Wild Ones Events

Wild Ones HGCNY Chapter will be hosting a table at The Salt Museum at Onondaga Lake Appreciation Day, weather permitting. Come out and say hello!

The closing event of this year’s Less Lawn More Life Challenge, will be led by Lisa Olsen, Chapter Liaison at Wild Ones. In this webinar, you’ll learn how small, personal actions like planting native species and removing invasives, can ripple outward to inspire neighbors, change policies, and reshape communities. 

During the premiere, native plant experts from Wild Ones and collaborating organizations will be active in the live chat. They’ll be ready to answer questions, share tips, and connect viewers with resources. The live chat will remain open for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage. Please note: You must be logged into a YouTube account to participate in the chat. 

The Less Lawn More Life Challenge is a free, 12-week action series designed to help people transform traditional lawns into vibrant, life-supporting native plant habitat. Each week, participants complete a simple challenge like planting a native shrub, removing invasives, or observing pollinators to reimagine their outdoor space and take meaningful steps toward restoring biodiversity at home. 

It’s not too late to get involved. Catch up on the weekly videos and start your rewilding journey today at https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Update: 1pm tour is full

2nd tour TBD

Join us for a guided tour of Wild Ones HGCNY member Jennifer Staples’ property, showcasing a thoughtful approach to native planting and habitat creation. Jennifer has shaped her landscape to support local wildlife while maintaining a friendly, traditional curb appeal.

From her front-yard plantings to her wilder backwoods, this tour offers a real-world look at the balance between beauty, biodiversity, and community.

In Jennifer’s words:
 "Over the past 10 years, I’ve come to see the land I steward as less about me and more about its environmental usefulness. I aim to support as much wildlife as possible while keeping things neighbor-friendly. Come see both the triumphs and the missteps I’ve made on this journey.

My property consists of 3/4 acre of land all on rich fairly alkaline soil with a clay under layer.  The front gardens are dry to moist and the property gets more moist to wet with vernal pools the further it goes back.  My front beds are small to medium height plants; the back beds include small to medium trees and bushes and the forest consists of large trees to which I am adding small trees, bushes and understory.  As such I am blessed to have sunny, dappled, part shady and deep shade areas on my property."

Don’t miss this chance to explore how one gardener blends ecological purpose with suburban practicality.

Registration Required - please indicate Show Me, Help Me Tour Sign Up at link and include date and venue. The address will be emailed to you prior to the event.

Attendance limit: 10 people  (A second time lot may be added if interest exceeds capacity)

Optional Backwoods Walk: Long pants, boots and bug spray recommended

Details coming soon! 

Wild Ones HGCNY Chapter will be tabling again this year at Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex “Bee Smart: Grow Native!” native plant festival.

This event includes a native plant sale and presentations by several native plant experts, as well as a guided walk.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!