Events

Grasses and sedges possess both a subtle beauty and incredible value to ecosystems and humankind. The grass family Poaceae and the sedge family Cyperaceae are the 5th (~12,000 species) and 9th (~5,000 species) most diverse plant families on the plant. They are the dominant groups in many ecosystems, in terms of abundance and diversity. Yet, becoming familiar with this diversity is as elusive as the identification of grass and sedge species is challenging. I will provide a global overview and a regional focus on the diversity and function of grasses and sedges, providing a foundation for identification, and highlighting some of the species we commonly encounter in southern Michigan.

Tyler Bassett is a botanist and plant ecologist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension. He studies the ecology, classification, and management of ecosystems, with a focus on the rare plant species they support. In particular, he has a passion for understanding and restoring the fragmented and fire-suppressed prairie-savanna landscapes of the upper Midwest. He has worked in private, public, non-profit and academic spheres for over 20 years to bring the science and practice of conservation and restoration together to improve outcomes for biodiversity. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Western Michigan University in 2000 and PhD from Michigan State University in 2017.

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

 You will also learn about Heather McCargo and the Wild Seed Project's latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Portland, ME. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in native plant restoration and take your landscaping skills to the next level. 

Join Blue Heron Headwater Conservancy (BHHC) President Emily Duthinh as she discusses how land conservation protects our unique local environment. What creates our unique landscapes and gives our area a special sense of place? How do our native plants and wildlife give our local ecosystems an intrinsic character and identity? How do invasive species homogenize our world, harm our wildlife, and destroy this sense of place? Learn how you can help plant native species to create your backyard nature preserve and connect and expand our local green spaces. Think globally and act locally to protect our uniquely beautiful home. 

Emily has served on BHHC's Board of Directors since 2013 and is currently serving as president.  She has been active in the Stewardship and Land Acquisition Committees for 15 years.  She is a Conservation Steward in Michigan and founded the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) in 2014. Emily earned her bachelor's degree in geology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. and her master's degree in environmental science from Duke University.  She worked for 18 years in environmental consulting, assessing and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater at industrial sites throughout the mid Atlantic states, Ohio, and Michigan.  Emily is an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit and formerly taught at Wayne State University and Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio.  She has extensive experience in preschool and K-12 education, particularly educating students with special needs, and was a founding school board member of the M.O.D.E.L. Community School, a charter school for students with autism in Toledo. 

Learn how to use high-density plantings that replicate natural ecosystems in aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing ecological functions while reducing maintenance efforts in our upcoming Wild One’s national webinar, “Matrix Landscape Design” with author, landscape designer, activist, and educator Benjamin Vogt.

Matrix planting is a landscape design approach that mimics natural ecosystems by closely planting and layering compatible perennials and grasses to cover the soil, provide more ecosystem services, and eliminate the need for wood mulch or aggressive weeding.  Join Wild Ones for a webinar to learn how author, educator, and landscape designer Benjamin Vogt applies this approach to create stunning native gardens. Learn the principles behind this method, its ecological benefits, and practical steps to implement matrix planting in your own garden. 

You will also learn about Benjamin’s latest collaboration with Wild Ones on the new Native Garden Design for Lincoln, NE. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in natural garden design and take your gardening skills to the next level. Register now to secure your spot! 

Learn about the Wild Ones San Diego Chapter's newest demonstration garden funded in part by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Jeanine Sharkey about this newest San Diego native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon. 

Learn about the Wild Ones Capital Region NY Chapter's newest demonstration garden, funded partly by Monarch Joint Venture and U.S. Forest Service International Programs. You'll also hear from landscape designer Kate Brittenham about this newest Albany NY native garden design. 

More details and registration coming soon

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon! 

Details coming soon!