Events

North Oakland Wild Ones will not be meeting in person at Johnson Nature Center on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, scheduled for 7 PM. The Seed Propagation Workshop by Bill Schneider has been postponed until March or April due to concerns about the spread of Covid.    

Presentation by Cheryl English:  Tired of Tulips? Find Daffodils dull? How about trying out some of our very own Spring ephemerals! From Trout Lilies to Trillium, from the exotic to the familiar, explore some native alternatives for the Spring garden.

At 7 pm, we will have a meet and greet followed by a short business meeting.

Presentation will begin at 7 pm. 

    To register for this FREE workshop please email Jane Giblin at [email protected].

PROGRAM: The Milkweed Community: More Than Monarchs  PRESENTER: Joyce Drife, "photographer and explorer of the natural world" WHEN: 7:00 PM via Zoom, presentation starts at 7:30PM Join us to learn more about the many species of milkweed and how important they are to the ecosystem supporting monarch caterpillars and more!  Our Speaker Joyce Drife was born in Michigan. Joyce has been interested in nature since childhood. She spent many hours roaming through fields and woods as a child and young adult. She met her husband Don Drife on a white water rafting trip to Idaho, and they have been exploring the natural world together for over 40 years. Finding interesting plants, insects, etc. to photograph has been fun and rewarding. Check out the blog "The Michigan Nature Guy", enjoy their great photography and blog entries about the flora and fauna of Michigan.   We are following CDC guidelines and request that all members and guests wear a mask.    This will be a virtual session via zoom Invitation link will be sent to members ahead of the date.  If you would like to attend and didn't get the invitation or you are not a member contact [email protected] In the event that we are not able to meet at the Nature Center in person, we will have our programs on Zoom, and you will receive an invitation to log in. NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org) Note that our programs are free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices.    

Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm - WINTER SEED SOWING WORKSHOP - In-person. 

Led by JEAN PERSELY, educational outreach specialist.

Where: EL Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills.

What is Winter Sowing? Why do it? - Many native plant seeds need a period of cold in order to germinate. Winter sowing is one method of helping seeds break dormancy by giving them a winter experience simulating natural conditions in cold, moist soil. 

This program will walk you through the basics of winter seed sowing in recycled jugs, containers, as well as seed germination flats.

This is a FREE 'make/take' workshop, donations welcome.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

(name, phone, email), space is limited.

Native plant seeds (30+ species) and the seed propagation soil mix will be supplied.  Bring your own container and other supplies.  (1 Gallon Milk Jug or other deep container, gloves, etc)

A detailed handout link with supply list and resources will be sent to those who register,  <[email protected]>. 

We are following CDC guidelines and request that all members and guests wear a mask NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org) Note that our programs are free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices.

Jumping Worms in Michigan: Impacts, Identification, and Prevention Presenter: Scott Tiegs, Ph.D. Wednesday, March 16, at 7 pm on ZOOM  Virtual Program (starts at 7:30 PM):

 Scott Tiegs, Ph.D., Ecologist and Professor of Biological Sciences at Oakland University. Invasive jumping worms have been found in a number of areas in Michigan. They are much more destructive to habitat and ecosystems than other earthworms. He and his colleague Holly Greiner-Hallman first found Jumping Worms in the Oakland University Biological Preserve in 2008. Join us on Zoom for this interesting and important talk, to learn what to look for and how to avoid moving them around. 

If you are a member of North Oakland Wild Ones you will be sent a link to the Zoom meeting. For non-members and friends, email <[email protected]>. 

NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org) Note that our programs are free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices.

Getting to Know Michigan Pollinators Presenter: Valerie Malaney, North Oakland Wild Ones/MSU Pollinator Champion & Conservation Steward How many pollinators can you name that are native to Michigan?  This speaker series will introduce you to the numerous pollinators that you might find in your yard or local nature area.  The session will take an in-depth look at pollinators and beneficial insects that rely on native plants. Learn how to identify a Bumblebee from a Honeybee, as well as the many other bees and their look-a-likes.  You will also learn more about how to provide food (pollen and nectar) and habitat to support these really important Michigan pollinators! Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Location: E. L. Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI Doors open at 6:30 PM EST Member Updates at 7:00 PM EST Program starts at 7:30 - 8:30 PM EST Links to Resources from Presentation Bee_Basics_North_American_Bee_ID.pdf (usda.gov)    Common Bees of Michigan Pictorial Handout(msu.edu) Michigan Bumble Bees - Michigan Natural Features Inventory (msu.edu) See the historic and current ranges of Michigan Bumblebees XercesSoc_Wild-Pollinators.pdf Guide to Minnesota Bumblebees Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants (msu.edu) NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org) Note that our programs are open to the public free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices.

