April Community Events

Please note: these Community Events are not run by Wild Ones.

April 15, 2025

Deanna English of Grow Wild presents “Ecological Restoration? You Can Do It Too” at the Finger Lake Native Plant Society

When:  Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – 7:00pm

Where: Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Nevin Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Ithaca or Zoom (register)

Description:  You don’t have to be an expert to create a meadow! Deanna will take you on a journey through her continuing efforts to restore an old farm field to a diverse meadow ecosystem.  Along with a description of the how tos of this process and the resources she has used, the talk will include the rewards, surprises, challenges, frustrations and utter confusion that she has experienced. This technique can be scaled up or down to meet the land steward’s needs.

Link:  https://www.growwildnatives.com/s-projects-basic 


April 17, 2025

From Wasteland to Wonder

Easy Ways We Can Help Heal Earth In the Sub/Urban Landscape

When: April 17th, 12:00 – 1:30 pm EDT 

Where: Zoom (register)

Description:  To celebrate Earth Day, Treecologist Basil Camu has generously agreed to give a special presentation! 

Our current landscaping practices work against nature by destroying ecosystems, polluting water, and wasting time and money. By choosing to work with nature, we can restore beauty, resilience, and biodiversity instead! 

In this talk, you’ll learn:

  • Community-driven solutions, like growing and giving away native trees
  • How plants, soil, water, and air interact to support life
  • Simple steps to heal the Earth: protect trees, plant saplings, and replace lawns with native plants

Link:  https://secure.givelively.org/event/homegrown-national-park-inc/from-wasteland-to-wonder-an-earth-day-event-with-basil-camu


April 19, 2025

Tree Planting Project for CNY Land Trust (CNYLT)

When: April 19th, 9:00 am to ?

Where: O’Neill Preserve in Skaneateles

Description: We need your help for a major tree planting project! On Saturday, April 19th, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM, we’ll be planting 1,500 trees at our O’Neill Preserve in Skaneateles—and we can’t do it without you.

To make this ambitious project a success, we’re calling for all hands on deck. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to CNYLT, we’d love to have you join us for this rewarding day of conservation.

✅ What to Bring:

  • Shovels and hammers (if you have them)
  • Snacks and drinks to stay energized and hydrated (we’ll provide a light lunch)

If you’re interested in lending a hand, simply email [email protected] and let us know. Your support will help us restore and protect this beautiful preserve for generations to come.

Upon confirmation of your interest, we will send you any further details as needed.

Thank you—we hope to see you there!

  • The Central New York Land Trust Team

Link: If you’re interested in lending a hand, simply email [email protected]


April 26, 2025

Bloom into Spring Workshop and Bioblitz

When: Saturday, April 26, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Fillmore Glen State Park, Route 38, Moravia, NY 13118

Description: “Bloom into Spring” at Fillmore Glen State Park which has long been known for its abundance of native plants. Learn about spring wildflowers and how to identify them, join a bioblitz, enjoy games or crafts and choose a hike option to explore more.  The program will include alternatives to provide accessibility for all ages and abilities.

During the bioblitz, participants will be introduced to the iNaturalist app so be certain to bring your smart phone if you wish to learn about and use this feature. Biodiversity of Fillmore Glen State Park is an existing project in iNaturalist to which the group will submit observations. For those who prefer a device free experience, there will be other activities such as wildflower bingo, games and crafts.

Many species can be found in the lower park with easy access. The program will conclude with two hike options, short walk on level terrain or a longer hike in moderate to challenging terrain.

The presenter will be Carlin Shew, a FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship) program specialist and local naturalist for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.  She works on environmental stewardship and educational programs in the Finger Lakes Region. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Carlin studied at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry before moving to Ithaca, NY in 2017.