Events

Join us in commemorating the splendid landscapes, wildlife, and traditions of the Great Smoky Mountains during Wilderness Wildlife Week. This year’s even will host prominent authorities on wildlife who will lead enlightening and informative discussions. Don’t miss this valuable chance to expand your knowledge and inquire about the wonders of the natural world.

Highlighting the unique attributes of the Smokies, Wilderness Wildlife Week celebrates the abundance of fauna, diversity of flora, and the rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through a collection of courses, lectures, hands-on displays, guided hikes, group discussions, and interactive sessions. Along with the classes, workshops, and guided hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge will feature vendor booths in an exhibit hall. Visitors can browse booths with photography, local art, handmade goods and more.

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in our next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson. Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change.  Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening's positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch the talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

🌱 Winter Sowing: Planting Native Seeds Event 🌱

Join us for a FREE and educational event hosted by Wild Ones Smoky Mountains, dedicated to winter sowing and planting native seeds. Connect with like-minded people, learn about the benefits of native plants, and take home your very own plantings to nurture and plant in the spring.

Event Highlights:

Winter Sowing Workshop: Discover the art of winter sowing and learn how to start your own native plant garden.

Native Plant Presentation: Hear about the importance of native plants in supporting local ecosystems.

Hands-On Planting: Get your hands dirty and sow native seeds provided by Wild Ones or brought by other participants.

What to Expect:

This is a seed sharing event. Wild Ones will provide seeds, and participants can bring their native seeds to share. Supplies such as containers and soil will be provided.

Learn about the care and maintenance of your seedlings during the winter months. Engage in discussions with fellow nature enthusiasts. 

Who Can Attend: This event is FREE and open to the public! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, everyone is welcome.

We will provide up to 90 varieties of native seeds plus the materials needed to make your seed sowing adventure a success. Donations are welcome. 

Click this link to review the list of seeds we will be providing:  https://smokymountains.wildones.org/wp-content/images/sites/133/2024/01/Seed-List.pdf

This event was rescheduled to February 28. Please see details on the Tree seminar on February 28

Dive into the fascinating world of native trees with our friendly native plants group! Join us for a seminar led by Stephanie Mueller, Park Ranger at Seven Islands State Birding Park, who's an expert in all things green.

You'll discover why native trees are like superheroes for our environment, from providing food for baby birds and homes for animals to keeping our soil healthy and air and water clean. We'll show you simple ways you can help these tree heroes thrive right in your own backyard. Don't miss out on this chance to learn, explore, and become a champion for native trees!

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. 

This event will be simulcast live via Zoom. 

Zoom info: 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/89575070240?pwd=a21wUXpodzJjc2RTMXl5ZjlHTkJZZz09

Meeting ID: 895 7507 0240
Passcode: WRm9.f

Registration for this event is now closed, and registrants have been emailed about attending. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues getting in.

This will be a paid event for both in-person and remote viewing. Virtual registrants will receive a link to watch Dr. Kimmerer's talk live as well as a link to the recording. The recording will only be available for a limited time. 

Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Ecological restoration can be understood as an act of reciprocity, in return for the gifts of the earth. This talk explores the ecological and ethical imperatives of healing the damage we have inflicted on our land and waters. We trace the evolution of restoration philosophy and practice and consider how integration of indigenous knowledge can expand our understanding of restoration from the biophysical to the biocultural. Reciprocal restoration includes not only healing the land but our relationship to land. In healing the land, we are healing ourselves.

Wild Ones is excited to cohost this event with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Earth Week 2024 and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter. 

Tonight we will check on how our winter sowed natives are doing, with hands on instruction on where and how to plant what has sprouted. 

Last year Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter (WOSMC) held a 10-year visioning for the future of East Tennessee ecosystems. We had over 45 attendees representing a wide swath of ecosystems-oriented interest groups, government agencies, academia, ecosystem-related business professionals, high school teachers, students, nonprofits and interested members of the public, between the live meeting and the online participants. The vision that was created was beautiful (it's attached here so you can glance through it if you have a moment; we think you'll agree it is a worthy goal!)

We feel strongly that the only way for that vision to become reality is for all of us to come together - to gather - every year, to commune with others with ecosystem interests that intersect with our own, and to share our achievements and our setbacks, as we revisit the vision.  We'll think about what needs to be added to the vision, and where it makes sense to focus our efforts collectively, in synergy, so we move toward the vision becoming reality as fast as we can.

We intend to hold this event - we are calling it The Gather - every year, in Spring, because that is the moment of endless possibilities, of optimism, and also the time when, looking around at East Tennessee's landscapes, it becomes all too clear that a redoubling of our efforts are sorely needed. We hope The Gather will be motivational, inspiring, and invigorating to all involved.

Relationships could not be more important to the vision, and we hope you will make it a priority to join in this gathering of like-minded, ecosystems-focused people. The in-person event will be a great opportunity to truly get to know the other local leaders and influencers in the ecosystems realm, and to develop exciting ideas and projects.

We realize the importance of including our allies throughout greater East Tennessee, who may not be able to travel all the way to Knoxville but wish to be actively involved, so we will have an online option as well. If you would like to participate using this method, respond to this email indicating this, and we will add you to the online-only contact list. We'll send you the link closer to the event date.

When: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 (two weeks from now)
Time:  6:30 to 8:30pm (typically people continue to socialize for some time after this)
Where: Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
Address: 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike in Knoxville

Light refreshments will be provided.

Your presence would mean a great deal to a great many people, who truly look forward to seeing you there and moving the vision forward alongside you. The courtesy of a reply would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for everything you have done - and are doing - for East Tennessee ecosystems. We look forward to gathering with you soon.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors for Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter
 - Steacy Sadler Lucchesi, President
 - Andrea Sabala, Vice President
 - Regina Santore, Secretary
 - Marti Agler, Treasurer
 - Emma Oxford, Social Media Chair
 - Lynda Parker, Newsletter Chair

ZOOM INFO:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/84776816589?pwd=ak9LbWU0eXVEcU1PTi9NSTVMd1g1QT09

Meeting ID: 847 7681 6589
Passcode: F?0hP6

Join us here at Stanley’s Greenhouse on April 6, at 1030 a.m., for “Nuts About Natives!”, a free seminar led by Joy Grissom, co-founder of the Native Plants Rescue Squad, and find out why growing native plants is a great idea and which natives plants are best for the Knoxville area. Wild Ones will have an informational table there. 

Hello Native Plant Enthusiasts!

Let's get the gang back together! Winter Sowing Jug Reunion AND an Exchange of Native Plants - a perfect way to celebrate Tennessee Native Plant Month! 

This event is open to Everyone!

Date: We are meeting up on April 20! 

Where: At the Adair Park Pavilion, 1807 Adair Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918

Time: 10am to 3pm

10am: Arrive, sign in, set up your plants

11am: Group review of jugs/ plants - learning what various seedlings and plant families look like when young

12: exchange of plants (until 1pm-ish)

1pm: eat your bag lunch and clean up

1:45 or 2pm: wildflower, shrub and tree walk through Adair Park

3pm: end

There's something for everyone at this event, whether seasoned native gardener or new to natives!

Winter Sowing Event participants: please bring your jugs, even if you have no extras to share, so we can learn from them! There is no better way to begin to recognize native plant seedlings.

All participants: Bring your native plant "extras" (already potted up and pre-labeled with name and growing conditions, ideally) if you have any! Please bring cups, pots, etc for taking home native plant babies! Tape for labeling, and garden markers, will be available for use. We have some potting soil for the group but more would be very helpful if you have some to spare.

We will have water ready for watering your newly potted up plants. Bring a way to get your plants home safely (plastic, boxes, etc.)

Bring lunch and enjoy in this beautiful park while we clean up in time for the next pavilion guests, then...

Adair Park has many native plants (and many invasives, too) - After the exchange we'll take a flower, shrub and tree walk through the park at 2pm so you can get to know and recognize them!

Open to the public. Please verify that your plants are native to the Southern US region; non-native plants will not be allowed in the Exchange, thank you.

