Events

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Wild Ones Charlotte Piedmont hosted a booth at this festival. We provided literature and information about native plants. We also hosted a craft for children - fairy gardens using air-dry clay and nature items, such as small pinecones, lichen,  bark, sticks, dry grasses, etc. 

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

CMH holds the history of Charlotte's oldest standing home and will be the host of Charlotte Earth Day 2024. This beautiful site is overrun by invasive species and needs our help! Our mission is to build and maintain a nature trail, creating a certified native plant and wildlife habitat. This is a opportunity to showcase civic engagement and environmental stewardship to the wider Charlotte community. We will also be joined by the Daughters of the American Revolution, who will be cleaning the 1774 Rock House, but we need your help!

Bring your gardening tools - loppers, rakes, saws, tarps, and gloves - and be ready to get your hands dirty. If you have power tools (e.g. hedge trimmer, chainsaw, etc.) please contact us in advance.

Sign Up Now!

Preston Montague is a landscape architect and artist working to strengthen relationships between people and the natural world. He created the native garden design for the Greensboro area that is featured on the Wild Ones web site. Join this presentation to learn more about that design and how to select plants for your landscape. 

Registration required.

Charlotte Piedmont Chapter of Wild Ones is hosting a workshop for Charlotte area residents and landscape professionals to discuss native pollinator habitat creation and designing your landscape with pollinator conservation in mind. 

his class will explore the essential steps and principles for transforming your outdoor space into a haven for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more. We will begin by understanding the crucial role that pollinators play in our ecosystems and the threats they face. Then, we delve into the specific needs, including food sources, nesting habitats and water requirements. With that understanding, we will cover the basic principles of landscape design with an emphasis on biodiversity, ecological balance and beauty. Finally, we will discuss plant selection, seasonality and layout to maximize the effectiveness of your landscape.

This workshop is free and attendance is limited to 40 people. Registration required. One (1) NC Landscape Contractor's license continuing education credit available. 

We are thrilled to invite you to an afternoon of casual socializing, engaging conversations about native gardening, and valuable learning experiences.  This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with our current, past, and future members of Wild Ones. Feel free to drop in or stay the whole time. You can even bring a friend who might be interested in joining. 

Parking: 
The temporary lot is the best option during their renovation. This lot connects to Biergarten and you’ll be able to walk straight in towards Big Red. GPS Address for lot: 335 W. Peterson Drive.

Street parking is also available. 
If you are not familiar with the area, reply to this email and we will send a map of the area. Or, contact Linda Nelson at 843-422-0986 for more info. 
Finding us: When you arrive, ask any staff member to direct you to Big Red!
Food & Drink: Many great choices on their menu for your purchase.

Let's come together to share our passion for native plants, exchange gardening tips, and discuss exciting plans ahead for our chapter!!

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot!