Events

Earth Day events & Plant Sale planning.

Please RSVP to come in-person, or Register below to join us via Zoom.

Becca Koetz will be discussing permaculture, offering valuable insights into sustainable living. What is permaculture, you ask! It’s a design system that seeks to mimic the patterns found in nature, creating harmonious and resilient ecosystems. It focuses on sustainable living and aims to meet human needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Becca will delve into topics such as sustainable food production, water harvesting, and energy efficiency, providing practical tips for individuals and communities to reduce their environmental impact. By understanding permaculture principles, one can learn how to create more self-sufficient and ecologically sound living spaces, contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.

Rebecca "Becca" Koetz is Purdue Extension's Urban Agriculture Educator in Lake County. Her work focuses on food systems, food justice, beginning farmers, urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, youth natural resources and gardening, community gardens, and Master Gardeners.

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!