Across the country, Wild Ones chapters continue to bring native plants into public view through media coverage that connects local action to broader environmental goals. Through interviews, podcasts, educational programming, and public garden tours, chapters are helping more people discover how native plants support biodiversity, strengthen communities, and create healthier landscapes.
A round-up of May-July 2026 media coverage highlights how chapters are sharing expertise, inspiring stewardship, and expanding awareness of native plants across diverse audiences. Drawing on local knowledge and community partnerships, these stories demonstrate the growing visibility and influence of Wild Ones chapters nationwide.
Education: Making native plants approachable and practical
Media coverage continues to highlight how chapters help translate ecological concepts into practical action.
The Wayne County (Michigan) Chapter was featured in Your Guide to Gardening with Native Plants | Brother Nature, where chapter member Natalie Cypher guided viewers through a one-acre native prairie landscape in New Boston, Michigan. The segment explored the ecological benefits of native plants for birds, pollinators, and stormwater management while introducing viewers to regionally appropriate plants and resources for getting started at home. Local native plant nursery Michiganense Natives was also featured, highlighting the value of partnerships that make native plants more accessible to communities.
The Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Chapter was featured in One Local Organization Is Transforming How We Think About Lawns, published by Cleveland Magazine. The article included an interview with chapter president Jessica Ausnehmer, who discussed how she transformed her lawn into a biodiverse native plant habitat and later co-founded the Wild Ones Greater Cleveland Chapter. Through personal experience and community leadership, the story introduced readers to the ecological and community benefits of native landscaping.
Media voice: Trusted sources and local expertise
Chapters are increasingly recognized as trusted sources of knowledge and practical guidance.
During the Turning Space into Place – ReGen South Bend episode of the Cultivating Place podcast, host Ben Futa interviewed sustainability advocate and ReGen South Bend founder Tyler Kanczuzewski. In the conversation, the South Bend (Indiana) Chapter was recognized for providing expertise and resources on native plant selection and management as part of South Bend’s revitalization efforts. The discussion highlights the important role chapters play as community partners and sources of regionally relevant knowledge.
Similarly, the Brother Nature segment featuring the Wayne County Chapter positioned Wild Ones as a trusted resource for homeowners interested in native plants. Viewers were encouraged to learn more through the chapter, while chapter member Natalie Cypher shared practical guidance on the benefits of native plants and creating habitat-friendly landscapes.
Together, these stories reflect a broader pattern of chapters helping translate native plant concepts into accessible, actionable information for homeowners, organizations, and community leaders.
Community engagement: Demonstrating possibilities through place
Public events and garden tours continue to generate visibility for native plants while helping visitors see habitat-friendly landscaping in action.
The Greater Cleveland (Ohio) Chapter was also featured in Kendal at Oberlin to Highlight Native Landscapes During Wild Ones Greater Cleveland Garden Tour. The article spotlighted a native garden tour at Kendal at Oberlin, a continuing care retirement community that has transformed portions of its campus from turf grass into prairie, native habitat, ponds with natural riparian edges, and an arboretum. The tour demonstrated how native plants can enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create meaningful connections between people and the natural environment.
By opening landscapes to the public and sharing real-world examples of native planting success, chapters help move native gardening from concept to practice.
A growing national pattern
Together, this coverage illustrates how Wild Ones chapters are increasing awareness, engagement, and participation in the native plant movement. Whether sharing expertise through interviews, contributing to community revitalization efforts, partnering with conservation-minded organizations, or opening native landscapes for public tours, chapters are helping more people understand the value of native plants and the role they play in creating resilient ecosystems.
As local media continues to spotlight these efforts, chapters are making native plants more visible, more approachable, and more firmly rooted in communities across the country.
Want to get involved?
Find a chapter near you, attend an event, or start small at home with regionally native plants. If you are already part of a chapter, continue building connections, share what you’re learning, and make your work visible. It helps neighbors discover what’s possible and helps communities see native landscaping as the norm.
Have a media story to share?
Submit coverage links and details through the Wild Ones media coverage form:
https://members.wildones.org/media-coverage/