Events

We have canceled the in-person meetup--but it is still possible to enjoy an informal gathering with fellow Wild Ones this Saturday, January 11, to kick off the new year! 

Just drop into the Zoom anytime between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. to meet new gardening friends, talk native plants (or other stuff), and chat with available chapter officers about what YOU would like to do and learn with Wild Ones Greater Richmond Chapter this year. 

Chapter members have been sent a link for the Zoom session by email. 

During this members-only event, chapter members will view and discuss Wild Ones' August 2024 national webinar on “Matrix Landscape Design,” presented by landscape designer and educator Benjamin Vogt.  

The matrix planting approach 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.  

Chapter members will receive an email invitation to attend this Zoom meeting a few days before the event. Members of the public also can access and view this and other recorded webinars hosted by Wild Ones by going to the organization's You Tube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/wildonesnativeplants).  

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

You're invited to join our chapter's inaugural Book Club meeting and book discussion!  

Please join Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter Book Club on February 27 to discuss our first book: Wildscape: Trilling Chipmunks, Beckoning Blooms, Salty Butterflies, and other Sensory Wonders of Nature, by Nancy Lawson (the "Humane Gardener.") 

Book Club meetings are open both to members and to members of the public. To sign up for the meeting, simply “RSVP” by sending a message to the chapter gmail ([email protected]), “Attention Janit.” The chapter will send you the Zoom link and discussion questions by return email. 

Happy reading!

Incorporating native plants into our urban and suburban landscapes is a beautiful way to support wildlife. And growing native plants from seed and containerized plants can allow home gardeners to access a wider palette of native plants affordably! 

In this followup to 2024's "Establishing Native Plants from Seeds," USDA Private Lands Biologist Bob Glennon will hone in on what's important for people with smaller urban and suburban landscapes to know about growing native plants from seed.

Please register to reserve a seat through Ticketleap at the link provided. The venue can accommodate up to 40 people. 

Description updated to reflect additional content the speaker has incorporated into the presentation! 

Join Lauren Taylor, executive director of the Blue Ridge PRISM, for an informative evening about invasive plants that is tailored to homeowners. Many of us are aware of the ecological harm that is done by invasive plants--but it can be hard for us to feel confident about recognizing them, setting priorities about which species to tackle first, or understanding how to safely and effectively remove and dispose of them.  

In this program, Ms. Taylor will walk us through the importance of protecting tree canopy and discuss which invasive plants are considered “five-alarm fire” species here in Central Virginia. We'll also learn about resources and tools we can turn to for accurate information and guidance as we grapple with invasive plant species on our own properties.  

Tickets for this event are free but registration through Ticketleap (link below) is requested so we can send you the correct Zoom link and/or contact you if it becomes necessary to reschedule. 
 

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!