Chapter 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.

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.

Calling all members and nonmembers looking to have input into upcoming events, meetings, programs, projects, volunteering, etc!

Sadly, our chapter dangerously close to running out of steam and needs a refresh and input to get more involvement in GCWO. Please join us to brainstorm ideas to get on track and keep the chapter moving forward! Can you offer up your yard for a tour, give a presentation (in person or Zoom), host a planting event, host a book group, lead a public garden tour, help organize a seed exchange? Or other ideas!!

We will start with a follow-up discussion about the “From Wasteland to Wonder” text and ideas for a winter book group. Then, move to sharing ideas. Come with an open mind and a volunteer spirit!

Light snacks and beverages will be provided for in-person attendees, please RSVP to [email protected] so we can purchase an appropriate amount.

This is a hybrid event, please use the following link to access the meeting via Zoom:

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/81645514765?pwd=FVvVW6ut2JpFaq8zCilg6LtGBhHTst.1

Please use your name when joining, there will be a waiting room for admittance by a host. The host will not admit any suspiciously named accounts/ names. Nonmembers are welcome to join. By joining, you acknowledge the event will be recorded and any inappropriate conduct will result in removal. Thank you!

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.

Our fall Book Group will be “Night Magic” by Leigh Ann Henion; October 22nd will be our first group meeting. For this meet-up we will take some time to introduce ourselves and schedule our second meeting. This meeting will be in-person and on Zoom.

For this meeting, please acquire the book and read ‘section one’: Season of Inspiration (preface through page 15). Please do not plan to discuss further for those who may not have read further than page 15. 

We will then read the book in 3 more sections: 

'Section 2' Spring (pages 19-104)

'Section 3' Summer (pages 107-219)

'Section 4' Fall (pages 223-294)

Nonmembers are welcome to attend with registration. Book is required. We will cap the book group at 12 persons.

Please email [email protected] with questions.

Register via the Google Form linked below by October 20th. 

Zoom link will be provided to all registrants, as will a post meeting recording. 

Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

We will not be able to provide copies of the book; to participate you will need to acquire a copy of the book for yourself whether it be print, electronic, or audio book.

**If you would like to be part of the Book Study and this time will not work for you, please fill out the form and 

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.