Chapters in Kentucky

We'll gather at Franklin's Monarch Waystation (created and maintained by the Franklin-Simpson Garden Club since 2011) to view the plants, design, and artwork.  (Parking is available on nearby streets and on the town square.)  Afterwards, we'll walk to Mill House Cafe (126 N. Main Street in Franklin) for some refreshments and to talk about native plants.  

After a tour of Franklin's Monarch Waystation, we'll gather at Mill House Cafe (126 N. Main Street in Franklin) for some refreshments and to talk about native plants.   Parking is available on the town square and nearby streets. 

Rob Paratley leads a fascinating discussion over the chemical actions of plants and fungi, describing how they protect themselves to enhance survival and how they benefit themselves and us. He will give a summary of herbal actions on what medicinal plants do to restore our balance and health.

Rob was a professor at the University of Kentucky for a number of years where he taught plant related courses such as Plant Taxonomy (classification of plants), Dendrology (the study of trees), Winter Dendrology, and Economic Botany. He also led a summer study abroad program to Costa Rica for 10 years teaching tropical ecology and related environmental issues for students studying Natural Resources.

Rob has been recognized for his teaching excellence and in 2018 received the UK Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Award. Rob loves teaching and is active in the programs offered through the Arboretum, Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, Lexington Tree Week, and other venues.

Tour the beautiful native landscape of one of our Wild Ones SOKY members, right here in Bowling Green, on Saturday, August 15, 10–11 a.m. Lizabeth's property is recognized as a Wild Ones Certified Native Plant Habitat, a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, and a registered Homegrown National Park. Her property showcases a massive variety of native plants which she adds to every year. Any native plant enthusiast will draw inspiration from her thoughtful landscaping choices which aim to provide habitat for native fauna.

Attendees are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds at their own pace or join the guided tour led by Lizabeth starting at 10:15 a.m. She will share information about the plants and the choices she’s made for her property, offering practical inspiration you can take home to your own backyard. Whether you are starting from scratch, or looking to integrate some new native species into your existing garden, this short morning tour is the perfect opportunity to see conservation in action.

Attendees must register for this event and will receive the address of the garden tour in their confirmation email. 

From University of Kentucky Entomology Department, with his wit and passion Larson is joining us once again by diving into the world of insects to tell us about those bugs that are good in our urban landscape.