Chapters in Arkansas

Join Ben Davis to discover how to transform your yard, garden, or project site into a thriving, resilient landscape using native plants. This beginner‑friendly presentation introduces the core concepts of native plant landscaping, including what makes a plant “native,” why native species matter, and how they support local ecosystems, wildlife, and long‑term sustainability. Participants will learn practical tips for selecting the right plants for their site conditions, designing with native species, preparing and maintaining native plant beds, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a homeowner, community volunteer, student, or professional taking your first steps into ecological landscaping, this session provides the foundational knowledge needed to create beautiful, low‑maintenance landscapes that benefit both people and the environment. No prior gardening experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to dig in!

Join us at GOAT LAB Brewery in Lowell, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2nd for our Spring Native Plant Sale!

Shop a huge selection of locally grown native plants from multiple trusted vendors. Transform your garden into a pollinator haven or a naturally beautiful landscape.

Wild Ones members will receive a 10% discount off their native plant purchases. Join now to take advantage of this offer: https://members.wildones.org/join/

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 2
Location: GOAT LAB Brewery, 722 S Bloomington St., Lowell, Arkansas
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What to Expect:

A wide variety of native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees.

Plants that are adapted to the Northwest Arkansas climate, requiring less water and maintenance.

Expert advice from local native plant enthusiasts.

Support for local ecosystems and pollinators.

Opportunities to learn about creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Come and find the perfect native plants to enhance your outdoor space and contribute to a healthier environment! We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Phyllis Stair of the Arkansas Master Naturalists for a guided walking tour of the native plant landscaping at the Railyard in Downtown Rogers, where thoughtful design and ecological function come together in one of the city’s most vibrant public spaces. This program highlights how native Ozark plant communities have been incorporated into an urban setting to create a landscape that is beautiful, resilient, and supportive of local wildlife.

Participants will explore a variety of planting areas showcasing prairie grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees selected for their regional significance and ecological benefits. The tour will cover topics such as the role of native plants in stormwater management, pollinator support, soil health, and reducing long-term maintenance needs. We’ll also discuss the design goals behind the project, seasonal interest across the plant palette, and practical tips for incorporating native species into home or commercial landscapes.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, designer, environmental professional, or simply curious about sustainable landscaping, this tour offers an inspiring look at how nature-based solutions can enhance community spaces and strengthen the local ecosystem.

Discover how native plants and thoughtful landscape design can work together to manage stormwater, support wildlife, and create a beautiful, functional home garden. This guided tour showcases a residential rain garden designed specifically to capture and filter runoff using hardy, regionally appropriate native species.

Participants will learn how the rain garden was planned, constructed, and maintained, with an emphasis on soil preparation, grading, plant selection, and seasonal care. The tour highlights key native plants that not only thrive in wet–dry cycles but also provide valuable habitat for pollinators and birds.

Attendees will see firsthand how the garden slows and filters stormwater, reduces erosion, and enhances overall watershed health. The program also covers practical tips for homeowners interested in installing their own rain garden, including sizing, placement, and simple techniques to improve water infiltration.

Whether you’re a gardener, homeowner, educator, or conservation enthusiast, this tour offers an engaging look at how small-scale, nature‑based solutions can make a meaningful impact right in your own backyard.

Meeting Location: Intersection of Apple Butter St. and Granny Smith Ave. in Springdale, AR 72764

Limited parking is available along the road in the residential neighborhood. Carpooling in encouraged. Please be considerate and DO NOT block any driveways, fire hydrants, or mailboxes.

During this tour, participants will explore how the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) and the City of Springdale transformed a conventional dry detention basin into a thriving ecological feature. This innovative retrofit demonstrates how stormwater infrastructure can be reimagined to support both environmental and community goals.

The site showcases the strategic use of native wetland vegetation and hydrologic modifications that extend water retention time, allowing for greater sediment and nutrient uptake. These changes not only improve water quality but also create habitat for a variety of wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in an urban setting.

Participants will learn about the design process, implementation challenges, and long-term benefits of converting traditional stormwater systems into multifunctional green spaces. The project serves as a model for integrating ecological restoration with urban planning, balancing aesthetics, habitat value, and water quality improvements in a community-friendly environment.

We may also visit other nearby locations if time allows.