EVENTS

Dave Crawford will offer perspectives gleaned from the ongoing conversion of a city lot with a conventional house and conventional landscaping into the site of a Passive House Plus certified home with an abundance of native plant gardens for pollinators and other wildlife.  Highlights are increases in pollinator diversity, net zero energy consumption, and potential for educational outreach.

Many of you will know Dave as a long-time member of our Wild Ones St Croix Oak Savanna chapter. A former Minnesota State Park Naturalist, Dave worked and volunteered at parks up and down the St. Croix Valley for over 40 years. Since retiring, he and his wife have built an environmentally sustainable home, only the second home in the U.S. to be certified Passive House Plus. And they have landscaped their urban lot for pollinators and wildlife. Join us as Dave reflects on this adventure in design and landscaping.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5777543510?pwd=SGZhcnFWbCt3c09EcU04UWhRdWtpZz0

As Wild Ones members and friends, our personal efforts to protect and promote pollinators and wildlife habitat begin in our own gardens and landscapes. This work is profoundly important to our Wild Ones mission.  But we now understand that the environmental problems we face require action beyond our private landscapes and our local communities. 
 
Presenter Karin Jokela will describe how the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is responding to these broader environmental challenges by developing public policies and programs at national, state, and local levels, and by working across sectors—from commercial lands to natural areas. Karin will present recent examples of the resources and tools Xerces uses in its work, and provide case studies, including work Xerces is doing in the Driftless Area, a subregion of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
 

Our native perennials, shrubs and trees offer a plethora of edible options that can feed both humans, birds, and other beneficial wildlife. Presenter Pete Widin will help simplify the process of selecting the right plantings for your unique property in order to mimic natural plant communities and provide low-maintenance wildlife value that looks and tastes great! 
 
Pete Widin, MLA is a member of Wild Ones St. Croix Oak Savanna and a  local edible and native landscape designer at Artisan Environments LLC in Stillwater, MN. He believes that a core answer to climate change and confusion in the world today lies in forging deeper connections with nature, relying more on homegrown food, and creating positive interactions with wildlife. 

Saturday, May 13, 10am to noon. 
Space is limited. Your RSVP and reservation required by email: [email protected].

Wild Ones members Diane Hilscher and Nathalie Shanstrom will guide us on a favorite spring hike along Ridge View Trail. This flat to moderately steep trail (1-2 miles) offers a rushing spring-fed stream and blooming spring ephemerals. Our destination is just north of Osceola, WI, about 26 miles from Stillwater.

Trail web link: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ridge-view-trail-osceola-loop.htm

Space will be limited. Please RSVP your interest by email to:

 [email protected].   We’ll confirm reservations and send directions to the trail head. We’ll coordinate carpooling and suggest an optional destination for lunch following the tour.

Pollinators are in big trouble - let's lend a helping hand. On May 31st we will stand together for pollinators by converting old corn fields into native habitat. We will be planting over 1,000 native plant plugs and adding mulch.

Bring a trowel, shovel, and pail if you have them. Learn about pollinators and pollinator habitat during mini demo talks. Help out pollinators in decline and create beauty.

When you arrive at Pine Point Park parking lot, our volunteers will direct you to the planting area. Please dress accordingly for weather. It's an all-outdoor event.

Link to google directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pine+Point+Regional+Park/@45.1201067,-92.839384,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x52b2c62edb19a671:0x24cbd5dadad15f3!8m2!3d45.1201067!4d-92.839384!16s%2Fg%2F1tfk8nns

In case of inclement weather, we will reschedule.

This is a joint program by Pollinator Friendly Alliance, Washington Conservation District, Washington County Parks and Wild Ones St Croix Oak Savanna. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pollinator-planting-party-at-pine-point-park-east-tickets-613309674747https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pollinator-planting-party-at-pine-point-park-east-tickets-613309674747

Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.

Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental
 education groups from the community.

Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.

Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.

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. 

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.