Events

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.

THURSDAY | MARCH 20, 2025
Social and Set-Up | 6:30 pm
Meeting and Presentation | 7:00 to 8:30 pm
In Person at Richfield Community Center

Chasing Minnesota's Native Wildflowers
Presenters | Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, Local Minnesota Authors

Meet Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, authors of Searching for Minnesota’s Native Wildflowers; A Guide for Beginners, Botanists, and Everyone in Between.

Phyllis, an award-winning author, has written many picture books about Minnesota, including Big Belching Bog, Plant a Pocket of Prairie, One North Star, and The Lost Forest, all published by the University of Minnesota Press. Kelly, a professional photographer for over thirty years, has exhibited in galleries and art shows across the country. Her photographs have been published on posters, calendars, note cards, and in books.  

After their first book about wildflowers Kelly and Phyllis started a blog  (flowerchasers) and they frequently send audio postcards of their searches to Minnesota Public Radio. They are still chasing flowers and love sharing what they learn with fellow wildflower lovers.

Whatever they are doing, Phyllis and Kelly laugh—a lot.

THURSDAY | APRIL 17, 2025
Design for Life: Basics and Local Examples
Presenter | Nathalie Shanstrom, Pasque Ecologica Design and Consulting
 

TUESDAY | MAY 20, 2025
2025 Native Plant Resource Fair
We were nearly rained out last year and we are hoping for better weather this year as we embrace our new space at Richfield Community Center. This popular open house will offer educational resources from Wild Ones members and partner organizations. There are many opportunities for volunteers; please consider helping!
 

Coming soon!

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Coming soon!

Following the Business Meeting, we will have a short presentation.

Details coming soon!