During times of turmoil, it is inspiring to see how the Wild Ones community pulls together to support one another. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, we have received numerous inquiries from members and chapters asking how they can help those affected.
The road to recovery will be long, but there are many ways to make a difference now.
These links have been provided by members and chapters. If you know of other reputable ways that people can help, feel free to email information and links to [email protected].
Our national office is working to maintain communication with chapter leaders in the hardest-hit areas to assess needs and offer support. If your chapter is in a position to provide resources, share best practices, or connect with nearby chapters, please let us know by contacting [email protected].
There are a variety of ways that our members and chapters can help, including:
- Sharing requests for support from those impacted or those working directly with them is a great low-effort way for your chapter to support relief efforts. Remember to take a moment to evaluate any fundraisers or other calls for support to ensure they are coming from a reputable source.
- Fundraising campaigns to support relief efforts can help provide funds necessary for recovery. Reminder: fundraisers must be done in accordance with Wild Ones policies and procedures to ensure the organization maintains compliance with national, state, and local regulations.
- Connect with local chapters that have been impacted to offer support. This could include volunteer opportunities, offering temporary storage space, coordinating for alternative locations or opportunities for chapter activities, etc. The recovery process will take years, and over time the needs of communities will continue to change. By building relationships with other chapters in your area you can provide the support needed when the time is right.
- Connect with members utilizing tools such as the Wild Ones Native Plants (members-only Facebook) Group. This is a great way to share information, offer resources, and keep connected during the recovery process.
We encourage our community to stay connected and lend a hand wherever possible. Together, we can help those affected by these storms rebuild and recover.
We recognize that recovery efforts following natural disasters must not only address immediate needs but also consider long-term environmental sustainability. This is why we are committed to advancing the role of climate-resilient native landscapes in rebuilding efforts. By promoting the use of native plants in restoration and recovery, we can help reduce the vulnerability of communities to future climate-related events.
Through education, advocacy, and collaborative action, Wild Ones aims to empower our chapters and communities to make meaningful, lasting contributions to ecological health and climate resilience.
Together, we can help restore the earth’s natural systems and ensure a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.