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
December Open House
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Gibson Woods – 6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond IN
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 tasty snacks or holiday cookies to share with attendees – and make sure to bring your appetite! Coffee & water will be supplied.
AND new this year… Two sizes of our chapter logo will be available that can be put on a shirt of your choice. They are white logos approximately 8 inches & 4 inches. Bring your own cotton or polyester blend t-shirt or sweatshirt, and the transfer will be applied while you are present. The price for the large logo, including pressing is $8. The smaller logo will be somewhat less expensive.
You don’t need to be a member to attend this event, but please click the RSVP button below to let us know you’re coming!
December Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Members Only – Via Zoom
Chapter Officer & Board Elections! Other subjects TBD
Green House Orientation
When: Saturday, January 10th 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 11th 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Our Greenhouse – Members Only
We will have two sessions available. We will go over greenhouse procedures & best practices, and will take down volunteer availability information.
If you plan on volunteering at the Greenhouse this coming year, you should attend this orientation!!
You must be a paid MEMBER to work in the greenhouse!!
Bring your own beverage and snack.
Follow the link to our 2026 Greenhouse Orientation sign-up sheet and pick an available option. Attendance at each session is limited, so make your choice early!
January Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Members Only – Via Zoom
Kick off for the NEW YEAR!
Subjects TBD
Garden Tool Sharpening – with Dave Dornberg
Open to the Public
In-person & via Zoom
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond, IN 46323
Wild Ones member, Dave Dornberg, will be presenting a special session to help you get your small garden tools ready for the upcoming spring season. He will be demonstrating the technique for you to observe. After his demonstration, you will have the chance to practice sharpening your tools while receiving guidance from Dave to ensure you are doing it correctly and safely. NOTE: Dave will not be doing any tool sharpening for you.
To get ready for the session, Dave has provided a list of recommended items and where you can purchase them. Additionally, there are two great YouTube tutorial videos that show using the flat file and Corona carbide tool. Don’t forget to bring a pair of gloves, safety glasses, and either one hand pruner or one lopper of your choice. You will also need two flat files or the Corona tool.
Dave Dornberg recently retired after nearly 40 years as an IT professional. He has a passion for nature photography, organic vegetable gardening with 14 raised beds and practices regenerative soil techniques. He actively supports organizations such as the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Shirley Heinze Land Trust and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch. He has sharpened kitchen knives and garden tools as long as he has gardened and now enjoys sharing that knowledge with fellow gardeners.