News

Major Environmental Agencies Facing Budget Cuts in FY2026

Posted on May 15th, 2025 | Advocacy

Wild Ones remains steadfast in our mission to promote biodiversity and sustainable native landscaping practices. As new legislative proposals and policy discussions emerge at local, state, and federal levels, our members and chapters are naturally eager to voice their support or concerns. We are currently developing a national advocacy framework to better support and equip […] Continue reading "Major Environmental Agencies Facing Budget Cuts in FY2026"

Native Plants Planted Right: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Posted on May 13th, 2025Jun 27, 2025 | Wild Ones Presents

Looking to create a more sustainable yard, reduce lawn maintenance, or build a pollinator-friendly garden? Start with native plants! As part of the Less Lawn More Life Challenge, Wild Ones is thrilled to share a webinar for native plant newcomers: “Native Plants Planted Right: A Practical Guide for Beginners,” hosted by Wild Ones Board President, […] Continue reading "Native Plants Planted Right: A Practical Guide for Beginners"

Champion Trees: A Celebration of Giants

By Jennifer Milakovic | Posted on May 12th, 2025Aug 12, 2025 | General

Many of us have fond memories of a favorite tree from childhood- one that provided shade on a hot day, a sturdy trunk to climb, or a quiet place to sit and dream. Trees have long held symbolic meaning in our lives, from the “Tree of Life” to “Our Family Tree” and “Our Roots.” The […] Continue reading "Champion Trees: A Celebration of Giants"

How to Plant Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) From Seed

Posted on May 2nd, 2025Sep 9, 2025 | General

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial wildflower native to eastern and central North America. It is well known for its role as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing essential food for their development. Continue reading "How to Plant Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) From Seed"

April 2025 Native Plant News

Posted on Apr 23rd, 2025Jun 10, 2025 | Native Plant News

April Native Plant News journeys through resilience, restoration, and rediscovery. In Rhode Island, the Norman Bird Sanctuary burns invasive plants to rebuild critical grassland habitat. Wyoming celebrates Native Plant Month with student art and community plantings, while Iowa students help launch the state’s largest Miyawaki forest. A global biodiversity study introduces the concept of “dark diversity,” revealing hidden losses—and opportunities to restore what’s missing. From Georgia’s ethnobotanical gardens preserving Indigenous knowledge, to Canada’s large-scale native plant rescues, communities are taking action. Plus, meet spring’s earliest bloomer—the skunk cabbage—and learn why Amur honeysuckle has to go. Continue reading "April 2025 Native Plant News"

Wild Ones & Michigan Audubon: Partnering for Native Plants and Birds

Posted on Apr 22nd, 2025Jun 10, 2025 | Partners

Wild Ones is excited to announce a new partnership with Michigan Audubon, a like-minded organization dedicated to bird conservation through habitat restoration and education. With 13 Wild Ones chapters across Michigan, we see firsthand how native plants play a crucial role in supporting birds and other wildlife. By working together, we can amplify our shared […] Continue reading "Wild Ones & Michigan Audubon: Partnering for Native Plants and Birds "

The Tragedy of the Hyacinth

By Dylan Lettinga | Posted on Apr 21st, 2025Aug 12, 2025 | Rethink The Garden Icons

What if we stopped planting imported ornamentals by default? This blog unpacks the colonial roots of garden icons like the hyacinth—and offers powerful native alternatives that restore spring ephemerals, honor Indigenous knowledge, and reconnect our yards to North American ecosystems. Continue reading "The Tragedy of the Hyacinth"

Wild Ones & Nurture Natives: A Powerful Partnership for the Future

Posted on Apr 15th, 2025Apr 17, 2025 | Partners

At Wild Ones, we believe that connecting people and native plants is the key to a healthier planet. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nurture Natives, an inspiring youth-led nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy and biodiversity restoration. This collaboration, started with the Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter, will bring together […] Continue reading "Wild Ones & Nurture Natives: A Powerful Partnership for the Future"

Growing Minds and Gardens: The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening with Native Plants

Posted on Apr 14th, 2025Mar 23, 2025 | General

Gardening with native plants boosts kids’ mental health, encourages outdoor play, and builds a lasting connection to nature. From supporting local wildlife to practicing mindfulness, native plant gardens offer hands-on learning and emotional growth. Discover how to turn your backyard into a powerful tool for youth well-being and environmental stewardship. Continue reading "Growing Minds and Gardens: The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening with Native Plants"

Member Garden: Time-Warped Gardens

By Rose Rankin | Posted on Apr 7th, 2025Aug 12, 2025 | Member Garden

With an acre nestled in the gentle hills of an unincorporated area north of Chicago, Kathy Hamill and her partner, Teece Bowman, could have left their property to be just another massive lawn. But thanks to an epiphany that came with a volunteer project in their neighborhood, they decided to restore their landscape to a […] Continue reading "Member Garden: Time-Warped Gardens"

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