Chapters in Wisconsin

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026psc/event/psc2026/

Feb-April zoom classes to get certified as a POLLINATOR STEWARD:

Make a positive difference for pollinators, people, and the planet. 

 Topics include an introduction to the world of pollinators, how they live and thrive, threats to pollinators, and how we all can help. Details will be provided on habitat creation for pollinators in many landscapes including home gardens, parks, rights-of-way, and agricultural landscapes. Additional information on pollinator identification and how to share your knowledge through community outreach will be provided. 

 This course is ideal for home gardeners, land managers (large and small), farmers, organizations, government departments, and anyone who wants to do more to support pollinators. Join the growing community of Certified Pollinator Stewards!

Establishing & Managing Native Plant Communities
Instructors: Shannon Davis-Foust and Mel Mohr
Format: In person
Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9:00am-3:30pm
Location: UW Oshkosh Campus
Core Course (6 hours)

Description: The first half of this course will be on the basic essentials to starting a native planting; including an understanding of native plants, how to determine appropriate species for a site, site preparation, planting, and maintenance. The second half of the course will cover identifying weed problems, prioritizing weed species and resolving weed issues in a new or existing prairie. Learn how to differentiate between a weedy plant species and an invasive plant species and how to determine the need to take immediate action for one weed problem over another. This course will also go over different methods for controlling weeds through mechanical, chemical and burn management options.

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Join Wild Ones-Madison as Jeff Steele shares his experiences botanizing on two wheels along southern Wisconsin’s incredible trail network. Jeff will discuss his favorite natural areas, how to get there via bicycle, what plants and animals one may expect to find, and bicycle camping options along the way. 

Those who attend this presentation will learn how to utilize available online resources to develop their own unique route. Jeff will also share sample itineraries for those that would like ideas for their next botany bicycle adventure.

Bill Volkert and Connie Ramthun have been working on their land since 1982 to restore a series of natural communities native to this part of Wisconsin.  You will enjoy their humor and insight about the native plant movement as they tell about turning the family farm into a richly biodiverse oasis.  While only five acres in size, their land is adjacent to the NorthernKettle Moraine StateForest and lies along the shore of Birchwood Lake.  They also manage a seven acre wetland which adjoins their land.

Dr Jeff Karron

Professor of Biology at UW Milwaukee

Bumble Bee Queens, Nests, and Spring Wildflowers

Dr. Jeff Karron’s talk features striking slow-motion videography to highlight the interdependence of bumble bee queens and spring-flowering perennial plants.  Early-blooming native perennials provide the essential food resources queens need to survive, establish nests, and successfully raise their first brood.  In turn, many spring flowering plants depend heavily on bumble bees for effective pollination and seed production.  All video and photography featured in this presentation were filmed in high quality prairie and woodland sites across southeastern Wisconsin.  The talk highlights the importance of conserving and restoring early-season floral resources to sustain bumble bee populations.