In 2023, most of Bell Bowl Prairie in northern Illinois was removed for airport expansion. Conservationists salvaged its topsoil, moving it to Cedar Cliff Nature Preserve, where seeds and soil life are regenerating native plants from this rare, ancient Illinois ecosystem. Continue reading "When Advocacy Fails: Lessons from the Loss of Bell Bowl Prairie"
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"
Wild Ones members and supporters understand that native plants are essential to building resilient ecosystems and restoring biodiversity. Today, we have an urgent opportunity to ensure that the Mid-Atlantic region has the native seed supply we need to support these efforts—and we need your help before January 20th! Continue reading "Support the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank and Secure Our Native Seed Supply"
As cities around the world grapple with environmental challenges, native plant ordinances serves as an example of forward-thinking urban planning. It's a testament to what communities can achieve when they prioritize the health of their ecosystems and the well-being of their residents. Continue reading "New Jersey Gateway Chapter Leads with Native Plant Ordinance"
Pesticides contribute to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, and many negatively impact human health. Congress is currently considering two pieces of legislation that address pesticide regulation. Continue reading "Urgent Calls to Action on Pesticide Legislation"
In January, the Wild Lawyers published a model code to help address the ongoing issue of municipalities misunderstanding native plantings and their benefit to landscapes. The purpose of these model regulations is to establish codified minimum standards for the design, installation and maintenance of landscaped areas that require the use of appropriate native vegetation and […] Continue reading "What To Do When the “Weed Police” Knock on Your Door"
Join Iowa attorney and business professor Rosanne Plante as she explains what to do if the “Weed Police” knock on your door! Continue reading "Weed Ordinances with Rosanne Plante"
Yards of native landscapers generally look different. There isn’t much lawn. The shrubs aren’t trimmed into balls or cones. The perennials are all mixed up, and many get tall…very tall. So what’s the problem? Continue reading "Cues to Care: The Language of Neighborly Landscaping"
Wild Ones members make an effort to save native plants that would otherwise be destroyed by a bulldozer because of land development. This bittersweet situation provides you the opportunity to retrieve plants for your landscape. Rules vary from chapter to chapter, but a code of ethics and liability waivers are required. Following are some guidelines. […] Continue reading "Conducting a Plant Rescue"
Sharing your native garden with the media? Prepare thoughtfully. Reporters may not understand ecological landscaping, so avoid jargon, focus on key points, and offer vivid examples. Educate, inspire, and celebrate the joy your garden brings. Continue reading "Talking about your landscape? For best results, remember these points, and cut back on the jargon"
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