Events

Native plants are the foundation of habitat, but wildlife need more than food to thrive. Join ecologist and Certified Wildlife Biologist Shaun McCoshum, PhD, to explore how nesting sites, shelter, water, soil conditions, and other often-overlooked resources can transform a yard into a functioning ecosystem that supports biodiversity year-round.

This is an open-ended, participant-driven  monthly conversation focused on learning from one another.  Sharon Groh, SWIL Wild Ones President will facilitate the discussion.  Topics may include sharing resources, success stories, lessons learned from trials and errors, and planning directions the group would like to explore.

Whether you're just getting started or well into your restoration journey, we hope you'll join us.

Zoom link will be sent when you register.

Because distance often keeps members from attending monthly programs, we're offering a relaxed new way to connect.  Join us for casual conversation about native plants, gardens, birds, and pollinators - just good company and shared ideas.  Let's learn from one another - no program.  Just conversation. 

Members cover their own food and drinks.

September Discussion Group

Topic: TBD

Locaton: TBD

TBD

What does it really take to turn a conventional lawn into a thriving native meadow? Join Owner & Principal, New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), Sara Weaner Cooper for a candid look at her family's ongoing lawn-to-meadow transformation featured in The New York Times and BBC. Drawing from three years of hands-on experience, Sara will share the methods, lessons learned, successes, and challenges of converting turfgrass into a dynamic native plant community. Participants will gain practical insights into site preparation, planting, management, and the ecological principles that guide successful meadow establishment, along with realistic expectations for how these landscapes evolve over time.

Registration link coming soon.

This is an open-ended, participant-driven  monthly conversation focused on learning from one another.  Sharon Groh, SWIL Wild Ones President will facilitate the discussion.  Topics may include sharing resources, success stories, lessons learned from trials and errors, and planning directions the group would like to explore.

Whether you're just getting started or well into your restoration journey, we hope you'll join us.

Zoom link will be sent when you register.

Because distance often keeps members from attending monthly programs, we're offering a relaxed new way to connect.  Join us for casual conversation about native plants, gardens, birds, and pollinators - just good company and shared ideas.  Let's learn from one another - no program.  Just conversation. 

Members cover their own food and drinks.

October Discussion Group

Topic: TBD

Locaton: TBD

Garden gathering at members home.

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

This is an open-ended, participant-driven  monthly conversation focused on learning from one another.  Sharon Groh, SWIL Wild Ones President will facilitate the discussion.  Topics may include sharing resources, success stories, lessons learned from trials and errors, and planning directions the group would like to explore.

Whether you're just getting started or well into your restoration journey, we hope you'll join us.

Zoom link will be sent when you register.

November Discussion Group

Topic: TBD

Locaton: TBD

 Annual meeting including……

Snacks/Potluck--Your chapter will provide beverages and serving items, you are welcome to bring a nibble, dish or dessert to share. 

Seed and Garden Swap--please bring your native seeds labeled with the botanical and common name, place and date collected.  Gently used garden tools or materials/books/magazines that may need a new home are welcome as well. 

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.