Events

Dr. Suzanna Joneson,PhD will discuss Lichens.

Our guest speaker is Deb McRae, former director of the Wehr Nature Center.

Deb McRae, former director of the Wehr Nature Center, will present: "How to Build a Prairie and Wild Yard in the Land of Riding Lawn Mowers"
   

Jennifer Phillips-Vanderburg from the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory will speak on Using Science to Expand the Benefits of Native Plants.
Learn about the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory’s Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Project (NHIP). This program uses social science to make it easier to utilize native plants in a variety of contexts and uses biological science to improve our understanding of how birds are affected by native plants. Dr. Jennifer Phillips-Vanderberg, Director of the Observatory, will share what has been learned so far and how the Observatory is working to expand the program in the region. She will share lessons learned about working with diverse partners with different goals, about public opinions about native plants, and the tremendous potential for expanding the benefits of native plants beyond our backyards.

Paul Sparks of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society will speak on all things related to his passion: what they are, where they are, how to attract them, and how to identify them.

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

Our speaker will be Kristi Heuser, a Storm Water Resource Consultant with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.
Her talk will cover problems with storm water runoff and how they solve those problems through their Pollinator Patch Program and their restoration program.

Eric Manges re Meteorology and Native Plants

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora.