Events

Events Archive: 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | Upcoming Events

September 2026

Sep
27

Community, Cleanup, and Collection at MSU DPFLI

Sunday, September 27th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
MSU Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI), 16745 Lamphere, Detroit, MI, 48219 Map

Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Registration Required Seed Handling Habitat Installation/Maintenance Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity Drinking Fountains

Join WOWC Seeds to Community for a time of hands-on stewardship at MSU DPFLI! We'll be collecting seeds for propogation, pulling weeds, and caring for the gardens together. No experience necessary, just show up with your enthusiasm.

MSU DPFLI will be providing food which is great chance to enjoy some good company together.

Space is limited, register using the button below to save your spot!

Register Read More

October 2026

Oct
5

WOWC Programs Planning - October Members Only

Monday, October 5th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't just dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF!   And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in.  It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:

-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours

Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities. 

If you are interested in joining this meeting, please contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair for an invite link.

Your ideas are always welcomed at the meeting or by email.

Read More

Oct
6

Community Science in the Garden: Spotted Lanternfly

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Griffin Gardens, 19400 Bentler St, Detroit, MI, 48219 Map

Public Welcome Family-Friendly Free Event

Join Outdoor Educator Momcat Kelly in the garden to talk Community Science! This workshop will focus on Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) and Tree of Heaven, two species that are becoming increasingly prevalent in Michigan. You’ll learn about their lifecycle, how to ID them, as well as common look-a-likes, and reporting protocols. There will also be a demonstration of a DIY “Lampshade trap” that can be installed on trees to monitor and humanely manage SLF populations. MSU Extension Educator Lindsey Kerr will help with our ID skills and share free literature. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary! 

Register Read More

Oct
10

Seed Collection Walk at River Bend Gardens

Saturday, October 10th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
River Bend Gardens

Public Welcome Family-Friendly Registration Required Free Event Home/Private Garden Tour Nature Walk/Hike Seed Handling Lots of Physical Activity

Join us for a hands-on morning of native seed collecting at River Bend Gardens! This event supports our Seeds to Community program, gathering seed for local propagation, habitat restoration, and your own growing. No experience necessary we'll cover proper identification and collection for the species that will be available on-site. Hope to see you there!

Register using the link below. Since it is a bit of a drive, you can opt to register for carpooling as well.

Register

Oct
11

Fall Frolic Signature Hike - Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve

Sunday, October 11th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve - West Prairie, 26360 West Rd, MI, 48134 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Nature Walk/Hike

Celebrate the season and join in for a guided hike at Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve - West Prairie. The Sibley Prairie has been in the news thanks to the Save Sibley Prairie Coalition’s efforts to preserve 440 acres just a few miles away. Come out to see what restored prairie habitat looks like in the Fall. This special preserve is small but mighty! Boasting beautiful woods, globally-rare lakeplain prairie and a small County drain, the change in landscape soothes the senses and creates a feeling of serenity.   

This hike is part of SMLC’s Signature Hike Series. The walk is about 1 mile through varied terrain and habitats - be prepared for possible mud and variable fall weather. No pets.  Donations are welcome!

Click the Read More button below for more information.

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Oct
14

WOWC Seeds to Community October Planning Members Only

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.

WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.

This October meeting will include discussion on:

Seeds Status Update

Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning

Winter Sowing Workshop Dates & Locations

Program Donations

Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.

Oct
17

Stewardship Workday - Stewardship Saturday at the Environmental Interpretive Center

Saturday, October 17th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Environmental Interpretive Center at University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 Map

Volunteers Needed Public Welcome Family-Friendly Invasive Species Removal Habitat Installation/Maintenance Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity Drinking Fountains

Join WOWC for this Stewardship Saturday volunteer workday event to preserve the health of the Environmental Study Area at U of M-Dearborn!

This year-round, ongoing effort helps to improve and sustain the ecological health of the habitats in the Environmental Study Area. That includes addressing the many threats posed by invasive plants and re-establishing native plant life.

 Children must be at least 10 years of age to participate.

All equipment for removing invasive plants will be provided by the Center. But if you can bring a sturdy pair of long-handled branch loppers, please do.  Also, please bring your own drinking water and work gloves for use in the field.

This activity involves moderate physical activity in off trail natural habitat areas. Wear suitable work clothes that can be scraped and poked by twigs and/or the occasional thorny plant, or have contact with sticky bur seeds. A good pair of sturdy work shoes/boots is also a must. No sandals, please.

