Events

Light Refreshments will be provided to those attending in person! This event will be in-person AND simulcast live via Zoom. Register below for the Zoom link information and for driving directions.

Register for this event here. 

They creep, they crawl, and their lives are surrounded by mystery and lore... No, this isn’t the tagline for the next scary movie! Insects and other invertebrates are the unsung heroes that sustain life as we know it.

Join entomologist Will Kuhn for this fun and fascinating event, where you’ll uncover the vital roles of native bugs and learn about the challenges posed by invasive species. You’ll also have the chance to examine real bug specimens up close—sure to spark your curiosity and appreciation for the tiny creatures that make our world thrive!

About Dr. Will Kuhn:

Dr. Will Kuhn is an entomologist living in Knoxville. He serves as the Director of Science and Research at Discover Life in America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aiming to discover and understand every species living in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity in our lives.

Although native to the coastal plains of East Texas, Will has lived near the Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern US for more than 15 years, earning his master’s in entomology at Virginia Tech and his PhD in evolutionary biology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He's become obsessed with cataloging and identifying insects, plants, and other life that inhabit his small Knoxville neighborhood and has documented nearly 1,500 species there using the iNaturalist community science app. Around 2019, he began establishing native plants in his yard and has been delighted to see how much this relatively simple effort has enhanced his local biodiversity and enriched his own life.

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.

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This is a Member's Only Event and is limited to 12 people.  Register for this event here. 

Begin your adventure at the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum, where kids can be kids and adults can rediscover their inner child. A microcosm of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with many of the plants and trees the park has to offer, but more accessible, along with outstanding views of The Little River. 

Join us for a 2 hour walk with Mark Seder and learn about our native spring ephemerals and the fascinating history of the Townsend River Walk.

The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum (TRWA) is a maintained and managed by an incredible all volunteer team.  Mark Seder has been involved with the TRWA since 2016 and in 2019 took responsibility for the coordination and planning.  They now have created a non-profit organization “Project TRWA” (501-C3) whose mission is to:  Support the development, preservation, and maintenance of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum for current and future generations of local citizens and visitors, by building a community of donors, volunteers, and advocates.

 On the tour we will go over the history of why the TRWA is there, how we managed and are managing the invasives, there should be plenty of Spring ephemerals for everyone to enjoy, what we have been doing and also what are plans are.

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Wild Ones will provide water and light refreshments. 

Join us for a dynamic discussion with Melissa Hinten, Executive Director of Trees Knoxville, as she explores the ecological connections between trees, prairies, and native landscapes.

 Drawing from her research on tallgrass prairies in Oklahoma and her current work in Knoxville, Melissa will provide an overview of native prairies in Tennessee and then will lead a discussion on the connections between trees, prairies, and other native landscapes.

With a background in sustainability, ecology, and land use change, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation on preserving and restoring native habitats. Whether you're passionate about trees, prairies, or the broader landscape of Tennessee, this talk will offer valuable insights into the role of native ecosystems in supporting biodiversity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert dedicated to protecting and expanding our natural spaces!

About Melissa

Melissa Hinten serves as the Executive Director of Trees Knoxville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and expanding the urban tree canopy in Knoxville and Knox County. With a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Melissa joined Trees Knoxville in 2024 to further its mission of fostering greener, healthier communities.

Before her role at Trees Knoxville, Melissa was the Sustainability Program Director and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography & Sustainability at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Over her tenure, she taught courses spanning human-environment interactions, weather and climate, ecology, and sustainability.

Melissa holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Oklahoma, where her research focused on land use change in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Her academic background and professional experience reflect a lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting the natural world.

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Details coming soon! 

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Details coming soon! 

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Details coming soon! 

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