Events

At this meeting the Board will establish/adjust the planned schedule of meetings and events for the upcoming year. 

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. 

Come learn about the bird of which Henry David Thoreau wrote, “it carries the sky on his back.”

This in-person presentation by Virginia Bluebird Society President Valerie Kenyon Gaffney may just lead to a bluebird nest box in your backyard and a plastic shoebox of mealworms tucked among the fresh produce in your refrigerator.

The Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter also will have handouts available profiling RVA-area native plants that help support bluebirds.

As winter begins to loosen its grip, gardeners are planning and beginning preparations for the 2024 growing seasons. In this Zoom session, chapter officers will briefly talk about their own plans and preparations for creating new beds or integrating new plantings into existing native plant landscapes. Members of the public are welcome to join chapter members during this online gathering to participate in open discussion and Q&A. 

Members of the public may request a meeting invitation/link by contacting the Chapter at [email protected].

Growing native plants from seed? This presentation is for you! Join USDA Private Lands Biologist Bob Glennon to learn about how to determine which species are native in your part of Greater RVA using the Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora; how to  determine soil drainage on your site and developing appropriate mixes of native seeds; how to supplement seeded plants with potted plants. Also covered will be  native seed vendors; site preparation and seeding procedures; and managing common weed problems.  

Notes on parking: 
Free parking should be available on-street near the main library on the weekends (most metered spots are free on weekends). A surface lot is available at 1st and E. Grace Streets and a parking deck at 2nd and E. Franklin Streets. Do not use the parking spaces in the lot behind the library, which are permit-only. Bicycle lanes have been added to East Franklin Street and the library provides bike racks for your convenience. "Spotangels.com" offers a useful (and free) online map that also can help plan parking. 

Many people would like to plant native plants in their yards but don't have a lot of space. This presentation by certified Virginia master naturalist Sheryl Smith will highlight Virginia native plants that stay small and spread slowly.

Plants discussed will include mostly perennial flowers, with some grasses, ferns, and shrubs. There will be a handout with a description of each plant: what pollinators and baby butterflies/moths it supports, how to grow it, how big it gets, etc.

The Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter will record the presentation for later posting online, and a hybrid (online) option is available for persons who wish to attend via Zoom. When registering to reserve a place, please select the in-person option (up to 40 seats are available) or the hybrid/online option.  

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. 

For members and "Plus Ones!"

Members--Please RSVP "Yes" to [email protected] by Wednesday, April 3 if you plan to attend, and indicate if you are bringing "Plus Ones." The chapter will email directions for meeting at the trailhead to those who have RSVPd. 

Event Description: 
    Join our early spring plant walk for chapter members and "plus one" guests, led by Environmental Scientist Joey Thompson. On this walk, we will look for various spring ephemerals, ferns, and other native plants--we may even find some black cohosh. Binoculars and plant identification apps (like the Flora of Virginia App or iNaturalist) are not required, but you are encouraged to bring and use them, as they may add to your enjoyment. Please note that some parts of the trail may be swampy/muddy! It’s best to wear boots, hiking shoes, or other sturdy footwear.  We plan to go forward with the walk rain or shine, barring severe weather. We will gather beginning at 9:45 a.m. to start the walk promptly at 10:00. Carpooling with your "Plus Ones" will help make the most of parking by the trailhead.  

To whet your appetite, here are links to descriptions of the park: 

https://rictoday.6amcity.com/city/know-your-city-larus-park-richmond-va

https://gohikevirginia.com/larus-park/

We look forward to exploring the park together!  

Each year, the Board will meet in January, April, July, and October, to oversee planning and execution of chapter activities and events. The January meeting will primarily address updating planning and scheduling of events for the coming year. At the October Board meeting, which follows the September elections, the outgoing Board will meet with/orient the incoming Board. At the April and July meetings the Board will make any adjustments needed and consider new activities/events that can be worked into the schedule. When necessary, additional Board meetings may be organized by the Chapter Officers. 

Have you ever wanted to ask questions of a landscape designer who works with native plants? 

Join Wild Ones for an evening program with four local experts who design landscapes using native plants.

Our panelists will open the program with a brief discussion of key aspects about working with clients in the Richmond area. The second half of the program will be devoted to discussion with a Q&A format. Wild Ones  members have submitted some questions in advance to help kick off the Q&A. If you plan to attend and would also like to submit a question in advance, please send your question to [email protected] by May 15 and we will share it with the panel. Guests will also be able to ask questions during the second half of the program. 

Our panelists are:
--Kaity Bevenour of Parallel Nursery
--Kat Cox of RVA Homegrown Natives,
--Stacey Moulds of Domestica Landscapes and Local Ecotype Richmond Natives, and
--Lydia Nichols of Greenwitch Gardens and Native Plants 

Chapter members and registered guests will be sent a Zoom link a few days before the program. Members of the public also welcome to attend this Zoom presentation and are encouraged to register now through Ticketleap.  There is no charge for registering or attending this program. 

If you have questions, please contact the Chapter at [email protected]. 

