Events

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall  Kimmerer book discussion

Covering different methods of starting native plants from seeds and hardwood cuttings.  Presented by Sam Dublo.

Sam is a student at Lewis and Clark Community College transferring to SIUE majoring in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. He is an amateur botanist and owner of Sam’s Native Nursery and Restoration services where he grows and sells over 150 species of local ecotype native plants.

In this special collaboration, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author, botanist, and founder of Plant Baby Plant, joins youth leader and Nurture Natives founder Esther Bonney for an intergenerational conversation about belonging, reciprocity, and native plant action. 

Together, they will explore questions such as:

How do we create opportunities for young people to have a voice and feel empowered, even when they are not homeowners or decision makers?What kinds of relationships and mentorships help people stay engaged in native plant work over decades?Why do stories, shared practices, and community invitations matter just as much as plant lists?

Robin and Esther will reflect on what invites people into this work, what keeps them here, and what elders and youth have to teach each other.

Join us at Wild Things 2026 for an exciting lineup of workshops, presentations, and sessions from regional and national experts, plus meet & greets, video content, exhibitors, sponsors, and more! 

In February we will be discussing the article “Is Your Yard Undergrown?”

https://www.humanegardener.com/is-your-yard-undergrown-not-overgrown/

Does dreaming of spring wildflowers get you through the cold dark winter? Get ready for the warmer weather and growing season by learning to recognize and appreciate the early spring wildflowers of the St. Louis area in their natural habitats. We’ll cover identification and interesting facts about these spring bloomers. No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow, so be ready to enjoy the flowers when it arrives.

Our upcoming webinar with Basil Camu explores practical, evidence based ways to heal suburban and urban landscapes by working with trees, soil, and natural systems, drawing on real world practices from Leaf & Limb and community centered models for restoring life where we live, work, and play.!  

March discussion will be about the book "Hidden Life of Trees (Peter Wohlleben)

Will meet at pavilion #2,  (turn left after tennis courts towards Hattie Horner's Kiddie Korral and park at pavilion)

Learn how to identify Illinois native trees in the winter, using their branches and bark as a guide.  Michelle Berg will lead this field gathering at Horner Park in Lebanon, IL.

Wild Ones member, Sharon Geils, has completed a tree identification and mapping project at Horner Park - a map and a list of identified trees will be part of the program.

This will be an outdoor gathering, so dress for the weather and be prepared to walk.

Will meet at pavilion #2,  (turn left after tennis courts towards Hattie Horner's Kiddie Korral and park at pavilion)

Join Joey Santore, creator of Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t, for a candid Wild Ones National Webinar examining how inherited garden aesthetics shape native plant landscapes. Drawing on field experience and real ecology, Joey challenges tidy design norms and explores why dense, irregular plant communities are often the most resilient and ecologically sound.

This year's workshop will highlight the vast ecological and community benefits that native prairie plantings bring to our region, while inspiring and equipping participants with important information need to become purposeful prairie planters.  Throughout this half-day event, participants will hear from speakers with first-hand experience establishing,, stewarding, and advocating for diverse prairie plantings, from small-scale residential projects to hundreds of acres of land.

SWIL Wild Ones  table volunteers are asked by event host to be registered for the workshop. Please review the available slots at SignUp Genius  link sent by email to members.

This event is a component of the annual OpenSpace STL Confluence Trash Bash on April 11, 2026 hosted by Open Space STL, the Audubon Center at Riverlands, and The Army Corps of Engineers.  The clean up is from 8:30 am - 11:30 am.  The Passport to Clean Water is from 11 am - 2 pm.  The day features free food, drinks, and activities for the whole family!

SWIL Wild Ones members are encouraged to sign up for available slots using the SignUp Genius link sent to members by chapter email on 3/15/2026.

In honor of John Muir's birthday this month, participants find and read something of their choice by or about John Muir

Member Betsy Parks will lead a guided walk sharing insights and pointing out spring ephemerals along the route.  Dress for the weather and bring a walking stick if you'd like.

https://www.facebook.com/events/800786366101273

 Hosts for this public event are the Audubon Center at the Riverlands and USACE River Project. Several organizations will be sharing family-friendly presentations and activities.  SWIL Wild Ones will be sharing a table with the STL and St. Charles chapters to provide education and kid-friendly activities.  Materials will be available for volunteers.

Please review the available slots at the SignUp Genius  link sent by email to members. 

Join us at Sam's Native Nursery and Restoration Services.

Tour and discussion on the transformation from golf course to prairie meadow. Talk about different native plant demonstration garden areas and highlight some species.

Jim Rubenstein will be hosting July's garden gathering.

Privat tour at the Peter H Raven Library  Missouri Botanical Garden , divided mostly between the Rare Book Room and the Library Conservation Lab the first hour then we will see the Herbarium. 

The full tour will last and hour and half.

Details coming soon! 

Carlee Hawkins will be hosting July's garden gathering.

Details coming soon! 

 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. 

Details coming soon!