Events

WOL Board Member, Lynn Horrar, presented a talk to one of the second-grade classes about what plants need to grow.

Wild Ones Louisville held a hands-on workshop so registrants could sow seeds of native plants that require cold stratification to germinate.  WOL Board members brought soil, hundreds of clean, 1-gallon plastic milk jugs, and other items required to assemble the individual “greenhouses” for germinating seeds.   WOL brought some seeds, but attendees were encouraged to bring their own, too.  

To advertise the event, we emailed WOL members , posted on our Facebook Group page and FB Page.  We also advertised at the Newberg Center using fliers.  

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

WOL held its first quarterly member meeting of 2025 at a new venue, the St. Matthews Library.  Our speaker, Renee Frith, presented on an important topic: "Challenges Faced by Our Keystone Trees in Today's World--and What it Means for the Native Plant Gardener" 

Renee Frith serves as Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes for Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Renee holds a BS in Horticulture from Auburn University School of Agriculture and is a Certified Arborist recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). For over 20 years Renee has dedicated her career to the natural environment. She has served in roles such as Consulting Arborist in Florida, Curator of Woody Plants at Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Virginia, and Director of Greening Programs for The Delaware Center for Horticulture. Renee’s career mission is to regenerate our land and wants humans to stop getting in the way and start getting on board to help in these efforts.

After questions, we had a short socializing period with light refreshments (most homemade) contributed by our members. 

WOL also gave away bare-rooted seedlings of one native tree and one native shrub, Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).  These seedlings were purchased and sourced from Kentucky State Forestry.  This continues a “tradition” we started in 2024.  Members had to reserve seedlings using a Google Form.  

Public gardens hold tremendous power to influence landscaping norms and inspire change. By showcasing the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of native plants, these spaces help foster biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and engage communities in environmental stewardship. 

This webinar will explore how public and demonstration gardens serve as powerful tools for native plant advocacy. Attendees will learn how gardens move beyond aesthetics to spark action—turning appreciation into engagement and inspiring participants to replicate these practices in their own communities.

We will hear insights from Nicole Machuca, Environmental Social Scientist at the Field Museum, on how public gardens influence behaviors, foster stewardship, and connect people to conservation efforts through research and community engagement. The Wild Ones Capital Region NY and the Wild Ones San Diego (CA) Chapters will share their experiences building native plant demonstration gardens and how these spaces drive community engagement, education, and advocacy. And We'll finish with a conversation exploring how public gardens create a lasting impact beyond planting day moderated by Kelly Kapuzzi, Demonstration Garden Char with the Wild Ones Hocking Hills (OH) Chapter.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!