Events

Greenhouse Orientation for all members. Will focus on best practices, and scheduling.

Two sessions to choose from:

Saturday, Jan 6th from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Jan 7th from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Please follow link for sign-ups to choose your spot!

Chapter Business Meeting.

Agenda will be sent to all members. 

Must Register to receive a link.

A recording of the meeting will be sent to all members

The Porter County Master Gardeners put on a great event that has something for every garden lover out there!

Wild Ones will have a booth at this event. We will be handing out information & selling educational books. Stop by if you’re going to this event.

Members who would like to volunteer for this event can sign up by clicking the button below. Hopefully we will have enough volunteers to split up into three shifts.

Click on the "Registration Link" if you are a member of our chapter & would like to volunteer

Please contact us if you have any questions.

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. 

All 2024 Officers and Committee Chairs, Managers, and Position Holders are encouraged to attend.

All members are welcome!

We will be establishing our goals for 2024, as well as fine-tuning the nature of our future meetings.

Over the years, native plants have seen a tremendous burst in popularity and with that has come a spike in the demand for them. Still, many gardeners have struggled to find combinations that work for them reliably. There are loads of reasons for this but the one we’re going to focus on is a diminished selection of species for the gardeners to choose from out in the wider market. This is where help from us, and people like us, comes in.

Kelsay was born and raised on the grounds which would eventually become Possibility Place Nursery, and went on to earn his BS in Botany from Eastern Illinois University. Kelsay serves as botanist and sales consultant with municipalities, park districts, forest preserves and golf courses as well as homeowners. He can speak on many topics including: wetland design and species, native plants in the landscape, shade gardening, woody production, garden borders, and trees and shrubs for the Midwest."

Dr. Cortwright will cover:

Ideal features of aquatic habitats for amphibians.
Ideal features of terrestrial habitats for amphibians.
Survey of common amphibians.
How do amphibians mate and choose their mates?
How is egg-laying done and what are egg masses like?
What are the dangers of the aquatic larval stage?
What are the dangers of metamorphosis and entry onto land?
Some of the methods on how insights have been gained.

Spencer Cortwright earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington University in St. Louis and his Ph.D. from Indiana University in Bloomington. After further training as post-doctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, Spencer became a Professor of Biology at Indiana University Northwest. He spent over a quarter of a century studying amphibian population ecology and during that time slowly transformed himself into a plant ecologist focusing on ecological restoration of natural areas. He teaches classes in ecology, restoration, zoology, and diversity of life.

The nature of our future meetings will be discussed on February 3rd. March's meeting will be a Board Meeting, open to all members, and will focus on planning, and committee reporting.

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. 

We will be going over our May 4th plant sale plans, as well as what we need to do at the greenhouse leading up to the sale. Earth Day events, and Summer watering plans will also be discussed.

The beginning⁹ of wisdom is to call things by their rightful names. Botanists communicate about plants using scientific names, but they are often difficult to spell and pronounce. This presentation will teach you the importance of botanical names, how to pronounce them, and what their names mean in a fun and informative way.  

Tabling events that the Gibson Woods chapter participated in. 

https://gibsonwoods.wildones.org/meetings-events/annual-native-plant-sale/

Over 100 species of flowers, grasses, sedges, & shrubs; including prairie, wetland, shade, & woodland.

This event is rain or shine, so dress accordingly

Arrive early for best selection

We will review our Plant Sale success, as well as go over anything else that needs to be addressed before Summer gets underway!

Registration is required.

Project Manager, Chris White of Stantec, will give a walking tour of a portion of an area along Lake Michigan’s shoreline where native plants were planted over the last couple of years. Chris will explain the ecological benefit of the project, how it was implemented, and explain the maintenance involved in getting the plants established as well as identify some of the plants that were planted as seeds and as plugs. We can enjoy the park for a bit afterwards. Bring your own beverage & snacks.

visitors of all ages are invited to explore the intricate world of bugs through a variety of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational presentations. From the tiniest ants to the most colorful butterflies, there's something for everyone to discover.

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. 

Festival de la Monarca. Fun for the whole family! Hosted by Nature Conservancy & the City of East Chicago.

Family Fun - rain or shine. Hosted by Munster Parks, Hort-4-U, Munster Historical Society, Monarch City USA, Munster Civic Foundation.

Member Meeting indoors at 10:00 am, followed by a native plant & seed swap outdoors at 11:00am.

The plant & seed swap is open to the public. If you are not a member, and just want to attend the swap, please arrive at 11:00 a.m.

If you are digging plants out of your yard, please see the recommended protocols listed later in this newsletter.

Please RSVP if you'd like to attend any portion of this day's activities in person.

Members who want to attend the Member Meeting via Zoom, please register

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. 

Three great speakers �" breakfast & lunch �" silent auction �" book sale �" door prizes… and more!

Visit our website for more information & to Register!

Please join us on October 5th and enjoy a walk along one of the Gibson Woods trails! Oakley will guide us during our walk, and will help us identify native species. He will point out some of the medicinal or edible qualities certain plants have. Maybe we will see some wildlife along the way as well!  This is an observational walk only. No foraging or gathering will take place.

Oakley is an Advanced Master Naturalist. He currently runs pre-vocational rehab services for clients with disabilities at a farm. He is also planning a Junior Naturalist program for reforestation, and has experience in using garden programs for behavioral therapy. With a passion for environmental education and ecology, he spends his time hiking and gardening.

Contact our website to RSVP

Please register for details. An agenda will be sent to members prior to the meeting.

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! 

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.

Please register for details. An agenda will be sent to all chapter members prior to the meeting.

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.

RSVP is required. Please use the Contact Us form on our Website

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.

Members only!

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

Please Register. A link will be sent to you.

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.