Welcome to Wild Ones Central Wisconsin Chapter!

Membership

Native Gardens Tour

This tour is free and open to the public — everyone is welcome! Come explore native gardens in the Stevens Point area with local guide Paul Skawinski. Along the way, we’ll identify a variety of plant species, discuss their unique characteristics, and learn the stories behind how these beautiful gardens were created.

When: Tuesday, July 8th at 4:30pm

Where: We will begin at Ben Franklin Jr. High School (2000 Polk St., Stevens Point, WI) & then move to the Pfiffner Park native garden

Upcoming Garden Workdays

We have several upcoming native garden workdays and are looking for member volunteers to lend a hand. These gardens are either fully supported by Wild Ones or ones with which we are proud to be affiliated. Your help is greatly needed at the following locations:

**Dates & events will be posted shortly

    If you are interested in helping with any of these events, please email us at [email protected]! Sign up sheets will be available at our member meetings as well.

    Native Plants Growing at the Plover Library, Photo Credit: Jill Ziehr

    In Search of Volunteers for Upcoming Events

    We’re looking for volunteers to support local events in our area! This typically involves staffing the Wild Ones booth, engaging with attendees about our mission and the importance of native plants, and distributing informational flyers and pamphlets. We need booth volunteers for the following events:

    • 27th Annual Portage County Garden Parade, Featuring Area Gardens
      • Saturday, July 12th
      • The event runs from 9am-4pm, but you can volunteer for 9-11am, 11am-1pm, or 1-4pm
      • Location to be at one of the garden parade homes
    • Waupaca County Conservation Field Day (WCCFD)
      • Saturday, September 26th from 8am-2pm (rain date is Saturday, October 3rd)
      • The WCCFD will be held at Hartman Creek State Park
      • Lunch and coffee/refreshments for breakfast will be provided
      • Searching for 2-3 volunteers & this can be in shifts

    If you are interested in helping with any of these events, please email us at [email protected]! Sign up sheets will be available at our member meetings as well.

    Purchase Native Plants Locally!

    Did you know we have several native plant growers right here in Stevens Point and the surrounding area? These local experts specialize in Wisconsin native plants that are perfectly adapted to our region’s climate and soil. By choosing native species, you’re not just adding beauty to your landscape; you’re also supporting pollinators, birds, and the health of our local ecosystems. High-quality, locally grown, and ecologically important. Explore and support your local native plant growers here:

    Native Lupine Announcement

    June is a spectacular time to witness the vibrant bloom of lupine! Known for its striking purple flower spikes that blanket fields in color, this unique plant is more than just beautiful — it’s vital to local ecosystems. Lupine serves as a crucial food source for many butterfly and moth species, and it is the only host plant for the Federally Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. Because of its ecological importance, it’s essential to ensure you’re growing the correct native lupine species in your garden. Use the guide below to help identify the lupine species you have.

    Wild Ones Spring Journal is Out Now!

    View the journal here! Highlights include:

    • Catch up with Matt Ross as he explores botanical gardens abroad! Find out how community-led plant conservation efforts in Japan are saving the beloved Sasa-yuri lily (Lilium japonicum) (pg. 7).
    • Are your good intentions harming monarch butterflies? Learn how you can truly help monarch populations by avoiding common mistakes (pg. 10).
    • Explore how older gardeners can continue thriving by simplifying garden care, improving accessibility, and adapting their spaces for enjoyment at any age (pg. 27).
    • Plus a book review of Wild Ones member Joanna Brichetto’s “This is How a Robin Drinks: Essays on Urban Nature” (p. 32).

    Follow Us on Facebook!

    Did you know that our Central Wisconsin Chapter has its own Facebook page? Click here to follow along!