Events

Angora Frog Farm and Dog Park is a magical public space. From its woodsy play structures to the storybook trail following the adventures of Arvin the Angora Frog, it is a local treasure for families and pets alike.

Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter's mission is to heal East TN, one native plant at a time—and in partnership with Legacy Parks Foundation and Native Plant Rescue Squad, you can help us do just that at this adorable Knox County passive pocket park.

We'll be installing low-growing, shade-loving native plants designed to thrive under the park's wooded canopy. Best of all, every species selected is 100% kid-safe and dog-friendly, making the park a richer ecosystem for everyone who enjoys it.

Whether you're a seasoned native plant enthusiast or a curious beginner, all are welcome to plant alongside the Chapter.

Bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes; native flora, free gloves, and snacks will be provided on-site. This fantastic, family-friendly event is your chance to celebrate the coming of autumn, practice native plant restoration, and leave your lasting green footprint on Knox County parks.

REGISTER HERE:  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/planting-day-at-angora-frog-farm

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Growing native plants from seed is an affordable way to add more native plants to your landscape, but figuring out how to actually get started can be confusing. This year, presenter Krista De Cooke grew more than 750 native plants from seed at home using a few different methods.

In this workshop, we’ll discuss the basics of starting native plants from seed, including what different species need to germinate and when to sow them. We’ll cover direct sowing, winter sowing, and summer sowing, along with cold stratification, soil, containers, timing, and potential pitfalls.

We’ll finish with a hands on winter sowing workshop, where participants will sow native seeds in recycled containers to take home. No previous seed starting experience is needed.

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About Krista: Krista De Cooke is an ecologist, native plant enthusiast, and Director of Partnerships & Strategy at Homegrown National Park. She holds an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Through her work and her native plant gardening platform, Krista Plants Native, she focuses on making ecological gardening approachable and practical, especially for people who want to grow more native plants at home.

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REGISTER HERE:  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/workshop-growing-native-plants-from-seed

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon.