One of the best ways to learn about native planting is to see it in action. This summer, Wild Ones Western New York members opened their yards to one another for our Member-to-Member Yard Tour series. These small, informal gatherings gave members a chance to get beyond plant lists and recommendations and see what native […] Continue reading "A Summer in Our Members’ Yards: 2026 Member-to-Member Yard Tour Roundup"
One of the many benefits of being a Wild Ones member is access to exclusive resources designed to help you grow your knowledge, connect with our chapter, and get even more from your membership. We’re excited to introduce the new Member-Only Resource Center — a members-only section of our website that will continue to grow with new […] Continue reading "Members-Only Resource Center is Live"
Whether you’re planting your very first native garden or searching for that one species to complete an established landscape, our 2026 Native Plant Shopping Guide is here to help. Updated for 2026, this free guide is your go-to resource for finding Western New York native plants at native-focused nurseries throughout the region. With hundreds of […] Continue reading "The 2026 Native Plant Shopping Guide is Now Available"
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"
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"
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"