Events Archive: 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Upcoming Events
January 2025
Ask the Experts: A Native Plant Q&A with Leading Experts - Zoom Only Event
Online/Virtual
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
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.
February 2025
National Panel Discussion: "Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators"
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
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.
Winter Tree Walk at the Oak Ridge UT Arboretum
Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Group Tour Nature Walk/Hike Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity
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.
The Dirt on Bugs, by Kendra Neitzel of Tennessee Naturescapes
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
Light Refreshments will be provided to those attending in person!
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 Kendra Neitzel from Tennessee Naturescapes 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 Tennessee Naturescapes:
Tennessee Naturescapes is a small, privately-owned native plant nursery established to address the growing need for commercially available native plants. Our team is passionate about stewarding our natural heritage and educating others on creating habitats that enhance and sustain local biodiversity. Every yard counts!
About Kendra Neitzel:
Biophilia—the love of nature—is in my blood! From an early age, I was surrounded by an incredible array of plant and animal species, from common family pets to exotic creatures like Saiga Antelope, Arabian Oryx, pandas, and even the occasional cheetah. No, I wasn’t raised in a zoo, but with both of my parents working at the San Diego Zoo, I had the unique privilege of being involved in many fascinating projects over the years.
After graduating from university, I spent a brief period teaching biology to K-12 students before dedicating several years to working with dually diagnosed adults and children. I was constantly amazed at how my clients responded to animals and science-based projects, reaffirming my belief that a love for nature is deeply rooted in all of us.
Four years ago, I moved to East Tennessee to start a new chapter in my life. Unsure of my next steps, I was fortunate to join the team at Tennessee Naturescapes. As they say, the rest is history!
March 2025
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
Members Only: Townsend River Walk: Spring Ephemerals Members Only
Members Only Nature Walk/Hike Lots of Physical Activity
This is a Member's Only Event and is limited to 12 people. Register for this event here.
Begin your adventure at the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum, where kids can be kids and adults can rediscover their inner child. A microcosm of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with many of the plants and trees the park has to offer, but more accessible, along with outstanding views of The Little River.
Join us for a 2 hour walk with Mark Seder and learn about our native spring ephemerals and the fascinating history of the Townsend River Walk.
The Townsend River Walk & Arboretum (TRWA) is a 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 non-profit organization “Project TRWA” (501-C3) 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.
On the tour we will go over the history of why the TRWA is there, how we managed and are managing the invasives, there should be plenty of Spring ephemerals for everyone to enjoy, what we have been doing and also what are plans are.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Wild Ones will provide water and light refreshments.
April 2025
Bringing Back the Prairie: Native Grasslands in Tennessee
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
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.
May 2025
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
June 2025
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
July 2025
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
August 2025
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
September 2025
September Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
October 2025
October Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
Monthly Seminar TBA
The Carriage House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37914 Map
Live Stream Available
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
November 2025
MEMBER MEETING
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA
November Wild Ones National Webinar
Hosted by Wild Ones NationalOnline/Virtual
Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation
Details coming soon!
December 2025
HOLIDAY POT-LUCK
Public Welcome Family Friendly Limited Access Recording Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking
TBA