Chapters in Virginia

Catching or just watching twinkling fireflies (aka lightning bugs) is a pleasant memory for many of us, but more and more people report seeing fewer fireflies than they once did. Join Go Native Brandermill & Wild Ones to discover the fascinating life history of the “Jewels of the Night” -- how they communicate, how many different kinds we have in Virginia, the environmental challenges they face, and how we can help them with small changes in our personal landscape routines.
 

Guest Speaker - Xerces Ambassador & VA Master Naturalist, Rosalind Reilly.

This program is being co-hosted with “Go Native Brandermill.”

For more information or to register for this program, please write to:  
Janit @parkplanningsustainability.com

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Final description to come 
Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter will be tabling at this annual event hosted by the Henrico Master Gardener Association.  Admission is free.

Each year during this event, Master Gardeners sell plants from their gardens at discounted prices (including native plants), along with floral arrangements and gently used gardening items at the Garden Treasures table. The event also includes educational displays  and presentations from a range of sources, including master gardeners, master naturalists, and other informational exhibitors. Musical entertainment and a food truck (delicious stuff in 2024!) also are available. 

Chapter members are encouraged to attend this festival and, if you enjoy "talking native plants," to sign up for a shift at our exhibit table.  An email with signup links for upcoming volunteer opportunities will be sent to chapter members soon.  

A more detailed description of this event will be added when released by the event organizers. 

Christ Bryant, Master Gardener and Tree Steward, will describe the importance of planting trees for environmental equity as well as to keep bees happy!

The results of the Roanoke Heat Island Study with Virginia Tech changed what kind of trees the City is planting.  Climate change, bigger storms, and different rain patterns are effecting tree selection and what is recommended for streets and parks when planting trees.

Come learn about this initiative and apply this great information to your own property.

Note: In the event of RAIN the date of the tour will be changed to June 28.

Chapter members and guests (1 guest per member) are invited to register for a private tour of a lovely garden featuring a wildflower meadow.  Please note that space is limited to the first 24 registrants (including guests). To register,  use the link below and also sign the liability waiver (a link to the waiver is in the registration form).  A signed liability form is required to hold your registration.  

During the tour, we will learn how to plan, plant and maintain a native wildflower meadow for your home.A plant list will be provided and the homeowner, Dr. Priscilla Erickson,  will discuss plant selection for habitat to attract birds, pollinators & other wildlife, and how to ensure your meadow returns each year. Dr. Erickson will share "before" photos and provide guidance for using plant id apps. 

Dr. Erickson’s meadow was established in 2020 with the help of a professional native plant landscaper, and she annually adds smaller beds via the cardboard-and-mulch method. Her current plant list is at approximately 190 species of natives successfully planted, plus around 40 species naturally occurring. She added a backyard pond in 2024, and has many native emergents (and spring peepers!) We’ll see several types of bird baths and feeders in her bird-friendly yard.

Location: Richmond neighborhood five minutes from the Huguenot Bridge. Address and parking will be provided to registrants a few days before the event.

Dr. Erickson is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Richmond and guides walks with Richmond Audubon.

Please note the garden at this home is also one of the locations that will be open to the public as part of the Native Plant Garden Open House on May 10. 

Sharon Burnham, President of Wild Ones, has been developing her one-acre property into a native plant and habitat garden for over 10 years. The property has shady gardens, sunny shrub borders, a hazelnut grove, and a mixed fruit and shrub hedgerow. Habitat features include creative uses for woody debris, water features, insect habitat, and bird boxes. Sustainability features include multiple compost bins, including separate bins for composting dog waste.

Although there are areas in transition from conventional planting to native, come see over 220 native species in a real-life garden! 

We'll conclude with refreshments in a lovely courtyard garden.

Due to space limitations, we regret that we must restrict this event to members only. Join Wild Ones today at https://members.wildones.org/ Registration link to be posted in June.