Events

Winter sowing involves planting seeds outdoors during the colder months, usually in late winter, with the intention that they’ll germinate in early spring. It’s a method that mimics nature's way of starting plants—allowing seeds to undergo a natural cold stratification process, which many seeds need to germinate. Join us as we design and plan gardens that nurture pollinators and support biodiversity, all while making the most of the winter sowing technique. Together, we can cultivate a thriving, sustainable garden that harmonizes with nature’s rhythms. 

Karen Yoder from Pickaway County Master Gardener's will teach us how to winter sow seed using milk jugs. Member meeting will follow.

Nature journaling is a creative and reflective way of engaging with the natural world. It involves observing and documenting your surroundings, paying attention to the details of the environment, and recording your thoughts, feelings, and discoveries. Nature journals can take many forms, including sketches, written descriptions, field notes, and even poetry. It’s a practice that encourages mindfulness, deepens your connection with nature, and can be an excellent way to develop observational skills.

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.

Join Wild Ones South Central Ohio at Paper City Coffee to begin Thinking of Spring Native Ephemerals.  After a long winter, gardeners are eager to get out of their houses and into their gardens.  If you wander into the woodlands of early spring, you will see little shoots and delicate blossoms emerging.  These dainty plants often grow in beds of moss and leaf litter where larger plants will not easily crowd them.  Known as spring ephemeral plants, they are the first plants to pop up in spring and the first to flower.  

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.

It is time to plan your garden!!! Next month, we will all be in our gardens planting our native plants. This month, we will take one last look at what to plant in your space.

Bring pictures of your planting area, or a drawing, or size of the space. Is your space sun or shade?Soil type-Is your soil well drained and dry or does it hold moisture? Is there a height restriction? What pollinators do you hope to attract? What trees do you have in your yard or near by?

Next: Begin selecting the native plants that suit your needs. 

Join Wild Ones South Central Ohio and Chillicothe Ross County Public Library in their garden.  We will help plant the garden for the community. This will be a hands-on, dig in the dirt event. Please wear gardening clothes and bring gloves and garden shovels or any helpful tools. If you have seeds to share, please bring them!

In May, the library will focus on butterflies and their various stages. Wild Ones will tie in the native plants that serve as host plants. Host plants that meet the needs of butterflies and pollinators are very specific and the insects and plants have evolved together. We will explore these connections, and even see how we can offer support in our own yards and spaces. The simplest changes can offer support to our pollinators.

Wild Ones South Central Ohio and Explorer Yoga will partner with Paper City Mentoring Project to offer a nature walk, nature journaling, and mindfulness. This event is only open to Paper City Mentees, Mentors, and Wild Ones members.

Join Wild Ones South Central Ohio and Chillicothe Ross County Public Library in caring for the community garden and harvesting from it. Produce can be taken or donated to those in need.

Gardening-hands-on, harvesting, caring for the garden. More details to come.

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!