On a late-summer evening in Fredonia, Wild Ones members and guests gathered at the Botany Barn to kick off a memorable night hosted by Jonathan and Jess Townsend of Royal Fern Nursery.
Joseph Han, president of Wild Ones WNY, welcomed everyone with a warm introduction about the importance of our mission and thanked Jonathan and Jess for opening their nursery and home to the community. The Townsends treated us to a gracious spread of drinks, cheeses, crackers, and even homegrown cucumbers and carrots — a perfect start to an evening centered on native plants, restoration, and connection.
From there, Jonathan and Jess shared their story of acquiring the barn and surrounding acreage. Longtime neighbors, they had always dreamed of expanding their land, and when the opportunity arose, they made that vision a reality. Their work is rooted in supporting local ecotype native plants — with an impressive 50–75% of their business focused on regional restoration projects. Looking ahead, they’re planning to add ponds to the property to expand into aquatic natives while providing critical water sources for both nursery operations and wildlife.
The group also got a glimpse of the Townsends’ big-picture vision. Jonathan, a bat biologist, lit up when describing how they hope to attract more bats to the barn, from painting it black to strategies to attract both big brown and little brown bat species. His enthusiasm was contagious.
As dusk fell, a group went on a walking tour of the property. We followed Jonathan along a mowed pathway through the property, bordered with goldenrod, boneset, and countless other natives alive with pollinator activity. Bumblebees could be seen curled up on flowers for the night, offering a quiet reminder of why protecting native habitats matters. The walk ended at the Townsends’ home, where they are busy collecting local ecotype seeds.
Back at the barn, the evening wrapped up with plenty of happy purchases by native plant lovers. Guests left inspired, arms full of carefully curated plants, and grateful to know that such a nursery exists right here in Western New York.
Wild Ones WNY extends a heartfelt thank-you to Jonathan and Jess for sharing their story, their passion, and their land with us.
Thanks to photographers: Joseph Han, Deborah R. and Danielle Larrabee