Events

Topic: Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter Meeting: February 2023
Time: Feb 1, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting ID: 854 3515 3487
Passcode: Qzu5.X

Join Zoom Meeting: https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/85435153487?pwd=NmRFTEJySHFDSHRsZVVkNThiYmdXUT09

Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter is pleased to welcome Professor Michael Ross as a speaker at our monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 6:30pm (held virtually over Zoom).

Mike Ross is an assistant professor in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences’ Sustainable Landscape Design concentration and in the School of Landscape Architecture. Originally trained as an organismal biologist and evolutionary ecologist Mike translates ecological systems and relationships into design and management strategies, particularly in management applications of time and systems interaction as design. Prior to his studies in landscape architecture Mike served as an environmental systems teacher and school administrator for a largely underserved student population. This experience continues to shape his approach to education, design, equity, and inclusion. With over 15 years’ experience in design, restoration ecology, consultancy, and landscape management Mike’s research focuses on the intersection of ecology and urbanism with emphasis on ecological justice, ecosystem services, green infrastructure, rewilding and biodiversity in design at a variety of scales.
Please save the date for this meeting, as we are hoping to hear from all of you on what you'd like to see from the chapter this year! We will be moving into the Knoxville area for in-person meetings very soon.

Monthly Meeting Description is TBD: Chapter moving to Knoxville; Getting to know new members and officers; Winter Seeding; Mission Statement Discussion: Motivations of individuals/members/chapter: growing together; moving forward; defining and reaching accomplishments. 

Wild Ones Newsletter Guru Intro and Discussion

Free Hike, open to the public. Must register to attend here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pinxterbloom-azalea-wildflower-walk-in-harriman-tickets-606706374097

Our April chapter meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carriage House building at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN. Our guest speaker's presentation will be followed by a brief business meeting.

OR connect with us on Zoom at the same time:
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/83658552630?pwd=c2JZWXFsNTdDaXFaeXQrTUo0SWh1Zz09
Meeting ID: 836 5855 2630
Passcode: $c?S4G

THIS MONTH'S PRESENTATION: Plants out of place are a problem in all regions of the world and can threaten local ecosystems. Bill Moll will frame the issues regarding invasive plants in Tennessee. This will be followed by a discussion of specific species - how to identify them, ways to manage them and suitable alternative species.

Bill Moll has rescued his 3.2 acre property from privet, Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, nandina and other invasive plants. In his spare time, he has worked on programs and Symposiums for the Tennessee Valley Wild Ones and is on the Tennessee Invasive Plant Council Board.

This FREE meeting is open to the public.

Plant sale. 

This class is free and open to the public, light refreshments provided. 

Wednesday, May 31 at 6PM, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 (In Person & Virtual)

Stephanie Mueller, Park Ranger at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, TN will demonstrate how native plants, birds, and pollinators all play an important role in ecosystems around the world. Seven Islands State Birding Park's focus is on habitat management and bird conservation, and the education and promotion of using native vegetation in landscapes. The presentation will cover how people can use native plants in their own yards to attract and benefit a variety of birds and pollinators, and also provide examples from the Wild Yards Garden demonstration area at Seven Islands State Birding Park. 

About Stephanie: 

Stephanie Mueller is a park ranger at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, TN and has been with the park since 2017. She has a bachelors degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and a minor in Environmental Science from North Carolina State University. She received a masters degree in Natural Resources focused on wildlife from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Stephanie has worked for and with several city parks, environmental education, and natural resource organizations throughout her career. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors, traveling, and playing pickleball with her 2 daughters and husband. 

This is a hybrid event, Zoom information below: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/86215913876?pwd=WFQ0TFh1RUViSjQ5d2haWUxvZVlSQT09

Meeting ID: 862 1591 3876

Passcode: Js&cy5

Apple GPS Instructions:

Just a quick note on Apple Map directions. Apple Maps may take you to a shortcut that is currently gated. However, if you take the James White exit from Highway 40 (exit 388/389), Apple GPS will map you correctly to the Boyd's Bridge Pike address.

If you do end up on Wimpole Avenue, go ahead and park in the Botanical Garden gravel parking lot and follow the Wild Ones sign directing you to the Carriage House. There will be signs directing you to the Carriage House.

 Click Here to Register! https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/Seven-Islands/#/?event=wild-ones-guided-hike

Join us for a Ranger Led Walk Through the Native Plant Garden at Seven Islands State Birding Park —

Unlock the Secrets of Native Gardens with Stephanie Mueller!
Discover the wonders of native gardening on this ranger-led walk through the native plant gardens at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Join Stephanie Mueller, an expert in landscaping with native plants, as she talks about the vibrant gardens at the park.

Learn which native plants thrive in specific environments and how to attract essential pollinators. Witness the beauty of a native garden in full bloom and gain inspiration for your own outdoor sanctuary.  Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the secrets of native gardening together. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you!
Click Here To Register!

