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
Project Wingspan: A grassroots effort to expand habitat for imperiled pollinators
With Maraiah Russell
In-person & Open to the Public – and via Zoom
Saturday, February 1st, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Gibson Woods
6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond IN 46323
Project Wingspan (PW), backed by donations and grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, is a multi-year effort by the non-profit Pollinator Partnership. It aims to improve pollinator habitats across the Midwest and Great Lakes Region. By collaborating with volunteers and land stewards, PW provides support, training, and resources to enhance habitats for monarchs, rusty patched bumble bees, and other pollinators. The goal is to secure over 18,000 acres of high-quality habitat for these species.
Maraiah Russell, Indiana State Coordinator for Project Wingspan since April 2024, has a background in wildlife conservation. She worked as a veterinary technician at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and as a steward and volunteer manager with Little River Wetlands Project. Maraiah advocates for native plants and pollinators professionally and personally and collaborates with community volunteers to enhance connectivity for pollinators and people.
We will join Maraiah via Zoom live at Gibson Woods, and will show the presentation on the big screen.
February Board Meeting
Members only – via Zoom
Wednesday, February 5th, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Spring event planning – Wild Things conference, Earth Day events, Plant Sale.
Please Register below. A link will be sent to you.
March Board Meeting
Members only – In-Person & via Zoom
Saturday, March 8th, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Gibson Woods
6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond IN 46323
Earth Day events & Plant Sale planning.
Please RSVP to come in-person, or Register below to join us via Zoom.
Permaculture
With Rebecca Koetz
Open to the Public – via Zoom
Wednesday, March 12th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
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.