Events

Ask the Experts: A Native Plant Q&A with Leading Experts

This Zoom Only seminar brings together local experts to answer your questions about all things native plants. Whether you're curious about creating a bird-friendly yard, supporting pollinators and wildlife, managing invasive species, improving your soil, or choosing the right native plants for your landscape, this event is your chance to learn from the pros.

Learn why understanding the importance of native habitats is key to sustaining ecosystems and how you can make a difference in your own community.

Discover how native plants can:
Attract and support birds, pollinators, and wildlife
Reduce yard maintenance and conserve water
Help restore biodiversity and healthy habitats
Improve soil health and resilience

Meet the panel:

Dr. Andrea Ludwig, director of TN Smart Yards and Biosystem Engineer & Soil Sciences Professor at the University of Tennessee

Dr. Amanda Benoit, Ecology and Evolution Teaching Professor at the University of Tennessee & Co-Founder of Appalachian Flora

Jimmy Groton, Wetland Ecologist/Environmental Scientist, Tennessee Invasives Council Speaker, and Invasives Expert

Jimmy Tucker, Past President of TN Ornithological Society, certified TN Master Naturalist, and Bird Expert - JTucker Photography

A knowledgeable tree expert

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey with native plants, this interactive Q&A will inspire and empower you to make your yard a haven for nature.

To register for this event, and submit a question, click here:  https://smokymountains.wildones.org/381-2/

This event will be via Zoom.

All are welcome to join this free virtual panel discussion exploring the vital roles of native, solitary, and honeybees in pollination and biodiversity. Featuring experts Sam Droege (USGS), Dave Hunter (Crown Bees), and Dr. Lora Morandin (Pollinator Partnership), this event will discuss into the challenges pollinators face, the balance between managed and wild bees, and actionable ways to support all pollinators.

Gain insights from over 90 years of combined experience and learn how to advocate for pollinator habitats through planting native species, participating in community science, and adopting responsible management practices.

Experience the Beauty of Tennessee’s Native Trees This Winter

Join us for a captivating winter walk at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge, where the native trees of Tennessee take center stage. Guided by Don Williams of Tennessee Naturescapes and Kevin Hoyt, Executive Director of the UT Arboretum and Forestry Research Station, this event promises an engaging exploration of nature’s quiet season.

Discover the art of winter tree identification as we observe the subtle features of trees just before they burst into new growth in spring. This leisurely walk covers a short distance and will last approximately 1.5 hours, offering plenty of time to soak in the surroundings and learn.

The UT Arboretum, a project of the University of Tennessee Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, is a hidden gem of Oak Ridge. Spanning 250 acres, this research and education facility is home to over 2,500 native and exotic woody plant specimens and welcomes more than 30,000 visitors annually.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about Tennessee’s native landscapes, this is an opportunity to connect with nature in a unique and enriching way. Don’t miss it!

Register Here:  https://smokymountains.wildones.org/register-for-event/

Please be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The Smoky Mountains Chapter will provide drinks and light refreshments. 

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.

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 fun day with pizza provided by Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter! There will be a plant swap from our seed sowing event; additionally, new plants for sale, local art for sale, and our brand new T-Shirts for sale (donated by Borderland Tees)!

If you have a bumper crop of native plants in your winter sowing jugs, bring them so that you can swap plants with others who also have lots of seedlings! We will swap plants, eat lunch, AND you can purchase plants grown by Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter. You will also have the opportunity to purchase works from a local artist (MaceyLou, A Wild Approach) - there's something for everyone! Please be sure to bring something waterproof to transport your new plants!

To Pre-Order your shirt, send us an email to let us know what size, color and style you would like and reserve your apparel. You can pick up your shirt at this event. To view the shirts, click here: https://smokymountains.wildones.org/we-have-t-shirts-sweatshirts-for-sale/  

​Payments for plants and apparel can only be taken by cash or check at this time; art purchases can be made via cash, card, and PayPal. For this event, 5% of MaceyLou's sales will go to Wild Ones Smoky Mountains Chapter. 

​Address: 4806 Jenkins Road, Knoxville, TN. The Adair Park Shelter is located at the park entrance off of Jenkins Road Northeast (just past the main park entrance off Carol Drive).

Register Here: https://smokymountains.wildones.org/register-for-event/

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 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, 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.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled. We are working on rescheduling at a later date. Thank you for your understanding. 