Event Details:

Date: June 17 Time: 9-11AM 

Location: Seven Islands State Birding Park 

Wear comfortable walking shoes and outdoor attire

Space is limited, so click the link now to secure your spot. There is a $6 fee for this event, which goes directly to Seven Islands State Birding Park. 
 
Click Here To Register! https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/Seven-Islands/#/?event=wild-ones-guided-hike

Our chapter is growing WILD, and we need help to continue our wild growth rate, many hands make light work and we need even more help to make this a more dynamic group. We need a few more participants to help us sustain our fantastic growth.

Who will be our new secretary? Let's take a vote. 

Zoom info: 

Topic: Smoky Mts: We are Growing Like Wild! Vote in a new Secretary!
Time: Jun 18, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/82727224475?pwd=RlR0ZE1wbk0wKzgwaDdnQTJHL2FiZz09

Meeting ID: 827 2722 4475
Passcode: @Va0w#

We are EXCITED to Present this Month’s Class:

Growing Greener Communities through Tennessee Smart Yards, with Dr. Andrea Ludwig

June 28 at 6PM

2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville

This class is in person and live streamed via Zoom. 

About This Class:

In the face of grand challenges to our landscapes, biodiversity, and natural resources, privately held lands in Tennessee hold a significant capacity to be part of the solution towards reversing some of the damage that land use change has caused. Tennessee Smart Yards is an Extension-led program that guides Tennesseans on practices they can apply in their yards to create healthier, more ecologically-sound landscapes and communities. Nine principles of stewardship serve as the foundation for the program and are explored in online modules and practical workshops taught by UT-TSU Extension and water resource professionals. The program sprouted in 2008 by the Tennessee Water Resources Research Center through a grant from the TN Department of Agriculture and modeled after the Florida Friendly Landscaping program from Florida Extension Service. This presentation will overview the program and provide some insights gained through over a decade of maturation of Tennessee Smart Yards.

About Dr. Andrea Ludwig:

Dr. Andrea Ludwig is an associate professor of ecological engineering in the biosystems engineering and soil science department at the University of Tennessee. She serves as the state stormwater management specialist for UT Extension, and in that role has been working with communities across Tennessee to increase the abundance and function of green infrastructure to protect surface water quality. She is the program director for Tennessee Smart Yards and has the pleasure of teaching the Soils and Water Interactions class for the TN Valley Chapter's Certificate of Native Plants.  

Zoom Info: 

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/81880180934?pwd=TWh2WTRhMW0rNi95U0hIN1hCc2xkdz09

Jun 28, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Apple GPS Instructions:
Just a quick note on Apple Map directions. Apple Maps may take you to a shortcut that is currently gated. However, if you take the James White exit from Highway 40 (exit 388A), Apple GPS will map you correctly to the Boyd's Bridge Pike address.

If you do end up on Wimpole Avenue, go ahead and park in the Botanical Garden gravel parking lot and follow the Wild Ones sign directing you to the Carriage House. There will be signs directing you to the Carriage House.

Be sure to bring any native seeds and plants to swap! We hope to have plenty to choose from!

Love native plants? Not sure which ones will work best for your garden or landscape? Our next seminar is for you. Join us on Wednesday, July 26 at 6PM, for “Native Plants for the Landscape With Joy Grissom”. This is a free seminar that is open to the public with no registration required.

Joy Grissom, co-founder of the Native Plant Rescue Squad and former Stanley’s Greenhouse plant specialist, will be leading this informative and educational native-plant event. Joy will identify some of the many amazing native plants found in our region and will explain why native plants are so important to us and the world around us. She will be happy, of course, to answer your questions about native plants.

About Joy:
Joy and her partner Gerry Moll founded Native Plant Rescue Squad (NPRS) in 2015. The Squad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the rich diversity of native plants in East Tennessee. NPRS works with builders, developers, and land owners, to rescue native plants that would otherwise be destroyed during building and development. They make these rescued plants available for residential and commercial landscaping, with the goal of increasing the overall ecological health of our region.

This event will be simulcast live via Zoom; info below: 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/85964545195?pwd=RUkxUG5WNm0vYXFLTGo0N0w5ZFl5UT09

Meeting ID: 859 6454 5195
Passcode: =WP0dM

Sevier County Fair Booth

Plus Native Plant & Seed Swap! Bring a native plant or seeds to share!

Presented by Wild Ones: Are you interested in creating a beautiful and eco-friendly landscape while minimizing erosion? Join us for an informative seminar on "Landscaping Hills & Slopes with Native Plants."

Event Highlights:

Discover the benefits of using native plants in hill and slope landscaping.
Learn how native plant root systems help prevent erosion naturally.
Identify native plant species suitable for your specific slope scenario.
Gain practical insights on proper planting techniques and erosion control methods.
Understand the risks associated with non-native ornamental plants.

