Chapters in Ohio

Michael Keeler* will explore the benefits of winter sowing, including how it mimics natural processes to enhance seed germination, as well as practical tips on selecting native species, and creating the ideal conditions for successful growth. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to the practice, this session will provide valuable insights into cultivating a thriving, native landscape while contributing to environmental conservation.

Following Michael Keeler's presentation, we will have our annual native seed swap:

If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name to pass along. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. 

If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

*Michael Keeler is the founder and principal of Ohio Native Concepts. Michael brings a background in natural resources management and a passion for nature and community to his work creating impactful landscapes for residential and institutional clients across Central Ohio. His design approach focuses on creating spaces that connect humans to nature and improve ecological function and biodiversity. By creatively combining art with ecology, Michael creates living landscapes that are as beautiful and meaningful as they are resilient and sustainable. 

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is hosting its first SEED SWAP on Saturday January 11th!  This event is FREE and open to the public so be sure to invite friends and family!

1. BEFORE COMING: If you bring something hand-collected to swap, please label it with any important information like plant name (common and scientific) and preferred growing conditions (sun vs shade and wet vs dry).Place your bulk cleaned seeds (seeds removed from unwanted plant materials) in an envelope, pill bottle, or bag.

2. AT THE SWAP:  we will transfer the seeds to bowls and make small signs denoting the seed type/information.

3. Attendees will scoop seeds from the bowls, place the seeds in a small envelope and write the plant name on the envelope.

4. Pre-packaged seeds are welcome at the Seed Swap. We ask that guests take only what they will grow. Envelopes are available for taking smaller portions.

5. Bringing seeds is not required for attending the Seed Swap.

Click the READ MORE button to find out about harvesting, cleaning, and collecting before coming on the 11th!

In addition, WOGC needs your help in packing seeds for our 2025 Information Tables throughout Northeast Ohio.  After you're done swapping seeds, please join us to fill seed envelopes and label the envelopes while enjoying the companionship of like-minded people. 

We look forward to seeing you!

Val Scott, Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, will demonstrate for us the best practices for winter sowing of native plant seed for optimal spring germination.

This is a hands-on experience!  Participants will construct their own mini-greenhouse from clean, empty gallon milk jugs.  Growing medium will be provided and a selection of native seeds will be available.  

Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required.  

Additional details will be available in the autumn of 2024.

Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is teaming up with Stark Parks to offer this cost-effective, low-maintenance way to add native plants to your landscape!

Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique that requires just two things: miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. Join us for this informative workshop to learn more about winter sowing, and create your own mini-greenhouse of native plants to take home.  All supplies will be provided.

The Sirenz singing group has been entertaining audiences around Oxford for more than a decade.  Two members of the quartet are members of Wild Ones Miami Valley and offered to perform at a fundraiser for the chapter.  From 5-7 pm, guests are invited to purchase food and drinks from the bar, but any tips for the performers will be donated to Wild Ones.