Chapter Events

Learn all about the operation of a wildflower seed farm while walking the seed production fields. We'll frequently stop to discuss farm operations and  how our seeds are used in landscapes.

Please bring a folding bag chair to use before the tour starts.

Dress for the weather and for walking. Bring camera and notepad/pen if desired.

Carpooling recommended.

Annual Native Plant Sale (Pickup and Browse & Buy) on July 19.

Order online on our website July 1-14. Wild Ones members receive early access. June 26-30. 

Presented by Jenna Walters, PhD Candidate, Michigan State University

Michigan is home to over 467 species of wild bees, making our state an incredible oasis of diversity and wildlife. However, many of these bees need our help in order to persist and thrive for years to come. Join us as we take a look at some of the native bees you might find in your own backyard and explore the ways you can help save the bees!

Presented by Ginny Sines, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Kent County Parks

This program will include a short history of native prairie habitats, why they are an important part of a ecosystem and how Kent County Parks Department is supporting Native Prairie areas at multiple County park sites. The program will also include a prairie species ID walk and native prairie seed harvesting workshop. Attendees will learn to ID some of the common native prairie grasses and forbs and will have the opportunity to participate in a seed harvesting activity. We will be collecting seeds to bring home and will hear a short presentation at one of the pavillions about how to overwinter seeds.

Presented by Madison (Maisie) Wiler

Four out of five FDA-approved medicines are derived from plant compounds. Even so, scientists believe that nature's pharmaceutical value is largely unexplored—but many scientists seeking to develop new medicines fail to consult with indigenous nations, whose traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) encompasses medicines unknown or unused in western pharmacology. This presentation will explore traditional medicines, their uses, and will provide an evidentiary basis for their efficacy with comparisons to western laboratory science. Additionally, we will discuss the issue of exploitation of Indigenous nations by pharmaceutical companies.

Join us for fun evening to connect with your fellow Wild Ones and to meet newcomers! 

We will be celebrating the end of our 16th year as a chapter and our accomplishments this year. The River City 2024 officers and board members will be introduced. Refreshments will be served.

Attendees are encouraged to bring native seeds from their garden to share.

Bring native seeds to share if you have them. Please follow these instructions for the seeds:

Separate dry seeds from plant material
Enclose in an envelope no larger than letter size (one species per envelope)
Write on the envelope:
o   Common name
o   Latin name
o   Sun/Shade
o   Soil type Wet/Dry
o   Your name

If you are new to native plants and don’t have seeds to share, no worries, you can still take home some seeds.