In the upcoming lecture "Gardening by Mistake," presented by Eugene Haffner at the Wild Ones' monthly meeting on April 24, 2024, attendees will embark on a journey through Eugene's personal narrative weaving engineering expertise with an unexpected passion for native landscaping. From his roots in a concrete jungle to nurturing a neighbor's yard, Eugene's story highlights the lessons learned through trial and error. Through humor, Eugene invites us to explore the intersection of curiosity, mistakes, and growth in the realm of gardening with native plants.

In this lecture, Eugene shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of gardening with knowledge. Drawing from his own experiences and resources, he offers practical tips on avoiding common pitfalls and creating success in cultivating vibrant native landscapes. "Gardening by Mistake" promises to inspire, reminding us that even in the midst of setbacks, there's always room to grow. Join us for an evening of learning, laughter, and the celebration of the wild and wonderful world of gardening.

This event will be simulcast live via Zoom. 

Zoom Information:

Join:
https://wildones-org.zoom.us/j/89307349721?pwd=WTZybFFrSDhteFBiSnQ4T0NSaEl5QT09

Meeting ID: 893 0734 9721
Passcode: !7LxeU

The Nature Conservancy is working alongside the TN Division of Forestry to create a Post-Wildfire Restoration Manual for the Wears Valley Community and Sevier County. 

This event includes discussion on topics such as the importance of wildfire mitigation, post wildfire restoration, post fire silviculture, and wildfire mitigation through firewise landscaping. 

There will be a free nacho bar for all participants and seed bomb making table for the kids!

Why Native Plants Are a Lifesaver for Baby Birds and Wildlife!  Find out how native plants play a vital role in supporting ecosystems and sustaining baby bird populations!  Discover the easiest way to start growing native plants in your own yard. Join us in Roane County for this educational seminar given by our very own Regina Santore, to discuss the importance of native plant habitats and how to start one of your own. 

We are happy to announce a personal introduction to the plot of land, the use of which has been graciously gifted to us to create native habitats. This plot of land holds great significance for our group.

Join us on May 18 at 10:00AM or May 20 at 6:30PM as we introduce our members to this remarkable space.

This event isn't just about land; it's about community and collaboration. We are excited for you to join us in this celebration of new beginnings and welcome you to become fellow stewards of this piece of nature, as together we transform it from farmer's field to vibrant ecosystem.

Please note:

You must be a Wild Ones member in order to participate in the tending of the plot. Non-Members are welcome to join us at this introductory event.

Please indicate which date you will attend. The location (right off of Chapman Highway in Knoxville) will be emailed to you once you have registered.
 

Please register for this event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-groundbreaking-exploring-our-garden-plot-tickets-901883647267?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

We are happy to announce a personal introduction to the plot of land, the use of which has been graciously gifted to us to create native habitats. This plot of land holds great significance for our group.

Join us on May 18 at 10:00AM or May 20 at 6:30PM as we introduce our members to this remarkable space.

This event isn't just about land; it's about community and collaboration. We are excited for you to join us in this celebration of new beginnings and welcome you to become fellow stewards of this piece of nature, as together we transform it from farmer's field to vibrant ecosystem.

Please note:

1. You must be a Wild Ones member in order to participate in the tending of the plot. Non-Members are welcome to join us at this introductory event.

2. Please indicate which date you will attend. The location (right off of Chapman Highway in Knoxville) will be emailed to you once you have registered.
 
Please register for this event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-groundbreaking-exploring-our-garden-plot-tickets-901883647267?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Let's walk into the  world of native plants as we invite you to join us at the native gardens right outside the Carriage House at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Led by our guides, you'll learn about  and gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between native plants and the ecosystem, and how important native plants are to baby birds and fireflies.

During this event, you will also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of invasive plants. Gain insights into identifying them and acquire practical strategies to effectively prevent their spread.

