Seedling founders, chapter leaders, and members are advancing Wild Ones’ mission of connecting people with native plants through local media coverage. These stories highlight the power of advocacy, education, and collaboration to inspire change and grow a healthier planet, one native plant at a time.
Several chapters and chapter leaders were featured, showcasing the importance of native plant gardening and landscaping. Wild Ones Greater Indianapolis (IN) Chapter founder and president, McKenna Allen spoke about the significance of using native plants to enhance biodiversity and create sustainable ecosystems. The Dallas-Fort Worth (TX) Chapter was also highlighted as a relatively new chapter looking to make an impact in Texas. Other chapter leaders, including Marlene Smith from the Chesapeake Bay (MD) Chapter and Jessica Ausnehmer from the Greater Cleveland (OH) Chapter, were given platforms to talk about the work that their chapters do through sit-down interviews and participation in panel discussions focused on reforestation and biodiversity.
A common theme among most chapters is their collaborative efforts with other local organizations. Wild Ones Keweenaw (MI) Chapter partnered with Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area to focus on efforts to combat the spread of invasive Japanese barberry in Michigan’s Copper Country. These groups organized drop-off events and educated the public on the negative environmental impacts of invasive plants. The Youngstown Area (OH) Chapter held the first annual Mushroom Maiden Festival with partner organizations to celebrate nature and highlight the ecological importance of fungi and the benefits of giving back to the environment. The Front Range (CO) Chapter capitalized on collaborations as they worked with several other organizations to offer the fourth annual Denver Pollinator/Native Plant Swap. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay and New York Metro Region (NY) chapters, worked with collaborators to distribute free plants and organize tree and shrub plantings in partnership with a local school district.
Action-oriented efforts also made headlines. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter founder and president Marlene Smith expanded the chapter’s impact by mentoring local teens who recently won the EPA President’s Environmental Youth Award. These teens demonstrated how younger generations contribute innovative ideas and leadership to drive environmental change. The Front Range Chapter was also mentioned as a resource in a call to action for preparing Colorado gardens for climate change. Efforts like drought-proofing yards for future heat encourage homeowners to adapt their landscapes for resilience.
Although the media captures only a fraction of chapter accomplishments, these stories illustrate Wild Ones chapters’ significant impact across the county.
- KISMA and Keweenaw Wild Ones Partner to Help the Copper Country Remove Barberry
- KISMA, Keweenaw Wild Ones to hold three Japanese barberry removal drop-off events
- Gardening That Gives Back
- First Mushroom Festival to Give Back to the Community
- EPA Recognizes Local Teens With Prestigious Environmental Award
- Opinion: Spend the rest of this summer preparing your Colorado yard for next year’s heat
- Tree planting is First of its Kind with Bellmore-Merrick school district
- Wild Ones Indianapolis Chapter Champions Native Plant Landscaping for a Greener Future
- Don’t Miss Out: Free Native Tree & Shrub Giveaway In Southern Maryland!
- Holden Seed Bank keeps growing, hit 1-year milestone
- New native plant group hoping to take root in DFW
- Meet Marlene Smith