Speaker Diane Moxley combines her passions for gardening, art, and photography with a talent for public speaking in this presentation, which shows us how we, too, can create habitats that are functional, practical, and beautiful. As a Riverine Master Naturalist, Diane regularly contributes to outreach and education for the public. She helped create the Rain Garden at Bellemeade Park, and at her own home she has created an award-winning example of habitat gardening “plus.” In this presentation, Diane shows and describes techniques we all can use to incorporate native plantings into beautiful landscapes with flair and creativity.

Tickets are free, but seating capacity is limited--please register to ensure you have a spot for this exciting program!  Register here:
https://wild-ones-greater-richmond-virginia-chapter.ticketleap.com/how-to-create-your-own-wildlife-oasis-at-home/

This in-person event will not be recorded.   

Palestine and Patagonia seem worlds apart, but there are some similarities among the differences. Chapter Vice President Robin Allman will share plants, but not politics, from both regions in her presentation on “Plants of Palestine and Patagonia: Yalla! Vámonos!”*

We’ll look at some native plant communities and efforts at conservation in Palestine, Chile, and Argentina. Travel without having to pack your bags, and join us!

*”Let’s go!” In Arabic and Spanish

Members of the public who would like to attend this presentation are encouraged to request a meeting invitation/link by contacting the Chapter at [email protected]. 

With prior permission from the speaker(s), presentations may be recorded for distribution to registered attendees or later posting online. 

Quarterly Board Meeting at which the Board reviews and adjusts plans that were approved for the year in January. Members are always welcome to attend Chapter Board meetings.  

This chapter meeting will open with some chapter business, including an introduction of the slate of candidates for our first election. Ballots for the election will be made available to chapter members shortly before September's Annual Meeting, during which which the election will be finalized.

This meeting will also include a brief update on calendar items including tabling, plant walks, and other chapter events lined up for the balance of 2024, followed by a brief, pre-recorded presentation about Wild Ones that focuses on resources available to members from the national organization and the chapter. 

The final part of the meeting will be devoted to open "Garden Talk" among the members, allowing time for conversation about our plants and plans as summer draws toward a close. 

This meeting will be for members only.

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. 

This our chapter's formal Annual Chapter Meeting and will be recorded. 

The business portion of the meeting will include finalizing the election of officers and board members for 2025 and recording of members' votes on any additional items that were included on this year's ballot. 

Following the business meeting, current Chapter President Sharon Lamberton will give a presentation about using various features available in the Flora of Virginia App.  

This meeting will be for members only. 

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. 

Winter sowing is a wonderful way to expand our native plant gardens. In this timely workshop, participants will learn how to collect, prepare, and sow native plant seeds for Winter propagation as well as how to care for them from seedling to soil. 

Presenter Chris Migliaccio will bring and demonstrate use of all relevant materials and will have seeds of up to a dozen straight native species to give away (as supplies last). Participants who wish to bring seeds home should bring a Sharpie (or similar marker) and several sealable plastic snack-size bags or letter-size envelopes. We will have a few extras on hand if you forget.

In lieu of printed handouts, a PDF file with photos and text describing the protocals and setup will be shared digitally with all registered participants the day after the workshop. We will also post the PDF to our chapter website on the “Topics” page.

Registration is free, but seating is limited--please register today! 

Quarterly Chapter Board Meeting. At this meeting the outgoing Board provides an orientation to new Board members and officially transfers planning duties to the newly elected Board, which will have its first scheduled meeting in January. The outgoing officers remain responsible for completing the SOTC reports for the year in which they held office. Members are always welcome to attend Chapter Board meetings. 

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! 

The chapter will host a Seed Sharing event and an autumn garden tour for chapter members and "plus ones" (interested guests of chapter members).

We're invited to tour a property in northwestern Powhatan county where the owners are replanting a wood line with native plants along with other groupings of native plants. Their method for "rewilding" will be demonstrated, plus there will be opportunities to collect seeds. Guests are encouraged to bring seeds, seedlings, and/or planting pots to share. Light refreshments will be served after the morning tour.

Since this event will take place at a private home/garden, we ask that chapter members RSVP to help the host plan for adequate seating, refreshments, etc. The property is on a private gravel road with ample parking. An invitation has been sent to chapter members, and directions to the property will be sent to those members who RSVP. 

Please join Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter as Botanist, Certified Master Naturalist, and longtime Virginia Native Plant Society member Catharine Tucker brings us to a deeper understanding of three of the biggest threats facing Virginia’s native plants today: relentless competition from invasive species, ongoing habitat destruction and fragmentation, and focusing particularly on the increasing stresses related to climate change.

Better awareness of these threats can empower each of us to engage with these challenges and pursue better stewardship not only of our own land but of the precious resources we will leave behind for generations to come. 

This free event is online only (via Zoom). It is open to the public but requires registration to receive a link to the program. Attendees will be muted during the presentation, and we ask that attendees post your questions in the chat, which will be moderated. If you register but are unable to attend live, the program will be recorded and a link to access the recording at any time during the two weeks following the event will be made available to registered attendees. 

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.

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.

This is a purely social gathering for Chapter members to celebrate their native plant gardening efforts for the year. Members are encouraged to share stories and photos of their favorite events (and plants) across the year.