We are excited to announce a double-header pop-up event for THIS SATURDAY​ (May 10) that you don't want to miss!

We kick off our Landscapes in Progress Series with a private tour of Jimmy Tucker's amazing all-native suburban landscape. Installed and maintained by Mergoat and The Tuckers, and featured by Homegrown National Park, these effusive, mature gardens are different in every season, and are truly an inspiration.

Next we are THRILLED to have been invited for a private tour of Foothills Land Conservancy's headquarters, located at the Harris Farm conservation, and led by our newest Board member and native plant superhero, Shelby Lyn Sanders! From the FLC website:

"The beautiful 300 acre farm embodies an ideal approach to land use - integrating diverse landscape types to benefit both people and ecosystems, and is protected forever from development.​ Existing natural habitat on the property is mostly oak-hickory woodland, including a spring-fed pond. Invasive plant removal on this natural habitat allows local flora and fauna to thrive. Farming will continue here as it has for generations, featuring seasonal crops, open pasture for cattle, and hayfields. These areas also function as grassland habitat that is critical to many disappearing species of wildlife. The home office is landscaped with a wide variety of pollinator-friendly, predominantly native plantings that support wildlife while remaining low-maintenance and water-wise. There is a productive fruit, vegetable, and flower garden that feeds humans and wild creatures alike."

These properties are about a 30-minute drive apart. If you can only make it to one or the other, please let us know so we can fill the gaps. Attendance is limited to 30 for each part of the event.

When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Landscapes in Progress, Tucker Residence: 10am to 11am

Drive to next location: 11:30 to 12:15pm
Foothills Land Conservancy Harris Farm Private Tour: 12:15PM to 1:15pm

If you would like to attend one or both events, please email Regina Santore at [email protected] or text her at (865) 742-3248. She will send you addresses and driving directions.

We look forward to seeing our members! If you are not yet a member, sign up today: https://join.wildones.org/?chapter=104

Join Wild Ones National Board President Loris Damerow for a special presentation as part of Week 3 of the 2025 Less Lawn More Life Challenge, “Native Plants Planted Right.” Loris will walk us through the basics of native plant gardening- from choosing the right plants to planting and maintaining them with confidence.

Join us on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT for the YouTube Live premiere of this 30-minute webinar. Native plant experts from  Wild Ones, Plan it Wild, Homegrown National Park, ReWild Your Campus, and others will be active in the live chat throughout the presentation and for 30 minutes after the webinar, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and engage! 

This event is designed for newcomers to native gardening and is part of the national Less Lawn More Life Challenge, hosted by Plan It Wild in collaboration with Wild Ones, iNaturalist, Homegrown National Park, Pollinator Partnership  and many others! 

See more about the Less Lawn More Life Challenge:  https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/ 

Register here: https://smokymountains.wildones.org/may-registration/

Join us and Allana Funderburk as she details the steps we can all take toward a fire-wise landscape that also supports our wildlife.

How can you help keep Tennessee’s forests, and your own backyard, healthy and resilient? We’ll learn how to create defensible space, using fire-resilient native plants. Whether you have a small yard or acres of land, you’ll leave with clear, actionable tips.

This talk will explore The Nature Conservancy’s work in Tennessee, including their role in shaping the state’s 2020-2030 Forest Action Plan. We’ll focus on practical steps homeowners can take to support native species, maintain a thriving landscape, and reduce wildfire risks. Using insights from the Post-Wildfire Restoration Manual, we’ll discuss the importance of creating defensible space and landscaping with native fire-resilient plants to protect your home and surrounding habitat. Whether you have a small yard or acres of land, this session will provide useful guidance for managing your property with nature in mind.

About the speaker

Allana Funderburk serves as the Forest Action Plan Coordinator with The Nature Conservancy, working in collaboration with the Tennessee Division of Forestry. In this role she leads the 5-Year Review of Tennessee’s 2020 Forest Action Plan and is developing a Post-Wildfire Restoration Manual for landowners.

She is passionate about all aspects of forest management in the southeast- from landscape level restoration to sustainable timber harvesting and believes in the power of partnerships to advance shared conservation goals.

TBA

TBA

TBA

Details coming soon! 

TBA

Details coming soon! 

TBA

TBA

Details coming soon! 

TBA