Chapters in Wisconsin

A Look at Native Plant Form and Function
Instructor: Dr. Paul Whitaker
Format: Blended, 3-part class
Dates/Times: Virtual Tuesday Sept 8, 2026 7-8 pm, virtual Thursday Sept 10, 7-8 pm, and in person Saturday Sept 12, 12-4 pm
Location: UWSP (classroom location will be emailed to you)
Core Course (6 hours)

Description: A plant’s structure is intimately intertwined with its functions, including photosynthesis, water movement, absorption and cycling of nutrients, growth, and reproduction. The two virtual sessions will present an overview of the basic structure of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds and the roles of these organs in essential plant functions. Our in-person session will consist entirely of hands-on study of plant structures, emphasizing that the diverse forms of each organ are just variations of a basic structure that has important jobs to do. Botany Primer, Understanding Botany for Nature’s Notebook, USA-NPN.

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

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.

Come and purchase plants at Stone Silo with a portion of the proceeds going to our Wild Ones. 

We plan to hold a seed collecting event starting at 12 pm. The focus will be learning the process as well as collecting seeds for yourself as well as the Seed Library.

We are also in need to volunteers to help run the sale. Sign up here or reach out to [email protected] if you want to sign up.

Native plants have fed and healed people for centuries, and some of the best ones might already be growing in your backyard. This talk is for anyone who wants to get more from their outdoor space, no foraging, no expertise, no scrambling through underbrush required. We'll cover what's growing, how to use it, and a new perspective on the plants that feed you and your local wildlife in harmony.

The native gardens at Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center serve many purposes--to showcase native plants in a commercial setting, to provide food for native insects, to educate our Camp Wildside students, and even to provide natural food and enrichment for wild patients undergoing rehabilitation! Come help us maintain the gardens and learn more about native gardening while getting to know other Wild Ones members! 

To kick off Wisconsin Stormwater Week, this month’s learning topic will focus on rain gardens and downspout gardens. Learn more about these special gardens, when they can be used, and how to install them. Planting plans and resources will be available and experts will be on hand to provide design help and answer questions. You can also watch the rainfall simulator in action to see how rain gardens work to prevent stormwater pollution.