Events

Director of Door County Parks talked about establishing prairies and othe ecological upgrades in the parks

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.

Jason Feldman of Jason Feldman Landscape will recommend shrubs that help pollinators and birds, and also thrive in the various soil types of Door County.

In honor of Aldo Leopold Day, this guided hike will explore the Big Creek preserve and at selected spots, volunteers from Crossroads, Master Gardeners and Wild Ones will read short Leopold quotes. We will watch the sun set in silence. Indoors if weather is inclement.

Tom Wolfe will discus woody plant physiology, botany and soil as they relate to  native DC trees and shrubs.

Wolfe holds Bachelor of Science Horticulture/Aboriculture University of Wisconsin-Madison

1980

34 years Head Gardener-Horticulturist The Art Institute of Chicago 1980-2014

Designed and installed gardens at Notre Dame University 1987-88

installed gardens Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall Chicago 1984-present

Maintained garden at The John G Shedd Aquarium Chicago 2015-16

Consulted on Woody Plants Millennium Park Chicago 2000-2001

Designed and installed The Gardens at Green Gables Ephraim Wisconsin 2017-2023

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.

Interested in growing  your own food or creating  a wild landscape, but aren’t sure your soil is up to the task?  No worries!  Jamie Patton, soil scientist, will discuss ways to test and amend your soils to get the productive garden you’ve always wanted.  From in-ground plantings to raised bed and container gardening, she’ll cover it all!

On April 1, the Master Gardener/Wild Ones lecture will be “Integrated Pest Management” UW Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist Allen Pyle will explain , how to  to reduce pest damage in home gardens and landscapes with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM is a research-based approach that focuses on understanding pest life cycles and using a combination of control measures. IPM is applicable to pests including insects, mites, diseases, weeds and even critters. The talk will include details on common garden pests as well as some new invasive exotic pests.

Alln Pyle is based in Green Bay. His  expertise, built over 30 years of professional  experience, includes herbaceous ornamental perennials, plant propagation, edible plants, native species, and Integrated Pest Management.

"No Mow May" is a catchy name for a trend among home gardeners to let their lawns grow wild for a few weeks in the spring. While it does have some benefits, just delaying mowing doesn't provide long term benefits to insects like bees and other pollinators. Learn how you can take additional steps throughout the year to support wildlife, increase biodiversity and improve water and air quality. Speaker: Karen Newbern

“Door County Environmental Mentors,” a presentation by naturalist, educator, and writer Charlotte Lukes. Charlotte will highlight people who have shaped conservation and environmental education on the peninsula. 

A mentor in her own right, she spent decades promoting stewardship alongside her late husband, Roy Lukes. The event is free and open to the public, co-sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners and Wild Ones – Door Peninsula. The presentation will be held in person at the Collins Learning Center.

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/ 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!