Read about this and other Volunteer Opportunities at the Environmental Study Area 

The folks at the U of M-D EIC have been so generous to WOWC, this is a opportunity for us to give back.  Registration suggested to help us plan with the EIC on the activity, but not required. 

Register Read More

Oct
21

Free National Webinar- Bats in the Backyard with Bat Conservation International

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Bats are among the most important and misunderstood wildlife in our communities. Join experts from Bat Conservation International to explore how native plants, healthy insect populations, and thoughtful landscape design can help support bats. Learn about the ecological role of bats and discover practical ways to create habitat for North America's night flyers right in your own backyard.

Register Read More

November 2026

Nov
2

WOWC Programs Planning - November Members Only

Monday, November 2nd, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't just dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF!   And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in.  It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:

-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours

Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities. 

If you are interested in joining this meeting, please contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair for an invite link.

Your ideas are always welcomed at the meeting or by email.

Read More

Nov
11

WOWC Seeds to Community November Planning Members Only

Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.

WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.

This November meeting will include discussion on:

Seeds Status Update

Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning

Winter Sowing Workshops Planning

Program Donations

Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.

Nov
18

Free National Webinar - The Habitat Health Check with Wildr

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, November 18th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Zoe Evans, rewilding coach and VP of Partnerships & Programs at Wildr shares a practical, science-informed framework for evaluating a home landscape, identifying its greatest habitat opportunities, and choosing actions that support more plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Registration link coming soon.

Read More

December 2026

Dec
7

WOWC Programs Planning - December Members Only

Monday, December 7th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

At Wild Ones Wayne County (WOWC) we don't just dream about ‘Connecting people and native plants for a healthy planet’, we actively DO STUFF!   And that “doing” is where WOWC Programs comes in.  It takes People and Planning to Make Stuff Happen. Discussions include:

-Bi-monthly chapter meetings with a presenter or speaker
-Plant Sales
-Tabling Events
-Member-to-Member yard tours
-Stewardship Events
-Seeds to Community Program Events
-Social Events
-Private and Public garden tours

Join us on the first Monday of every month 6:00pm on Zoom where we discuss plans for Events and Activities, as well as Volunteer Opportunities. 

If you are interested in joining this meeting, please contact Steve Ray, Programs Chair for an invite link.

Your ideas are always welcomed at the meeting or by email.

Read More

Dec
16

WOWC Seeds to Community December Planning Members Only

Wednesday, December 16th, 2026
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Volunteers Needed Members Only Limited Access Recording Chapter Meeting

The mission of the WOWC Seeds to Community program is to create connections with people and nature through the process of growing native plants from seed. The program is driven through community engagement in collection, germination and cultivation workshops.

WOWC Seeds to Community events require planning and community engagement. Join each third Wednesday of the month to be a part of the year-round community initiative of growing native plants from seed.

This December meeting will include discussion on:

Seeds Status Update

Seed Cleaning & Storage Workshop Planning

Winter Sowing Workshops Planning

Program Donations

Members will receive invite and Zoom link via email. Reach out to Derek Shaffer or [email protected] with questions.

January 2027

Jan
20

Free National Webinar- Bringing Nature Home: Native Plants for Patios, Balconies, and Small Spaces with Homegrown National Park

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, January 20th, 2027
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

No yard required. Learn how native plants can turn patios, balconies, containers, and other small spaces into meaningful habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This practical panel will cover plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and realistic ways to support biodiversity in limited spaces.

Registration link coming soon.

Read More

February 2027

Feb
17

Free National Webinar- Creating Landscapes That Support Birdlife with Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, February 17th, 2027
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Birds depend on healthy, connected habitats for food, shelter, nesting, and migration support. Join experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to explore how native plants and thoughtful landscape choices can support birdlife at home. Learn how gardens, yards, and community spaces can provide the insects, seeds, berries, cover, and habitat structure birds need throughout the year.

Registration link coming soon. 

Read More

March 2027

Mar
17

Free National Webinar- The Science of Monarch Habitat at Home with Monarch Joint Venture

Hosted by Wild Ones National
Wednesday, March 17th, 2027
to (Eastern Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Recording Available Registration Required Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Monarch butterflies depend on a network of habitats stretching across North America, and home landscapes can play an important role in their survival. Join experts from Monarch Joint Venture to explore the science behind monarch conservation, including the importance of milkweed, nectar resources, and regionally appropriate habitat. Learn practical ways to support monarchs through native landscaping and help sustain one of the world's most remarkable migrations.
 

Registration link coming soon. 
 

Read More