Events

Ken Parker, an experienced grower and native plant consultant, will explain differences between native plants, cultivars, introduced species and why it matters what plants we grow. He will also talk about common site conditions in WNY and specific plants native to our region that can thrive in those conditions.

Joshua Konovitz, Erie County Forester, will lead us on a walk in Emery Park to learn about identifying plants mid-winter. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Gwen Alegre, NY Master Naturalist, will share challenges, successes, and lessons-learned when implementing a community volunteer conservation program. The Craneridge Homeowners Association is starting its fifth year of a multi-year initiative that includes education, communication, partnering with local experts, and energizing neighbors to care about and DO something to plant native and protect our natural community. 

Wild Ones WNY will have a table in the Event Center. Please come visit us and say hello. If you would like to volunteer to represent Wild Ones to the public at our table for 2-4 hours, please email our team at [email protected].  Free entrance to the event for volunteers.

There will be presentations on a number of topics, including by WNY Wild Ones members Ken Parker, Lyn Chimera, Michael Klepp, Kathleen Contrino and David O'Donnell. More information about Plantasia is available at https://plantasiany.com/.

Plantasia showcases two buildings! The Event Center features gardens and vendors and Artisan Hall features a wide variety of unique artisans and educational organizations.

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.

For more than 25 years, Eastern Monarch Butterfly and Native Plant Farm has focused on
promoting native landscapes that support the Eastern Monarch Butterfly. David O'Donnell
established this organization to educate Western New York residents about conserving and enhancing pollinators. O'Donnell has practical experience with the Monarch Butterfly and all stages of its lifecycle, from habitat to adult butterfly. Operating as a self-funded organization, EMBF is supported by native plant sales, presentations, and donations. The funds generated enable the continuation of habitat restoration, education, and Monarch recovery efforts in Western New York. David's work segues into different ecosystems that involve other environmental organizations across WNY. He believes that it is imperative to reverse the pernicious effects of human activity on this planet through education and welcomes environmental and social justice discussions. Biodiversity in nature, as well as the human population, is key to a healthy planet for future generations.

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum

Join Bethany Casella, Head Grower at MLK Jr Park Greenhouse, for a tour and explore this 118-year-old greenhouse. This is a year-round production house that supplies Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy with annuals, perennials, and natives for 7 districts over 850 acres. It consists of four main houses, each with their own unique purpose, environment, and variety of plants. Enjoy spring ephemerals and other natives blooming a few weeks earlier than typically seen in the landscape.

Parking is off Fillmore between Best St. and North Parade St. across from the Splash Pad. We will meet at the Greenhouse.

There will be an optional volunteer activity working with plants after the tour. If you choose to participate please bring gloves and dress accordingly.

Our first Members Meeting since becoming a chartered chapter 4 months ago!

Meet the members of the Board and Officers for our new chapter. President Joseph Han will share our State of the Chapter Report for 2024. 

Learn more and give input on our strategic goals for the chapter. 

You are invited to be a part of our work in progress with volunteer opportunities in Membership, Communications, Programs and more.  

There will be a Native Plant Giveaway at the end of the meeting.

**Non-members are also welcome to attend! 

Lyn Chimera, Master Gardener and author of Five Keys to Better Gardening, will share a tour of a residential native garden. At 10:30, there will be a talk about the evolution of the garden's design and native plant choices in the garden. This is a member's event; each member may bring up to 2 guests.

Emma Hahn, head horticulturist at Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff, will lead us through the gardens and discuss the incorporation of native plants into formal gardens. This is a members event, but members can bring guests.

Michael Klepp, long time nature educator, plant and insect enthusiast, will be our guide for a hike in the beautiful Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. 

Learn how nature communicates and what you can learn from 'Ma & her kids' conversations.  Our goal is to better understand the critical relationships between plants, animals and the rest of the ecosystem.  Make your experiences in the natural world even more rewarding!

Plan to meet a few minutes early at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road Basom, N.Y. 14013-9730. Free parking is provided. Restrooms and water fountain are in the headquarter building.

You are welcome to bring a lunch for yourself and/or food to share after the hike. They have a kitchenette available to keep food if needed. If the weather is bad (or turns bad), we will gather inside the headquarters building for a presentation and lunch.

More information coming soon

More information coming soon

Details coming soon! 

More information coming soon

Details coming soon! 

More information coming soon

Details coming soon! 

More information coming soon

More information coming soon