In early 2025, the Wild Ones Western New York (WNY) Board of Directors came together to develop our first chapter-wide strategic plan. As a newly chartered chapter at the time, we identified a set of vision-based strategies to guide our growth and impact. One year later, those strategies remain strong, relevant, and aligned with Wild Ones’ mission.
On January 10, 2026, the board gathered for a strategic planning refresh retreat to reflect on our progress and look ahead. During this retreat, we reaffirmed our commitment to the full strategic plan and agreed to place intentional focus on three key strategies in 2026—areas where we believe concentrated effort will have the greatest impact.
1. Develop Programs That Our Members Truly Value
As our chapter continues to grow, it’s important that we clearly define and deliver the value of Wild Ones membership. We are asking ourselves two guiding questions:
- What makes membership in Wild Ones uniquely valuable?
- What makes Wild Ones WNY distinct among the many conservation, restoration, and ecology organizations in our region?
We are not a garden club. Wild Ones WNY is committed to advancing native plants through education, collaboration, and action. In 2026, we will focus on programs that reflect that identity—programs that inspire, inform, and connect members while deepening our impact across Western New York.
2. Seek Out and Foster Key Partnerships
Partnerships have always been a core part of our strategy, and in 2026 we aim to be more intentional and proactive in this area. By collaborating with organizations whose missions align with ours, we can extend our reach, share expertise, and accomplish more together than we could alone.
Thoughtful partnerships will help amplify our programs, conservation efforts, and community impact.
3. Activate Our Volunteer Capacity
One of our greatest strengths is our members. Nearly 50 Wild Ones WNY members have already expressed interest in volunteering in a variety of ways—a remarkable foundation for a young chapter. At the same time, we recognize that we haven’t yet fully engaged this energy through committees or volunteer-led projects.
In 2026, we will focus on moving volunteers from interest to activation by creating clear, welcoming pathways to get involved. This includes strengthening and expanding committees, launching hands-on planting projects and native plant rescues, and ensuring volunteers feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Together, these three focus areas will help us build a stronger, more engaged chapter while staying aligned with our broader strategic goals.
🌱 Get Involved in 2026
Whether you’re a current member, a new supporter, or someone just discovering Wild Ones WNY, there’s a place for you. Join us at an upcoming program, explore volunteer opportunities, or partner with us to advance native plants and biodiversity across Western New York.
Together, we’re growing more than native plants—we’re growing a community committed to native landscapes and a more resilient future.
Learn more and become a member:
https://westernnewyork.wildones.org/
Raise your hand to volunteer:
https://forms.gle/GBb5FaDrnaw7p5Si8
Warmly,
Gwen Alegre
President, Wild Ones Western New York Chapter
NYS Master Naturalist, Level 12
Chair, Craneridge Woodlands & Habitat Committee