We are so excited to share this with you! Earlier in the spring, RP and Wild Ones North Oakland's Marilyn Trent and Valerie Malaney were invited to the Southfield Public Library to be a part of their Garden Guru series. Now, a professionally made 3 Part video collection has been made of that presentation!
"Saving Our Pollinators By Saving Their Natural Resources"
Part 1: Why We're Losing Our Pollinators and Birds
Part 2: Who Are Our Pollinators?
Part 3: How To Plant a Pollinator Garden

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRe5Ct7BJgw
Share it with your friends! The link will take you to Part 1. The successive episodes will load after that.

“Lessons Learned �" Introducing Biodiversity"

Presenter: Dan Badgley, retired manager, E. L. Johnson Nature Center (JNC)

Learn about the trials and triumphs of changing from a sheep pasture to a jewel of a nature center.  Dan managed JNC for 40 years and has extensive knowledge of establishing native landscape with knowledge of value for individual gardeners to conservation managers.  The June meeting will be a follow-up walk illustrating the changes.  

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Location: E. L. Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI Doors open at 6:30 PM EST Member Updates at 7:00 PM EST Program starts at 7:30 PM EST   Note that our programs are open to the public free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices. NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org)

For May,  We are joining the outdoor presentation/hike at the Springfield Township Shiawassee Basin Preserve, Led by Mike Losey Hiking the Trails Less Traveled Saturday, May 21st 9:30am-12:30pm Registration: Contact Mike Losey, Natural Resources Manager at 248-846-6508 or [email protected]  Meet at the Davis Lake Overlook parking lot (8371 Eaton Rd, Davisburg, MI 48350)  Dress for weather and insects, including ticks.  Be sparing with sprays and lotions toxic to human and insects. Experience a rigorous hike totaling approximately 2 miles of established and unimproved rustic trails through the varied habitats and terrain of the Shiawassee Basin Preserve. This moderate intensity hike will begin at the Davis Lake Overlook and reach a scenic overlook offering one of the best views of Long Lake and the wetland natural area that surrounds it. Fen is a type of peat-accumulating wetland fed by mineral-rich ground or surface water. This special habitat is also one of the few areas where the endangered Poweshiek Skipperling, a small butterfly that depends on high quality prairie habitats like our fen for its survival. Learn more here! News Report on Saving the Powshiek Skipperling A rare butterfly makes last stand in Michigan. Feds have $57M plan to save it | Bridge Michigan Photo: Springfield Township website Detailed Directions: The Davis Lake Overlook Parking Lot is located on Eaton Road just north of the village of Davisburg. At the intersection of Eaton and Davisburg Roads, Travel north on Eaton Road about 1/2 mile.  After crossing the river valley, look for the parking lot on your left. There are no park entry fees at the Preserve.  Parking is limited, consider carpooling For more information look at Springfield Township, MI website under Community, Nat. Resources and Enviro. and Guided Field Tours.  

2022 Native Plant Sale Pickup �" Onsite Sale Date:  June 3 & 4, 2022  10AM - 4 PM Pre-Sale: May 1 �" May 28  On-Site Sale and Pick-up Location:  1651 Bretton Drive N, Rochester Hills, MI  See webpage for more detail and order form  2022 Native Plant Sale 

Walking Tour of Johnson Nature Center Lessons Learned �" Introducing Biodiversity

Presenter: Dan Badgley, retired manager, E. L. Johnson Nature Center (JNC)

Learn about the trials and triumphs of changing from a sheep pasture to a jewel of a nature center.  Dan managed JNC for 40 years and has extensive knowledge of establishing native landscape with knowledge of value for individual gardeners to conservation managers.  The June meeting will be a follow-up walk illustrating the changes.  

