Events

Ann Jurczyk of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will give a 30 minute talk about the “Tiny Forest” planting recently installed in Richmond's Fonticello Park, addressing how that project came together and how organizations in our area can get involved and engage in tiny forest plantings in appropriate spaces.  Following the talk, we will have 30 minutes for questions and discussion. 

“Tiny Forests”--sometimes called Pocket Forests, Mini Forests, or Miyawaki Forests--are relatively dense plantings of specific native trees within a small planting area. Based on a method developed by Japanese Botanist Akiro Miyawaki, Tiny Forests hold particular appeal in urban settings, which often benefit from the fast growth of the trees, the small footprint of the planting areas, and the manageable cost of Tiny Forest projects. 

Registrants for this program will receive a handout  with the plant list and plan for the Fonticello Tiny Forest. The program will be recorded, but access to the recording will be restricted to those who have registered for the program.

Want more information about Tiny Forests before the program? Check out the current (Summer 2025) issue of the Wild Ones Journal! The article “Pocket Forests” describes how a number of organizations, including the Wild Ones Ann Arbor Area Chapter, came together to create the Buhr Park Pocket Forest.  

Please register for this program through Ticketleap (Free). A few days before the program, chapter members and registrants will be sent a link to join online. 

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

One of the joys of growing native plants is being able to share them with family, neighbors, and friends, helping to spread the availability of native habitat throughout the community. But if we're new to native plants (or gardening), we may not feel confident about when and how to dig them up or divide them! 

In this program, certified Virginia Master Naturalist Sheryl Smith will share practical knowledge and tips for dividing different types of native plants--useful information whether we are building out new beds in our own yards or preparing for a plant share! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!