In January, Wild Ones Western New York hosted two Cozy Chats—informal, welcoming gatherings designed to bring people together around a shared love of native plants, ecology, and community. Held in warm, local spaces during the heart of winter, these conversations reminded us that learning, connection, and inspiration don’t slow down when the gardens are sleeping.
Southtowns Cozy Chat — January 17
Arts Café, Springville, NY
Our first Cozy Chat of the season took place on Saturday, January 17, at Arts Café in Springville. Fueled by delicious food and beverages, the conversation flowed easily and covered a wide range of native-plant topics.
Attendees shared what first sparked their interest in native plants, how their gardens have evolved, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. From plant selection and site conditions to long-term mindset shifts toward working with nature, the discussion reflected the many entry points people have into native plant gardening. The relaxed café setting made it easy to ask questions, swap ideas, and connect with others who are on similar paths.
Northtowns Cozy Chat — January 24
Hill of Beans, Youngstown, NY
The following Saturday, January 24, we gathered for the Northtowns Cozy Chat at Hill of Beans in Youngstown. Eight people attended—three Wild Ones members and five non-members—making for a thoughtful and intimate discussion.
This chat was framed around favorite books on native plants, ecology, land stewardship, and food systems. Sharing the books that have shaped our thinking led naturally into deeper conversations about why we garden, how we learn, and the resources we trust when making decisions about our landscapes.
Some of the many titles discussed included:
- Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Forest and Thicket and Swamp and Bog by John Eastman
- Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr
- Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel Moerman
- The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty
- Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
These shared readings sparked broader reflections on personal gardening journeys, ecological responsibility, and how our relationship with land continues to evolve over time.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to Lew and the team at Hill of Beans for opening their doors and creating such a welcoming space for conversation.
More Cozy Chats Ahead!
These two Cozy Chats captured exactly what we hoped for: low-pressure gatherings where people can show up as they are, learn from one another, and build connections rooted in curiosity and care for the natural world.
If you missed these chats, there are more on the way. We hope you’ll join us for an upcoming Cozy Chat—whether you’re brand new to native plants or have years of experience to share.
Warm drinks optional, great conversations guaranteed.