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"
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"
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 […] Continue reading "Growing Our Impact in 2026: How Wild Ones WNY Is Focusing Our Efforts"
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"
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"
Wild Ones Western New York recently elected four of our five chapter officers for the upcoming term. Please join us in congratulating the dedicated members stepping into these leadership roles: President: Gwen AlegreVice President: Ken ParkerTreasurer: Devon SouthallSecretary: Aimee Arceo A Message from Our New President In sharing her excitement for the year ahead, President […] Continue reading "Wild Ones WNY Announces Newly Elected Officers"
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"
After a very well-executed and highly engaged voting process, the Wild Ones Western New York Chapter members have spoken. This year, the current Board voted to expand the number of seats from 9 to 11, allowing us to welcome even more voices, talent, and expertise into our leadership. We’re grateful to everyone who put their […] Continue reading "Announcing the 2026 Wild Ones WNY Chapter Board of Directors!"
Be Part of Our Growth and Impact! Are you passionate about native plants, ecological restoration, and building community? Do you want to shape the future of Wild Ones Western New York? If yes, we have exciting opportunities to help our chapter flourish! Help Us Lead the Way: Board Director Recruitment We’re seeking enthusiastic members to […] Continue reading "Join Us in Leading Wild Ones Western New York"
Did you know that the New York state Senate passed a bill, S00879, in May 2025 for establishing “the ‘garden protection act’, protecting the rights of individuals to cultivate home vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and/or pollinator gardens” with a vote of 57-3! YAY! BUT – in the assembly, the matching bill (A2122) has stalled […] Continue reading "Legislative Call to Action for NY Native & Food Gardeners"