Chapters in Ohio

A monthly meeting to discuss chapter business.

https://www.sanduskylib.org/

We invite you to our Wild Ones Greater Cleveland monthly chapter meeting!

Topic: A Tale of Fall Colors with Ray Stewart

When we think of fall color in the landscape we naturally think of tree leaves that transition from summer green into all shades of yellow, red and purple. It is a delight to be enjoyed across much of Eastern North America where deciduous trees dominate the natural landscape. But, there are other sources of color and texture from native perennials that should be considered as you plan your native garden. There is a rich variety of fall blooming native perennials and some examples vines, shrubs and perennials that enhance the color palette of our landscape. Let’s look at a few.

Our host and education presenter will be Ray Stewart (Community Science Chair, Lorain County Community Regional Coordinator, and WOGC Board Director) 

Ray's bio:

Ray Stewart is a retired public school science teacher from Amherst in Lorain County, Ohio. Before teaching, he worked in the ‘Green Industry’ in garden centers, nurseries and as a landscape manager. He is the founder and past president of Ohio Wetlands Association (OWA). He now serves as the OWA Wetland Ambassador. Recently the iNaturalist web app has designated Ray as an iNaturalist Ambassador. Ray founded a non-profit landscape design and consultation firm, Webbedfoot Designs, Inc., that turns its proceeds toward public pollinator gardens. His role here is Lead Designer. He also runs a small native plant nursery out of his home. He is a trained Botanist, Certified Master Rain Gardener, and a Certified Pollinator Steward.

Ray is currently serving as the Lorain County Regional Coordinator for Greater Cleveland Wild Ones. He is a frequent speaker at community organizations and other public outreach events.

Join us for a social in the Notso Grimm Garden, with light refreshments.  In classic Grimm fairy tales, travelers wander dark forests unsure of what lies ahead. In the Notso Grimm garden, the story unfolds differently.  Wander the paths to see where pollinators, birds, and native plants find a welcoming home. 

From our host:

I can’t change the world, but I can change my yard. Cliché, yes… But it is what I believe. Surrounded by green carpet with no benefit whatsoever to our ecosystem, I decided I would make my yard the neighborhood “garden bed.” Starting with the front, I took out all the grass and laid paths upon cardboard and mulch. Then I started planting. At first, I was standard with lots of hostas. I still have an over abundance of them and always will. But I needed something for the other seasons, so bushes started coming in. Height and texture (and I admit, clearance) drove me in my selections. I am also a big buyer of natives through our local extensions, but I needed something more immediate than seedlings. Evergreens are my basics, with showier bedazzlers around and under them. 

Join naturalist and Dayton Area Wild Ones board member Mandy at Hills and Dales Metropark in Kettering to hike the wetland boardwalk trail.  This is listed as a best birding area, so bring your binoculars!  Park at the PawPaw Camp.  No reservation is required, and the event is cancelled in inclement weather.

Make a bee watering station and learn how to support pollinators' needs. This event will include a presentation as well