Events

Meeting of the plant sale committee

The Wild Ones Root River Chapter will be hosting it's annual native plant sale from February 1 to April 2, 2023. Orders placed online during this time will need to be picked up on Saturday June 3, 2023 at Dane Hill Farm in Mt. Pleasant, WI.  Contact Joann Sustachek with any questions regarding the sale at [email protected] or cell 262-676-2456.

https://rootrivernativeplantsale.org/

We are going to have a ZOOM meeting on February 4. Danielle Bell will talk to us about the importance of the shrub layer in the landscape and then be available for an open-ended Q & A. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get some advice about native plants for your garden.

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/84475932047?pwd=YVREUHljU3BRWUZoK2xVVEhrYy9IQT09

Nan Calvert joins WGTD with Regina Harders, president of the Root River Area Chapter of Wild Ones, and Joann Sustachek, vice president and coordinator of their upcoming native plant sale.

https://www.wgtd.org/playlist/morning-show/ms-nan-calvert

Robert Ahrenhoerster (Prairie Bob), a specialist in prairie restoration and owner of Prairie Seed Source will share his slide presentation:

INSECTS IN THE PRAIRIE AND INSECT FOLKLORE 

We had a display and handouts at the Gateway Earthday Celebration Event.

Planning for set up of plant sale and installation of signage

Set up of remaining signage. Tables for checkout. Some plants

Set up of all delivered and retrieved plants.

Pickup day for purchasers of plants.

Dr. Fanning gave us a tour of her 10 acre property and explained the many steps of her renovation efforts. 

Racine City forester Matt Koepnick showed us the city gravel beds where he keeps bare root trees ordered for planting all around the city. The program has been such a success--there is a plan to double the size of the bed. While in the bed, the root systems grow and become more fibrous. This has been a great way for the city to afford significantly more trees.

Naturalist and Native Plant expert Kay McClelland led us on a prairie walk. The walk was followed by a picnic at the prairie cottage in the area.

Ed and Jen have been diligently working in their home garden. Many native plants have been incorporated over the years. This is a Member's Only event.

Meeting of members to start planning process for chapter future activities.

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. 

Kevin describe some of his landscape projects and did a great Q&A session. I believe we all learned something valuable for home landscaping with natives and for wildlife.

Wild Ones Root River Chapter had a booth for education at farmer's market. We also gave out milkweed seed pods.

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. 

Some of our members helped with a prairie burn at the home of member Diane Battisti.

Annual holiday celebration.