Give Wild 2026: Native Plants Bring Us Together. People Make It Wild
Almost 50 years ago, nine gardeners were inspired by Lorrie Otto to ask a bold question: what if a “normal” landscape looked nothing like a lawn? They chose native plants because they believed even small actions could create lasting change. They were right. That spark has grown into a community of nearly 15,000 Wild Ones members across the country, and we are just getting started!
Native plants may be what bring us together, but people are what make Wild Ones special. That’s where the magic happens.
For your donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a limited-edition gift as our way of saying thank you!
Our founders couldn’t have chosen a better name when they created Wild Ones. How else do you describe people who spend their weekends ripping out turf to make room for wildflowers, jump for joy over the first bloom of the season, and cannot walk past an interesting plant without stopping to take a closer look? Add a caterpillar sighting and we’re done for the day.
We are a little wild, and we wear it with pride. We also love to share it. We share it with friends, neighbors, and family, and yes, even complete strangers (whether they asked or not). Every conversation, every new garden, and every native plant has the power to change something.
Together, we are making a difference
In 2025 alone, more than 4,300 Wild Ones volunteers reached over 120,000 people through public events and education. Nearly 4,500 new members joined our community. Chapters supported more than 350 public native garden projects, helped convert over one million square feet of turf into habitat, and put nearly 150,000 native plants into the hands of people ready to grow them.
Those numbers are big, but the people behind them are bigger. Every figure is a neighbor who showed up, a volunteer who answered questions at a plant sale until their voice gave out, or a new member who walked into a meeting and found their people. They represent real choices to care for pollinators, birds, healthier communities, and the generations coming after us.
You are part of this story
Your support has already helped power this movement, and we are so grateful. Now we are asking you to go one step further. If you’re able, please make a year-end gift.
When you Give Wild, you fuel the resources, education, and support that chapters, volunteers, and communities need to keep growing. That means more events, more gardens, more first-time members feeling welcome, and more people catching the native plant bug.
Our story began with nine people who believed they could make a difference. Your gift helps make sure the next person has the knowledge, encouragement, and community to do the same.
Imagine what 15,000 of us can do together.
Your gift can go further!
There are many ways to make your donation to Wild Ones go even further. You can give directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, recommend a gift from your Donor-Advised Fund, or check if your employer offers a matching gift to double your impact. Non-cash gifts like stocks or mutual funds may also provide tax advantages while fueling our mission. And through planned giving or a lifetime membership, you can ensure your support for native plants and communities continues for generations.
Looking for other ways to support Wild Ones?
Beyond donating, there are many ways you can help support the Wild Ones mission. Check out some of the ways below!
- Become a member: When you become a member you are showing your support for a sustainable future. In addition, membership dues play a crucial role in maintaining the operations of Wild Ones.
- Give the gift of Wild Ones: Gift memberships are a great way to get your friends and family involved in Wild Ones.
- Shop for Wild Ones branded apparel and gifts: Show your support for Wild Ones by shopping from the Wild Ones Merch Store.
- Check out the Wild Ones Reading List: This list has been Wild Ones staff and volunteers to feature a wide variety of great titles. When you shop from the Reading List, you are not only supporting local bookstores, but a portion of your purchase is also donated back to Wild Ones.
- Certify your habitat: When you certify your habitat you are contributing to the larger vision of 5,000 gardens for the wild. Plus, when you certify you get an official sign to display, a great way to show your neighbors what you are doing and inspire them!
- Become a volunteer: Whether it is with your chapter, or through one of our national opportunities, Wild Ones relies on the hard work of volunteers to carry out our mission.
*Terms and Restrictions for Free Gift
This limited-edition gift is offered as a thank-you gift for donations of $100 or more made directly to Wild Ones National between October 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027, in support of the Wild Ones Give Wild campaign. Membership dues and chapter-level donations do not apply toward eligibility. Limit one gift per donation. Instructions to claim your gift will be emailed to you within 4 weeks after receipt of your donation. gift must be claimed within 45 days. The fair market value of this item is $15. Accordingly, if the gift is claimed, only the portion of your contribution exceeding $15 is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If the gift is not claimed, your full contribution is tax-deductible. Offer available to U.S. residents only. gift availability and sizes are limited and offered while supplies last. No substitutions or cash equivalents will be provided. Questions? Contact: [email protected]