Wednesday, June 15 2022 Location: E. L. Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI Doors open at 6:30 PM EST June 15, 2022 7:oo - 8:00 PM

(This will be outdoors so plan for mosquito protection and the weather)

  Note that our programs are open to the public free of charge, but if you are a member of Wild Ones, part of your membership fee returns to the local chapter and helps pay for our programs. Your membership affirms your own commitment to ecological landscaping practices. NON-MEMBERS: We hope you become a member of Wild Ones with North Oakland as your local chapter. (wildones.org)

NOWO will have a Table at this event come out and see us, while participating in the celebration of pollinators!   Pollineighbor Celebration at Tollgate Farm June 18, 2022 11:00AM - 4:00PM Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI 48377 Pollineighbor Celebration is an educational event in observance of International Pollinator's Week. MSU Extension is partnered with the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association (SEMBA) for this one-day event centered on pollinators.  Explore the MSU Bughouse, beekeeping 101 and the observation hive with SEMBA, Storytime, Tollgate Garden tours, games, and more! With exhibitors from: Oakland County Conservation District, Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Hives, Michigan Botanical Club, Michigan Entomological Society, Wildflower Association of Michigan, among others. Admission is 10$ per person (children 2 years and under are free).   Register Get Directions

GreenFest 2022, hosted from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 and 7, will be a two-day festival to encourage environmental stewardship and celebrate the sustainability efforts of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Zoo will provide 2 tables and 6 chairs

We will be having a Garden Walk at some of our Board Members gardens.  

Aug 13  10AM - 2PM 2 Locations in the Clarkston Area, details to come out via email.

Come see how to use native plants in your landscapes.  See how they perform in person and learn what they look like, and where they like to grow.

This event is for members only, if you would like to become a member we would love to have you!  Join NOW

We will be hosting an educational table at the WB Parks Pollinator Festival.  Come see us! Event is Free!

We will have Coloring Butterfly Masks, Be a Monarch Affirmation Selfie, and a FREE Native Seedling.  Plus information about why native plants are so important to a healthy ecosystem and healthy Earth supporting life for all!

Lots of other great organizations participating: Pollinator Festival - West Bloomfield Parks (wbparks.org)

Are you thinking about planting a garden to help the environment?  One option to accomplish this goal is a Rain Garden.  Its’ purpose is to slow the flow of water to allow absorption and filtration.  When planted with native plants it helps sustain our native pollinators.  North Oakland Wild Ones (NOWO) is offering a program to help plan a Rain Garden.  Kaleigh Snoddy, Director of Education and Stewardship for the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) will speak on “Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels”.  The inclusion of rain barrels in the program is very timely considering our lack of rain.  Presentation is open to the public

NOWO is also offering an opportunity to see some native gardens.  Rochester Pollinators currently has native gardens in the Rochester area.  Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 
Meet in the University and East Street parking lot.  We will walk 4 blocks south to the Rochester Fire Station garden, back past the parking lot and 1 block north to the Rochester Hills Public Library.  We can drive or walk to the Rochester Park garden, parking in the Pine Street lot.  Other gardens may be available.  “Experts” will be on hand and it is free and open to all.  For information on Rochester Pollinators see RochesterPollinators.org
 

(Beauty AND Biodiversity - Native Plant Alternatives for Urban Landscapes) by Valerie Malaney. 
 
Valerie Malaney is passionate about using native plants and sustainable garden practices in urban environments to extend habitat connections vital to “Green Corridors”.  Valerie has a Master’s in Resource and Ecology Management from U of M and is also an MSU Conservation Steward, Pollinator Champion and Board Member of the North Oakland Wild Ones. She has been incorporating native plants into her yard for 20+ years with over 150+ native Michigan species.  We are losing biodiversity at an unsustainable rate! Plant choices matter! She believes we can make a difference whether it is with a single pot of plants, acres of restoration, or somewhere in-between.

How to start a Native Plant Garden and what to put in it.  Sounds simple enough, and the best option is often just digging in.  But if you have some questions about this topic we’d like to offer you some answers.  North Oakland Wild Ones (NOWO) is part of a national native plant group.  At our next meeting we will feature a panel discussion to try to answer questions for you.  Our board consists of some very knowledgeable native plant enthusiasts who would be happy to do some research for questions sent to us prior to our meeting or answer questions impromptu.  [email protected] or through contact us page