Events Calendar

Two Rensselear County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners,  and Wild Ones members, give a description and tour of the native gardens and projects they have worked to develop over time.   

This event is open to non members but please register for this event. 

"A Yard & Town in Transition " Jennifer & Dennis have been slowing converting lawn to native plants, adding a little each year, (seed, plugs, and some potted plants) creating beds containing multiple layers of maturity. Their goal is to create the feel of a botanical garden. Open: 10:00AM-2:00 PM

"A Growing Cottage Style Garden" Since 2017 Kate  has been slowly been transitioning her half acre city lot to a garden that considers the needs of birds, insects and the local ecosystem into the plans for the property, with a gradual reduction of lawn.  Open: 10:00 AM-12:00PM

"A Mighty Fine Mess" Carol has both sunny and shady garden beds and water features in her rural setting , attracting pollinators and birds and doing her small part to combat climate change. Open: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM

Join our leadership team to discuss the direction of the chapter.  These monthly meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  It is a great time to present events and opportunities for the chapter.   Ideas such as networking, collaborations, lobbying, advocacy, community science/conservation/restoration projects, fundraising, demonstration gardens, invasive species removals, and any other idea you can think of are welcome.  Contact us if you would like to receive a zoom link to attend this meeting.

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. 

Saturday 24th at 10:00am Meet & Hike at the Albany Pine Bush with Dustin Mitchell.  The Albany Pine Bush is a jewel in our region, and a great place to spot native species growing in their native habitat. We should be able to see some asters in bloom this time of year, and lots of other late-summer blooms. We'll explore what we find, and practice identifying with keys and apps. The focus is on getting an idea of how some common natives like to grow, to give them a better home in our gardens. We will start in the parking lot at the discovery center at 195 New Karner Road. The walk will be short, on sandy, somewhat hilly terrain. Dress for the weather, bring water, and pack insect repellent spray or clothing - ticks are endemic! The discovery center has restrooms.

Join our leadership team to discuss the direction of the chapter.  These monthly meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  It is a great time to present events and opportunities for the chapter.   Ideas such as networking, collaborations, lobbying, advocacy, community science/conservation/restoration projects, fundraising, demonstration gardens, invasive species removals, and any other idea you can think of are welcome.  Contact us if you would like to receive a zoom link to attend this meeting.

Visit a member garden and as well as a Native Garden planted at the Bethlehem Town Hall by a number of groups, including the Bethlehem Garden Club, Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Wild Ones Members.

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. 

Sunday 22nd at 2:30pm- 5pm  Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Garden Party at Cornell Cooperative Extension Schenectady County Sustainable Living Center.  What a great 3rd year our Wild Ones chapter has had! Come celebrate our successful growth and projects at our annual Membership Appreciation event.  It will be a wonderful opportunity to mingle with members and fellow garden enthusiasts, maybe win a prize, and enjoy a special garden tour by the Schenectady County Master Gardeners. We will have refreshments and vote on our 2025 officers too.  Bring an interested friend(s): registration required to plan for appetizers.  https://forms.gle/WCAiGL9KAu6yB7FP6  

Join our leadership team to discuss the direction of the chapter.  These monthly meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  It is a great time to present events and opportunities for the chapter.   Ideas such as networking, collaborations, lobbying, advocacy, community science/conservation/restoration projects, fundraising, demonstration gardens, invasive species removals, and any other idea you can think of are welcome.  Contact us if you would like to receive a zoom link to attend this meeting.

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! 

Join our leadership team to discuss the direction of the chapter.  These monthly meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  It is a great time to present events and opportunities for the chapter.   Ideas such as networking, collaborations, lobbying, advocacy, community science/conservation/restoration projects, fundraising, demonstration gardens, invasive species removals, and any other idea you can think of are welcome.  Contact us if you would like to receive a zoom link to attend this meeting.

Join our leadership team to discuss the direction of the chapter.  These monthly meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  It is a great time to present events and opportunities for the chapter.   Ideas such as networking, collaborations, lobbying, advocacy, community science/conservation/restoration projects, fundraising, demonstration gardens, invasive species removals, and any other idea you can think of are welcome.  Contact us if you would like to receive a zoom link to attend this meeting.

Learn about the Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's newest demonstration garden funded in part by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Jeanine Sharkey about this newest San Diego native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon. 

Learn about the Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter's newest demonstration garden, funded partly by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Kate Brittenham about this newest Albany NY native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!