News

News

Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators

Join Wild Ones for a free Webinar, “Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding the Roles of Native and Managed Bees in Pollination,” featuring Sam Droege, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Dave Hunter, Founder & Owner, Crown Bees; and Lora Morandin, Associate Director, Pollinator Partnership. Together, we will explore the diverse roles bees play in ecosystems, the […] Continue reading "Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators"

Announcing the 2025 Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Winners

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” — Michael Pollan Author and environmental thought leader Michael Pollan (Author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Second Nature) reminds us that a garden is more than a collection of plants—it is a place where people and nature work together. This idea perfectly […] Continue reading "Announcing the 2025 Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Winners"

A pipeline for planting passion for native habitats

Volunteers and conservationists gathered at the Nashville Zoo for a hands-on effort to support Tennessee’s native habitats. Hosted by the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), the event centered on packing bee-friendly native plant seeds for Sumner County schools, fostering future pollinator-friendly gardens while showcasing the power of community action, education, and local partnerships. Continue reading "A pipeline for planting passion for native habitats"

Layer by Layer

When designing a native plant garden, layering is key to building beauty, structure, and habitat—just like in nature. Forests are perfect examples of layered ecosystems, with towering canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover all working together to support wildlife. By applying these natural layers to your garden, you can create a thriving, […] Continue reading "Layer by Layer"

January 2025 Native Plant News

January Native Plant News highlights the ongoing challenges facing native plants, from herbicide drift impacting species like green needlegrass to invasive grasses fueling California wildfires. Learn about Ohio's new native seed sharing bill, efforts to restore Texas’ Ann & Roy Butler Trail, and the dangers of heavenly bamboo to birds in North Carolina. Continue reading "January 2025 Native Plant News"

Winter Planning

Winter is more than just a time of dormancy – it’s the perfect season to reflect, plan, and shape your garden for the year ahead. As snow reveals the bare structure of the landscape, gardeners can evaluate what needs pruning, where to add native plants, and how to enhance spaces for wildlife. Thoughtful winter planning […] Continue reading "Winter Planning"

How Art Can Advocate for Native Plant Conservation

Art has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, and in the world of conservation, it serves as a voice for native plants and biodiversity. From ancient botanical illustrations to community murals and public installations, artists have captured the beauty of native plants while advocating for their protection. As ecosystems face increasing threats from habitat […] Continue reading "How Art Can Advocate for Native Plant Conservation"

Book Review: The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger

Discover The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoë Schlanger – a groundbreaking exploration of plant intelligence that challenges long-held scientific biases. From plants responding to sound and touch to their surprising ability to communicate and cooperate, Schlanger’s research reveals the hidden complexity of plant life. This fascinating journey through the world of botany, ecology, and human curiosity reshapes how we view the natural world. Perfect for gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the secrets plants hold. Continue reading "Book Review: The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger"

December 2024 Native Plant News

December Native Plant News highlights how Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) from North Carolina continues its legacy as the White House Christmas tree, while monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) face new protections under the Endangered Species Act. Discover the rush to preserve California’s sky islands, safeguarding rare plants like Orocopia sage (Salvia greatae) and Munz’s cholla (Cylindropuntia munzii), and learn how Madison, WI, is combatting flash floods with native rain gardens. From living shorelines in Mississippi to invasive threats like yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) in Idaho, this month’s stories reveal how native plants are at the forefront of conservation and ecological restoration. Continue reading "December 2024 Native Plant News"