Join Ranger Stephanie for a guided hike along the trails of Seven Islands State Birding Park to look for and learn about the native flowers and plants in bloom. Participants will learn how to identify the flowers and plants, but also any interesting medicinal uses or natural history of the plants. The length of the hike will be approximately 2-2.5 miles and be easy-moderate difficulty. Participants should wear appropriate footwear and clothing and bring bottled water. Participants should plan on meeting Ranger Stephanie at the Bluebird Barn by the main parking lot off of Kelly Lane at 11:30am. 

Bring a picnic to enjoy after the demonstration. 

The cost for this program is $6 per participant. If you have questions regarding this program please contact Ranger Stephanie at [email protected] or 865-333-8270. 

Register Here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/Seven-Islands/#/?event=wild-ones-flower-and-plant-hike-june2

June 23, 2024 at 8:00 AM

2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, Meet Outside the Carriage House

Join us for a day of learning about invasive plants, community service, and environmental stewardship as we give back to the beautiful Knoxville Botanical Gardens! In appreciation for their generosity in providing us with a free seminar space, we are planning to assist in removing invasive plants outside the historic Carriage House. Wild Ones will have staff on hand to assist in identifying invasive plants. 

What to Expect:
Activities: We will be focusing on the removal of invasive plant species to help preserve the natural beauty and health of the gardens.
Equipment: Participants are encouraged to bring any gardening tools or equipment they feel comfortable using. Wild Ones and the Knoxville Botanical Gardens will also provide some gardening tools for those who need them.
Attire: Please dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Sturdy shoes and gardening gloves are highly recommended.
Refreshments: Wild Ones will provide light snacks and refreshments to keep our volunteers energized and hydrated throughout the event. Please also bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated.

How to Prepare:
Bring any personal gardening tools or equipment.
Wear suitable clothing for gardening and the weather.
Bring a water bottle for personal hydration.

Additional Information:
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about invasive plant species, connect with fellow community members, and contribute to the upkeep of a cherished local landmark. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just looking to spend a day outdoors, your efforts will make a significant difference.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to support the Knoxville Botanical Gardens!

Let's come together to make a positive impact on our local environment!

This is your chance to tour a mature, 100% native garden set in the front yard of a manicured neighborhood!

Owner and Tennessee Naturalist Jimmy Tucker will talk about the challenges he faced and solutions he employed in converting a large area of his suburban yard to native plantings, and why he did it. Learn how Jimmy's hard work led to his property's designation as a Homegrown National Park featured in HNP's outreach materials!

This event promises valuable insights and practical tips for incorporating native plants into your own garden. Don't miss this opportunity to get inspired!

The fee for this tour is $5/members and $7/non-members

This garden tour will be in Maryville. The address will be emailed to you upon registration.

Register Here!

This seminar will be streamed live via Zoom.

Join us for an insightful seminar led by Lisa Huff, an East TN Regional Stewardship Ecologist at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. In this session, Lisa will share tips and strategies for installing and maintaining small-scale native plantings. 

Attendees will gain insight into the importance of native plantings, their role in fostering biodiversity, and how to effectively create various native landscapes. 

From selecting the right native species to understanding soil requirements and ongoing maintenance, Lisa will cover key considerations for successful native plant installations. Participants will learn about best practices, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to nurture thriving ecosystems in their own backyard or community spaces.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of native plantings and discover how you can make a positive impact on the environment while enhancing the beauty of your surroundings.

Lisa Huff manages or co-manages 20 state natural areas in East Tennessee for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, including the ecological and recreational aspects of those properties.

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

Sara and Coralie are part of the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) Landscaping team, and they have collaborated on diverse projects across Indiana, including native planting schemes for schools, community gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Humane Society. Their new design for Indianapolis reflects typical sub-divisions in Indiana and considers future climate challenges, such as increased flooding and hotter, drier summers. The design features resilient, native Indiana plants that thrive in local soil conditions and contribute to the ecosystem.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in native plants! Participants will gain practical insights into native garden designs and learn how tailored landscaping can support wildlife, promote ecological balance, and help restore natural habitats. 

Monthly Seminar, Subject TBA

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Monthly Seminar, Subject TBA

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

Monthly Seminar, Subject TBA

Monthly Seminar, Subject TBA

Join us for a holiday party!