Events

Register here for this seminar. ​ ​This event will be in-person and simulcast live via Zoom. Refreshments will be provided to those attending in-person! 

They say 'Know thine enemy' - and this could not be more true if you want to defeat Bermuda grass! Wild Ones Board Member Regina Santore will share methods for eradicating Bermuda grass in your yard, based on the season.

Adam Datillo of the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation will present on a new, devastating threat to our local area - invasive Cogongrass. You will learn how to spot Cogongrass and eradicate it before it can take hold in our area.

This could very possibly be the most useful seminar you will ever attend!  Learn the secrets of these tenacious grasses and how to prepare your yard so your beneficial native plants will thrive!

From the Desk of Adam Datillo: 

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the worst weeds in the world. Until recently, this invasive plant species native to Asia has been restricted to the deep south where it is well established and wreaks havoc on natural ecosystems, wildlife, forestry, and agriculture. In the last few years, cogongrass has been documented at multiple sites in Tennessee. Join us for an in-depth and fun journey where we’ll learn what’s at risk, how to identify cogongrass, to whom to report a possible infestation, and how we’re going to work collectively to stop this species before it becomes well established here in Tennessee.

Adam Dattilo is a professional botanist and ecologist with over 20 years’ experience working to better understand and protect the flora of the Southeastern United States.  Currently he serves as the vegetation ecologist within the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where he works to protect biodiversity across Tennessee by documenting natural plant communities, facilitating applied research, and working with partners to move the needle on conservation. He lives in Knoxville Tennessee with his wife Clare, daughters Annabel and Fern, and two dogs Willow and Nikki.  He loves to garden (both vegetables and native plants!), stay in shape, and get together with friends.  Maybe one day he’ll be better at playing guitar and speaking Spanish.

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

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

On this tour, you will learn the history of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, discuss how invasives are being managed, and learn about ongoing efforts and future plans for this special place. Along the way, enjoy the seasonal beauty of native spring ephemerals in bloom.

The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum is where nature invites you to slow down and explore. This gem mirrors the rich plant life of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in an accessible setting, offering views of the Little River along the way.

TRWA is 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 501c(3) non-profit organization “Project TRWA” 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.

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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