Events

Regular Meeting & learning time with Adam Bigelow about Composting

Native Plant Seed Swap

Learn to draw native plants with artist Preston Montague.  Preston will be leading us in a three-hour drawing lesson, while we learn, draw, and sip.  

Event limited to the first 25 registrants.  Sliding scale fee of $20-50.

Regular Meeting & Member Drew Lathin will present on rain gardens.

Drew Lathin of Mountain Landscape Design will give a brief presentation on Rain Gardens

Monthly Meeting - updates on future events, bring ideas! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Join us on Sunday May 7, 1 - 5 PM for a walk led by our own Adam Bigelow (https://bigelowbotanicalexcursions.com/). This month’s walk will be an exploration of a rich cove forest area not far from the Balsam Gap access point to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We will meet at Standing Rock Overlook, near Waynesville at Milepost 441 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.. This walk will be free for Wild Ones Members (donations gladly accepted!) Non-members are welcome but will pay on a sliding scale of $15 - $50. Join Wild Ones before the event and it will be free! Contact us at [email protected] for questions and registration. 

Join us for our monthly meeting. Drew Lathin of Mountain Landscape Design (https://mountainnativelandscapedesign.com/) will give a brief presentation entitled "Effective Installation of Native Plants in the Landscape -or- Everything You Learned About Landscaping is Wrong…" 

Drew recently moved to the Asheville area from SE Michigan, where he designed and installed native plant landscapes and rain gardens for more than 20 years. 

A Special Class brought to you by Mainspring Conservation Trust, WNC Wild Ones and Winding Stair Farm.
20 Spaces available. 2 drinks per person will be provided (locally made, non-alcoholic).
We’ve designed this class to be both educational, fun and creative. Join us as we celebrate the importance of native plants in our ecosystems as well as the joy they bring to humans, mammals, birds and pollinators alike. Not just that… you will also be able to get your hands in the dirt and design your own native plant container garden.
WILD ONES MEMBERS: Sliding Scale pricing: $20 to $60.
GENERAL (NON WILD ONES): $30-$70 See less

Monthly Chapter Meeting

Join us on Sunday July 30, 1 - 5 PM for a walk led by our own Adam Bigelow (https://bigelowbotanicalexcursions.com/). This month’s walk will take us through Sam’s Meadow, part of the Sam’s Knob Trail. It is located at the end of Black Balsam Rd., which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 420. This walk will be free for Wild Ones Members (donations gladly accepted!) Non-members are welcome but will pay on a sliding scale of $15 - $50. Join Wild Ones before the event and it will be free! Contact us at [email protected] for questions and registration. 

Amanda will talk about plans for the WNC Wild Ones to host an activity table at Winding Stair Farm for their Pollinator Family Fun Day on August 26. Adam will give a 15 minute program about Common Invasive Landscape Plants and some Native Replacements. He'll give the Vice President report and include a Native Plant profile. I will have news of the upcoming online native plant sale, with information on dates and species offered.

Non members can email [email protected] for the meeting link 

2023 WNC Wild Ones Native Plant Sale

https://westernnorthcarolina.wildones.org/plant-sale/

Order online before September 20, 2023, pick up in person in Weaverville, NC at a pre-determined time.

Wild Ones members receive a 25% discount

This annual fun day out is to celebrate all the pollinators as well as the host plants that feed them and encourage their continued success. This all-day (come and go as you please) event is designed to be enjoyed by all ages offering fun activities and learning opportunities, as well as the chance to meet with various experts and local community nature enthusiasts, and some vendors too. As we develop the schedule, we will announce updates on our Facebook page and on this event page. Learn more at the official page  

WNC Wild Ones was there to distribute fliers and have coloring activities for little ones

A large local community event promoting the importance of native pollinators. Wild Ones had a booth with various giveaways and activities for children.

We will tour Drew's new garden installation at his new home in NC. Drew has posted his plans and progress on his project. We are excited to see it in person.

Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Register at [email protected] and the address will be sent. 

Please Note: This is a new date for the event.

Join us on Sunday September 17, 1 - 5 PM for a walk led by our own Adam Bigelow (https://bigelowbotanicalexcursions.com/). This month our walk takes us to a Vertical Bog. This walk will be free for Wild Ones Members (donations gladly accepted!) Non-members are welcome but will pay on a sliding scale of $15 - $50. Join Wild Ones before the event and it will be free! Contact Adam at [email protected] for questions and registration. 

Pre-registration is required. We will need a minimum of 5 people to sign up for this walk. Please register at [email protected]

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. 

November update meeting - reviewed budget, a survey about the group, and upcoming events.

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. 

Coordination of Seed & Plant Swap in January