.

His property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, and provides food, water, shelter, and a place for the wildlife to rear their young.

November Board Meeting

Members only – via Zoom

Wednesday, November 6th, 6:30 – 8:00pm

December Open House

In Person & Open to the Public

Book Sale: We have many educational books available — Come out on December 7th to do some Holiday shopping for the nature lovers on your list. Or pick up a book or two for yourself to help get you through the long winter! Most of our books are already discounted, and Wild Ones members can take advantage of a discount off that discounted price!

Ornaments using natural materials: We invite you to collect & share items from nature that you’ve found. Stay awhile & make your ornament at the open house to take home. Or we will provide paper bags so you can take a little of this &that to create your own natural ornament at home. Start looking for interesting natural items now & make sure to bring them to share!

Native Seed Swap: Bring in some of your native plant seeds to swap with others at our December meeting. Please label what you have. You don’t need to clean & package what you have (unless you want to). We will supply bags & markers so we can all share! Winter sowing is a great way to get started on a new garden project!

Potluck: Feel free to bring your favorite holiday cookies or other finger food to share with attendees – and make sure to bring your appetite! Coffee & water will be supplied.

You don’t need to be a member to attend this event. But we do require an RSVP.

Please contact us by clicking the RSVP button below to let us know you’re coming!

December Board Meeting

Members only – via Zoom

Wednesday, December 11th, 6:30 – 8:00pm

2025 Election Results & 2024 year-end discussion will take place.

Please Register below. A link will be sent to you.

January Board Meeting

Members only – via Zoom

Wednesday, January 8th, 6:30-8:00 pm

A new year & new beginning will be discussed.

Please Register below. A link will be sent to you.

Greenhouse Orientation

When:  Saturday, January 11th   9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with Peggy Foster

              Sunday, January 12th   10:00 – 11:00 a.m. with Kim Moor

Where: Our Greenhouse

You must be a paid MEMBER to work in the greenhouse, but you can come to orientation if you are considering becoming a member!!

We will have two sessions for you to join. We will go over greenhouse procedures & best practices, and will take down volunteer availability information.

Follow the link to our 2025 Greenhouse Orientation sign-up sheet and pick an available option. Attendance at each session is limited, so make your choice early! (please contact us if you need directions)