Events

Our chapter was honored to be a part of the celebration with the City of Charlotte for National Pollinator Week. That week, Linda Nelson of Wild Ones Charlotte Piedmont spoke on a panel on WFAE Charlotte Talks. Listen to the recording HERE.

Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events

January 2024

Jan
25

"Cultivating Change" with Lorraine Johnson

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, January 25th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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February 2024

Feb
24

Fairy House Festival - Mecklenburg Parks and Rec

This event has ended
Saturday, February 24th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Quest Nature Center - Latta Nature Preserve

Public Welcome Family Friendly Paid Event

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. 

March 2024

Mar
19

"Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants" with Robin Wall Kimmerer

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online and in person at Reeve Union, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 748 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI, 54901 Map
Live Stream Available

Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Paid Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains Assistive Hearing

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. 

Mar
24

Spring Cleaning Day at Charlotte Museum of History

This event has ended
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC, 28215 Map

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Garden Installation/Maintenance Public Restroom Free Public Parking

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!

April 2024

Apr
3

Approaches to Native Plant Selections and Assembly in Residential Landscapes with Preston Montague

This event has ended
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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.

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June 2024

Jun
20

Designing your Landscape for Pollinators

This event has ended
Thursday, June 20th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
City of Charlotte Landscape Management Office, 701 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28208 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

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. 

Jun
30

Charlotte Piedmont Chapter of Wild Ones Gathering

This event has ended
Sunday, June 30th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery - LoSo location - under the Big Red umbrella

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Chapter Social Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

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!!

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August 2024

Aug
22

"Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants" with Sarah Gray & Coralie Palmer

Hosted by Wild Ones Greater Indianapolis Chapter and Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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September 2024

Sep
19

"The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows" with Heather McCargo

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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. 

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October 2024

Oct
24

"Matrix Landscape Design" with Benjamin Vogt

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, October 24th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

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! 

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November 2024

Nov
21

Resilient Landscapes with the Native Plant Society of Texas

Hosted by Wild Ones DFW (Seedling) Chapter and Wild Ones National
Thursday, November 21st, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

This event features Christy Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. Drawing from her latest Dallas-Fort Worth native garden design, Christy will share insights into designing low-maintenance, ecologically rich spaces that withstand intense climate fluctuations.

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December 2024

Dec
12

Neonics & Advocacy: Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Thursday, December 12th, 2024
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health. He’ll delve into the harms associated with neonic-treated seeds, which are a major source of contamination, and explore effective policy advocacy strategies to rein in their widespread use without disrupting farmers or landscapers.

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