Category: Chapter Event

5 of the Most Concerning Threats to Western New York’s Ecosystems — and What We Can Do About Them

Posted on | Chapter Event, Environmental Advocacy

When people hear the phrase “invasive species,” they often think of a familiar list of problem plants — Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, or garlic mustard. But the reality is much bigger. Some of the most serious threats to Western New York’s ecosystems include aggressive plants, diseases, insects, and soil-altering organisms that are quietly reshaping forests, floodplains, […] Continue reading "5 of the Most Concerning Threats to Western New York’s Ecosystems — and What We Can Do About Them"

Spring in spite of snow: a walk through Akron Falls’ native ephemerals

Posted on | Chapter Event, Environmental Advocacy

On a Sunday afternoon at Akron Falls Park, we set out on a spring ephemerals hike led by botanist Charlotte Way as snow fell around us. It was the kind of day that feels uniquely Western New York. Snow at the start and end, a brief pause in between, and beneath it all, a quiet […] Continue reading "Spring in spite of snow: a walk through Akron Falls’ native ephemerals"

Winter Wonders: Plant Identification Hike in Reinstein Woods

Posted on | Chapter Event

Despite below-freezing temperatures and lightly falling snow, a hardy group of about 20 people gathered for a winter plant identification hike at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. The group included a mix of Wild Ones Western New York members and non-members, all eager to sharpen their plant ID skills in the quiet beauty of winter. Led […] Continue reading "Winter Wonders: Plant Identification Hike in Reinstein Woods"

Cozy Chats Recap: Warm Conversations About Native Plants in the Heart of Winter

Posted on | Chapter Event

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. […] Continue reading "Cozy Chats Recap: Warm Conversations About Native Plants in the Heart of Winter"

Join Us for Native Plant Cozy Chats: Warm Winter Conversations with Wild Ones WNY

Posted on | Chapter Event

Winter may slow our gardens, but it doesn’t have to slow our community. This January and February, Wild Ones WNY is hosting a series of Native Plant Cozy Chats—informal, welcoming gatherings at local cafés where native plant lovers can connect, chat, and stay inspired during the colder months. Each Cozy Chat is a relaxed, one-hour […] Continue reading "Join Us for Native Plant Cozy Chats: Warm Winter Conversations with Wild Ones WNY"

Social & Native Plant Seed Share at Audubon Library

Posted on | Chapter Event

Wild Ones WNY wrapped up another wonderful community gathering with our Social & Native Plant Seed Share at the Audubon Branch Library in Amherst. Members and non-members came together to learn, connect, and share an impressive array of locally native plant seeds. A Night of Learning and Sharing Participants enjoyed a warm mix-and-mingle atmosphere followed […] Continue reading "Social & Native Plant Seed Share at Audubon Library"

Two Nights of Native Plant Learning at Julia Boyer Reinstein Library

Posted on | Chapter Event

This fall, Wild Ones Western New York hosted two well-attended community programs at the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Depew—each offering hands-on, practical guidance for creating ecologically rich, intentional landscapes. With 30–40 attendees at each session, these events highlighted the region’s growing enthusiasm for native plant gardening. How to Create a Native Garden Your Neighbors […] Continue reading "Two Nights of Native Plant Learning at Julia Boyer Reinstein Library"

A Native Garden in Snyder: Wrapping Up Our 2025 M2M Yard Tour Season

Posted on | Chapter Event, Member-to-Member Yard Tour

Wild Ones Western New York closed out its summer series of Member-to-Member (M2M) yard tours with a visit to a tidy, welcoming garden in the heart of Snyder, New York. Though modest in size, the garden reflected a journey of transformation — from traditional landscaping toward a deeper embrace of native plants and local ecotype. […] Continue reading "A Native Garden in Snyder: Wrapping Up Our 2025 M2M Yard Tour Season"

Seeds of Inspiration: An Evening with Royal Fern Nursery

Posted on | Chapter Event, Nursery Feature

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 […] Continue reading "Seeds of Inspiration: An Evening with Royal Fern Nursery"

Wild Ones WNY Member-to-Member Tour: Urban Gardens Bursting with Life in North Buffalo

Posted on | Chapter Event, Member-to-Member Yard Tour

Our latest Member-to-Member yard tour took us right into the heart of North Buffalo, where two very different but equally inspiring urban gardens showed us what’s possible when you swap lawn for life. First stop: a small but mighty North Buffalo front yard that proves size is no limit to biodiversity. This mature garden is […] Continue reading "Wild Ones WNY Member-to-Member Tour: Urban Gardens Bursting with Life in North Buffalo"