For many, 2018 has been a challenging year, with the tragic loss of life and the destruction of homes. However, in many ways, it has also been a year of hope.

Recent studies have shown that Wild Ones’ work is making a difference in our environment. The number of reported monarch roosts increased this year, and the estimated numbers of monarchs noted by monitoring groups was the highest in the past several years. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service just released a notice that the rusty patched bumble bee continues its slow but steady rebound after declining by 87% in the last 20 years. We are truly thankful for these promising reports.

“Bee and Butterfly” by Paula Altekruse, 2018 Photo Contest Third Place – Pollinators

We can’t stop now. A report released in November by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine shows native plant communities are the most promising weapons against climate change. Pollinator action is still in crisis, with mortality rates for many bee species remaining high due in part to pesticide poisoning and loss of habitat. Without these pollinators, the world’s food supply cannot be maintained. There is much work yet to be done by Wild Ones. We cannot continue to do this work without the generous support of people like YOU!

All of us at Wild Ones are thankful for our supporters, who enable us to educate people about the importance of native plants. Every day, our members are sharing the news that native plants make a real difference in the environment. Each person, from our charter members to our newest donors, is making a positive impact on the environment. Home gardens, schoolyards, parks, businesses, farms, and roadside plantings – every native plant in the ground helps. We are thankful for every landscape, large or small, that utilizes native plants.

Thank you for your continued support of Wild Ones, its mission, and the environment. It only takes one milkweed to be a home for a monarch caterpillar. Have you planted yours yet?