Let's work together to create a greener and more resilient environment with native plants!

This is a hybrid event and will be live streamed via Zoom. 

Zoom Info:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/85612490462?pwd=UEsrdU9TWm94QXVpWTd4b2htZDFwdz09

Meeting ID: 856 1249 0462
Passcode: BNC6?j

Join us for this informative festival. Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter will be hosting a table at this amazing event. 

We call it a Smart Yard —
— a yard that is in balance with the local environment for the benefit of both people and our ecosystem.

Explore UT Gardens - our state’s official botanical garden
- The importance of composting to balance your garden soil
- How to set up a rain barrel for water conservation and use
- Master Gardeners answer your garden questions

The Tennessee Invasive Plant Council will be presenting an informative session on combating invasive plant species in East Tennessee! Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about the impact of invasives on our local ecosystems, this event is for you. 

This seminar will provide you with all the essential details about the most prevalent invasive plant species in East Tennessee and the safe and effective methods to manage and remove them. Learn about the characteristics and control methods that will help you protect our local environment. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the preservation of East Tennessee's natural beauty.

Admission: Free and open to all. Light refreshments will be provided.

Native Plant and Seed Swap! Bring your native plants and seeds to share!

This seminar will be simulcast live via Zoom. Zoom details follow: 

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/87119572426?pwd=RG43elcwQThHdjQ3RTF4eFkvUlJVUT09

Meeting ID: 871 1957 2426
Passcode: CQt2^*

You must register for this event, space is limited. Register HERE!

Naturalist Ramble at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park led by Wild Ones Native Plant Naturalist Emma Oxford

Join us for an exciting adventure into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as we take a group naturalist ramble along Middle Prong Trail, located near Townsend, Tennessee. Along the way, naturalist Emma Oxford will share observations about the park's native plants and wildlife. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature while learning about the park's incredible biodiversity. Space is limited, register today.

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

We are excited to present October's class on monarch butterflies with Kym Martin!

Presentation:

About Kym: 

Kym has been responsibly supporting monarch butterfly conservation for over 5 years with efforts in education, habitat support, rearing monarchs, and tagging and tracking monarch migrations. Every year she also participates in multiple community science projects researching monarch health and conservation. Her goal is to establish a monarch conservation organization in Chattanooga, and, as the first step, she has created a monarch conservation website: magicalmonarchs.org. Her mission is Conservation, Education, and her Passion for the Magical Little Creatures called Monarchs. She is also a member and webmaster for the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association and I have recently designed and programmed their website: tnvalleynaba.org.

Presentation:

Why Monarchs Matter
* Monarchs At Risk
* Monarch Population Status
* Monarch Life Cycle
        - Eggs
        - Caterpillars
        - Chrysalis
        - Adult Monarch
* The Great Migration
        - Generations
        - Migration Cycle
        - Day of the Dead
* Monarch Habitats
        - What they need
        - Native Host and Nectar Plants
        - Native Milkweeds (TN)
* Monarch Facts
* Get Involved
        - Create A Butterfly Garden
        - Education and Sharing Resources
        - Community Science Programs
        - Advocate
        - Volunteer

        - Donate

ZOOM LINK AND INFO: 

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/86042414954?pwd=MzFQTEFkb3ZyV1k0bWlqNm9rUDU2Zz09

Meeting ID: 860 4241 4954
Passcode: 8Vk7#R

Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter will be hosting a table at this year's Fall Festival. 

Fall into fun at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum’s Annual Fall Festival! Join us on our LeConte Meadow, with the brilliant backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in fall color.  The Fall Festival offers something for everyone!

Our annual Fall Festival celebrates the end of the growing season with community dance and music performances, hands-on fall crafts and activities, and many local artists and nonprofits. At Fall Festival, our largest outreach event of the season, we welcome hundreds of local families to the grounds to honor our year of growing together.

Before we gear up for the Holidays, we would like to invite you to our Annual Member’s Meeting. 

We at Wild Ones are excited to invite you to a special event this month that will give you a taste of what it means to be a part of our community.

This month, we're hosting our annual Member's Meeting, and we're extending a warm invitation to both our loyal members and native plant enthusiasts who may be considering joining our vibrant community. We believe this event is an excellent opportunity for you to explore what makes Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter truly unique.

Light Refreshments Provided

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Link to Agenda:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W06hyDXbwuxlA3tU7a181xo5w35wHVkLLaTZN3YDmcU/edit?usp=sharing

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This will be a hybrid meeting simulcast live via Zoom. 

Zoom Info:

https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/86441392980?pwd=Q0hxQzcwdko5dE1sb1lGOUlSMjlIZz09

Meeting ID: 864 4139 2980
Passcode: 7RtX+h

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora.