2021 Programs

Programs (unless otherwise specified) are held on the third Monday of the month,
February through November.

Programs open to all • free of charge

Notice: Photos may be taken at our events. If you do not wish your photo to appear on our website or email communications, email [email protected]


Wild Ones River City Chapter
2021 Program Schedule

Programs start at 6:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. (Times and locations are subject to change.)

Download 2021 WORC Programs pdf

FEBRUARY 15
Botanical Quest: Documenting Michigan’s Rare Native Flora Through Photography
Presented by Craig Elston, CDE Nature, Naturalist – City of Hudsonville, President of White Pine Chapter – Michigan Botanical Club, 2nd Vice President of Wildflower Association of Michigan.
ZOOM Webinar


MARCH 15
For the Birds: Fostering Backyard Habitats to Attract Birds 
Presented by Curtis Dykstra, Parks Naturalist at Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, Expert Birder.
ZOOM Webinar


APRIL 19 
Native Garden Design
Presented by Landscape Designers:
– Amy Heilman, Owner, The Living Garden
– Rebecca Marquardt, Owner, Revery
ZOOM Webinar


MAY 17
Cultivating our Schoolyards as Habitats to Grow Scholars Who Will Become Stewards
Presented by Sally Triant, Grow Wise Learning
ZOOM Webinar


JUNE 21
Go Beyond Beauty
Presented by Shelly Stusick, NW Michigan Invasive Species Network
Location: Zoom


JULY 21 – Wednesday
Wild Ones River City Chapter Native Plant Sale
Online Pre-order Sale July 1–14
Pickup Location: Fulton Street Farmer’s Market
1145 Fulton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Use Fountain St entrance


AUGUST 16
Invasive Species Action: Best Practices to Protect Michigan’s Native Flora & Fauna From Intruders 

Presented by Jesse Schulte, District Manager, Kent Conservation District.
Location: Greenwood Cemetery, 1401 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504


SEPTEMBER 20 • NOTE: Time is 6:00–7:30 PM
Stewardship, Community Engagement and Volunteerism 

Presented by:
– Melanie Manion, National Resources Manager, Ottawa County Parks
– David Marquardt, Director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
– Ginny Sines, Volunteer Coordinator, Kent County Parks Department
– Ginny Wanty, MSU Extension Master Naturalist Coordinator (retired)
Also involved: Jessie Schulte, Jason Goggins and Friends of GR Parks staff
NEW LOCATION: Roselle Park, 1010 Grand River Dr NE, Ada, MI 49301
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Program will start promptly at 6:00 pm in the Community Room.


OCTOBER 18
Soil—The Hidden Secrets Beneath Your Feet
Presented by Dr. Jerry Miller, Professor of Agronomy, Iowa State University Extension Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Board President of Kent Conservation District.
Location: Calvin University Bunker Interpretive Center, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546


NOVEMBER 15
The Science and Art of Propagating Native Plants, presented by Jeanette Henderson, Program Manager, Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
Location: Calvin University Bunker Interpretive Center, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546