Seminar: “Wish I’d Known That,” January 2026
Wild Ones Members entertain you with their “Wish I’d Known That!” stories of starting out gardening with native plants. Learn from our mistakes! We will get you started on the easy path to native garden success.
Knox County’s Unified Development Ordinance and How it Affects YOU!
The UDO is a chance for the public to help shape development rules that will guide Knox County for decades. When we participate, we show planners that native habitat is not an afterthought but a vital part of responsible development. The Unified Development Ordinance is asking the public to share what matters most in future development. Watch this video for more information:
Seminar: “How Aquatic Life & Native Plants Intersect,” November 2025
John “Bo” Baxter of Conservation Fisheries details how our local waterways serve as a vital network for our wildlife and as lifeblood for our lands as well.
Conservation Fisheries’ work is conserving rare, threatened and endangered freshwater fish across the eastern United States. They rely on many partners to ensure protection of the streams, water quality and aquatic environment that our animals depend upon. Conservation of aquatic communities relies almost entirely on proper land use, including the use of native plant species.
About the speaker
John “Bo” Baxter is a zoologist with Conservation Fisheries and the Tennessee River Basin Network. He has collected data, cataloged species, created systems to help improve efficiency and coordinated conservation efforts with other organizations.
Seminar: “Migration: It’s for the Birds!” with the Oak Ridge Bird Man, October 2025
Check out the Oak Ridge Bird Man’s website: https://www.oakridgebirdman.com/ to see his 3D printed products that are specifically designed to make it easy for birds to nest and feed safely and hygienically.
In this video with Lucas Coe-Starr, the Oak Ridge Bird Man, we learn about our local birds, including those that merely pass through as they make their tireless journeys during the turning of the seasons.
As the weather cools and days shorten, some birds take flight for warmer locales, stopping briefly in our own stretch of East Tennessee. This presentation will expand on the biology of bird migration, the differences between spring and fall, and best native planting practices for those of us seeking to aid our feathered friends, both momentary and lasting.
About the speaker
Lucas is an Oak Ridge native, having worked with wildlife his entire life. He landed his first job by picking up a few snakes in front of the right people, then went on to acquire his bachelor’s in biology from Maryville College and a master’s in environmental science from the University of New Haven, doing bird research the entire time. Since then, he has travelled the world chasing birds (keeping them away from airplanes, mostly), until a couple years ago when he and his wife decided to move back home to Oak Ridge. He now designs and 3D prints bird feeders and nest boxes, makes feed mixes, and advises people on the best way to take care of their local feathered wildlife.
Seminar: “Planting for Pollinator Nutrition,” August 2025
When we think about pollinators, we often focus on their role in our food supply, but we don’t always consider what they need to stay healthy themselves. Pollinators contribute to the diversity and quality of our diets, but they also need nutritious food sources. Plants vary in the quantity and quality of floral resources they provide. Laura Russo will discuss some aspects of pollinator nutrition, and then talk about which plants might be best to plant for pollinators in eastern Tennessee.
About the Speaker:
Laura Russo is an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Tennessee. Her lab studies mutualistic interactions between plants and pollinators, with a special focus on native and wild bees.
Seminar: “Landscaping for Fire Resiliency, Native Plants & Wildfire Preparedness,” May 2025
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.
Seminar: “Bringing Back the Prairie,” April 2025
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.
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. 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.
Seminar: “The Dirt on Bugs,” February 26, 2025
Join entomologist Will Kuhn for this fun and fascinating seminar, where he’ll uncover the vital roles of native bugs and learn about the challenges posed by invasive species. This seminar is 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.
Seminar: Ask an Expert Meeting, January 29, 2025
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.
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
Seminar: “Attracting Birds to your Yard with Native Plants,” September 2024
Native plants provide essential food, shelter, and nesting materials that attract a variety of bird species. Join us to learn how incorporating native plants into your yard not only enhances its beauty but also supports local bird populations. This seminar will cover plant selection, habitat creation, and practical tips to turn your garden into a bird-friendly haven.
Come learn from seasoned birder Jimmy Tucker how to maximize your yard for visits from some stunning feathered friends – the natural way! Learn to identify them, and when to expect unusual visitors, as well as tips for photographing birds!